Business appointment rules advice: January to March 2026
Summary
Ofgem published its quarterly transparency return on business appointment rules, recording one decision between January and March 2026. Stuart Macnaughton, former Deputy Director of Public Affairs, left on 15 February 2026 to join iNHouse Communications as Associate Director, subject to a two-year restriction on lobbying or consultancy that draws on privileged Ofgem information.
Why it matters
Routine administrative disclosure with no bearing on rules, charges, or market structure. The conditions are standard ACOBA-style restrictions and the role is communications, not regulatory advisory.
Key facts
- •One business appointment decision in Q1 2026 (1 January to 31 March)
- •Stuart Macnaughton, former Deputy Director Public Affairs, left Ofgem on 15 February 2026
- •New role: Associate Director at iNHouse Communications
- •Two-year restriction on lobbying, consultancy, or bid advice touching Ofgem matters
- •Restriction on use of privileged information acquired at Ofgem
Memo
Business appointment rules advice: January to March 2026 | Ofgem Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience. BETA This site is currently in BETA. Help us improve by giving us your feedback . Close alert: Business appointment rules advice: January to March 2026 Publication type: Transparency document Publication date: 14 May 2026 Print this page Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Ofgem issued a decision on one application submitted under the business appointment rules between 1 January and 31 March 2026. Summarises details about former Ofgem staff, at senior levels SCS1 and SCS2 and its equivalents, who have left the civil service. This includes the conditions under which their new employment (paid or unpaid) was approved. These rules apply for either one or two years after leaving, depending on the role. Stuart Macnaughton Full name of applicant: Stuart Macnaughton Title of former civil service role: Deputy Director, Public Affairs Date left or retired from the civil service: 15 February 2026 Name of new employer: iNHouse Communications New appointment or employment (including when taken up): Associate Director Department’s decision on application (including details of any waiting period or other conditions or restrictions applied): A restriction placed on any dealings on matters relating to Ofgem, or wider Government n matters relating to Ofgem in the form of, for example, consultancy or lobbying that draw on privileged information from the applicant’s time at Ofgem. A restriction on advising on a bid with, or contract relating to the work of, Ofgem; and In all cases, a restriction on drawing on any privileged information (as defined by Advisory Committee on Business Appointments) available to the applicant because of their role at Ofgem. Engagement with Government bodies on matters that are unrelated to Ofgem’s work or do not draw on privileged information, would generally not be considered a conflict. The above apply for two years following the last day of paid employment. Print this page Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Close