Creating a more diverse and inclusive energy sector post-Covid

Press release
Publication date

The two-day virtual conference, sponsored by Accenture, is free to attend and features a host of diverse speakers coming together to discuss how the sector can move from intention to action and create a truly diverse and inclusive energy sector.

Confirmed speakers include Jonathan Brearley, Chief Executive, Ofgem; Emma Pinchbeck, CEO, Energy UK; Dan Brookes, CEO, Smart Energy GB; Phil Jones, CEO, Northern Powergrid and Chair, Energy Networks Association; Nicola Shaw CBE, Executive Director, UK National Grid; Barbara Harvey, Managing Director, Accenture Research; Melanie Eusebe, Chair and Co-Founder, Black British Business Awards; Clare Harbord, Group Director of Corporate Affairs, Drax; Nina Goswami, Creative Diversity Lead and Journalist, BBC.

From intention to action is the theme of the conference. The sessions will cover a wide variety of cross-cutting issues including:

  • Leadership: how to increase diversity at senior levels within the sector and the role of leaders in creating a more diverse energy landscape
  • Data: how improved data and monitoring can improve diversity and inclusion 
  • Net zero: how inclusion and diversity is critical to meeting the Net Zero target
  • Collaboration: how individuals, businesses and organisations can work together and share best practice.

The conference features keynote speakers, panel discussions and ‘in conversation’ sessions as well as many interactive elements including polls, Q&A sessions and interactive workshops. Delegates have the opportunity to access a networking area and exhibition hall where they can engage with other delegates, speakers, partners and networks.

Visibility and voice of under-represented groups, employee engagement and culture, flexible working and inclusion post-coronavirus and the power of networks, are among other topics that the conference will cover.

Emma Pinchbeck, Energy UK’s CEO, said:

“Turning our commitments on diversity and inclusion into action in our business is a priority for Energy UK, and should also be a top one for the sector, in this transformative period for energy.

“The energy industry is tasked with tackling climate change – the biggest challenge of our generation – and so we need all the brilliant, innovative ideas and perspectives that come from a truly diverse workforce.

“Our conference will bring the energy sector together to discuss how we can build a diverse and inclusive workforce, that not only represents the communities we serve but also is prepared to face the net zero challenge.”

Ofgem’s chief executive, Jonathan Brearley said:

“The entire energy sector, including Ofgem, needs to transform to foster truly inclusive and equal workplaces, with diverse views represented and embraced, and diverse talents nurtured and promoted.

“This is not a ‘nice to have’, but fundamental to our success. It will ensure we serve all energy customers effectively and lay out a cost-efficient pathway to tackling climate change that meets their needs.”

Notes to editors

For media queries

Contact Ofgem’s media manager Ruth Somerville

Tel: 0207 901 7460/ 07990 139504

07928 829894 (out of hours)

Email: ruth.somerville@ofgem.gov.uk