We do not have any policies specific to the conduct of public affairs or for input into public policy making. Our views on major policy issues are expressed in documents (such as responses to formal Government consultations or Select Committee inquiries) on our website or are on the public record elsewhere (eg Government departmental websites). Our views on policy issues are also communicated in writing to managers and other staff internally.

We monitor legislative trends and changes in the UK, and review any new developments that might affect us as a business. The issues that are particularly relevant to us, and where we have an active involvement, include:

• the policy framework for low-carbon investment, including emissions trading
• security of energy supply
• renewable energy
• nuclear power
• carbon capture and storage
• energy efficiency
• fuel poverty
• the regulation of the gas and electricity markets and networks in the UK.

Our work in these areas includes the following:

• responding to consultation papers issued by Government departments or regulatory bodies
• submitting oral and written evidence to parliamentary select committees
• discussion with Government departments and the Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem)
• dialogue with non-governmental stakeholders such as environmental NGOs
• individual meetings and briefings for key MPs and peers on energy policy
• briefing MPs and peers on energy-related legislation, as appropriate
• speaking at conferences and seminars
• participation in trade association activity.

The UK Government is one of our primary stakeholders and we pay particular attention to its objectives. In general our lobbying focuses on how to deliver the Government's goal of secure, affordable and low-carbon energy supply most effectively.

Policy positions developed in response to major Government consultations are currently subject to agreement by an informal group of our Board members and two other staff.

Our Director of Strategy and Energy Policy is responsible for our energy policy work and relations with Government departments as well as corporate responsibility and business strategy, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.

Our Head of Communications is responsible for the conduct of relations with MPs, the media, internal communications, etc also reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.