The SEC can be changed by raising modifications in line with SEC Section D ‘Modifications Process’.
What is a modification?
A modification is a change that is raised by a SEC Party to propose and progress changes to the SEC, initiated by raising a Draft Proposal that identifies the underlying issue. Once the issue has been understood and the impact on the SEC has been verified, the Draft Proposal will be converted to a Modification Proposal where a solution will be developed and undergo industry consultation.
How do I raise a modification?
To submit a Draft Proposal, you can fill in the form at the link below, or you can email the issue you have identified to us at sec.change@gemserv.com. We will then work with you to develop your problem statement into a full proposal during the first part of the SEC Modification Process.
For more detailed guidance on raising a modification and the role of the Proposer in the Modification Process, please refer to the ‘How to Raise Change’ document.
What is the SEC Change process?
The SEC Change process is comprised of three main stages:
Define
The initial stage of the process, officially known as the Development Stage. This stage is to identify and examine issues that SEC Parties have raised. When a problem statement is fully defined and has been approved by the Change Sub-Committee, the Draft Proposal is ready to progress to a Modification Proposal.
Refine
During this stage, officially known as the Refinement Process, a solution will be developed for the Modification Proposal in line with the problem statement. We will work collaboratively with the Proposer and the DCC to create and assess this, with Working Group, Sub-Committee and industry input. Once finished, the Modification Report will be issued to the Change Sub-Committee for approval.
Opine
The final stage in the process, officially known as the Report Phase. At this stage, the industry is consulted on whether the modification should be implemented, before the Change Board votes to approve or reject the change.
For further details on the SEC Modification Process, please refer to the ‘End-to-End Process’ document.
How can I get involved?
There are multiple opportunities to provide your input during the process:
- If you are a SEC Party, you can raise issues with us to progress as Draft Proposals.
- You can comment on draft problem statements, business requirements, legal text and other relevant documents that are published on our Modifications webpage.
- You can attend our Working Group meetings.
- We will issue consultations to seek your views on the solutions being developed, how they impact you, and whether you believe they should be implemented.
Please email sec.change@gemserv.com to be added to our SEC Modifications mailing list so that you can receive updates on new Draft Proposals, open consultations and more.
For more information on the Working Group and the different ways you can receive updates and provide input on modifications, please refer to the documents below:
What is a SEC Release?
A SEC Release is used to refer to the implementation of multiple approved Modification Proposals.
The SEC Release Management Policy sets out how SEC Releases deliver the approved Modification Proposals, how they are progressed and implemented and the following steps if needed.
Three SEC Releases are scheduled each year, as noted in the table below. ’Ad hoc’ releases can also be used to implement individual modifications if it is not suitable to include them in a scheduled SEC Release, for instance if they are being used to resolve time-sensitive issues.
Modification Proposals which only impact SEC Documentation may be included in any of the three Releases. Those which impact the DCC Systems can only be included in the June or November Release.
| Release | Timing | Type |
|---|---|---|
| February Release | Last Thursday in February | SEC Documentation Release |
| June Release | Last Thursday in June | SEC Systems Release |
| November Release | First Thursday in November | SEC Systems Release |
You can view details of past and upcoming SEC Releases on the Releases webpage.
For further information, please refer to our ‘SEC Release Guidance’ document.
Standalone releases can also be designated by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), however these do not follow the Modification Process.
Where can I get further information?
Further information on each of these areas can be found in the guidance documents at the links in the relevant sections.
For additional information, please email us at sec.change@gemserv.com and our Change Management Team will be happy to help.