‘Leading by example’ is only way energy sector can become more inclusive and diverse - Ofgem
|
Leaders from across the energy sector will today (Thursday 29 June)
meet in central London to progress crucial work on making sure the
energy sector is inclusive and represented by a diverse workforce.
The event will be marked by a joint declaration from the
organisations hosting the conference to redouble their efforts
towards improving equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), as new
research reveals the improved business benefits that a focus on EDI
can unlock. ...Request free trial
Leaders from across the energy sector will today (Thursday 29 June) meet in central London to progress crucial work on making sure the energy sector is inclusive and represented by a diverse workforce. The event will be marked by a joint declaration from the organisations hosting the conference to redouble their efforts towards improving equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), as new research reveals the improved business benefits that a focus on EDI can unlock. The energy industry’s annual EDI conference, hosted by ENA, Energy UK and Ofgem and sponsored by Murray McIntosh, will bring together hundreds of attendees, including CEOs and EDI specialists, from organisations across the energy sector. In recognition of the lack of diversity within the sector, which employs over 730,000 people across generation, networks and retail, coordinated cross-industry action is now taking place to improve this so that the industry better represents the people it provides energy for. A dedicated taskforce – TIDE (Tackling Inclusion and Diversity in Energy) - has been working to combine cross-sector EDI insights and evidence, building on experience and expertise to support industry-wide changes. TIDE has been focussing on three priority areas; insight gathering, sharing best practice and engaging with leaders. At today’s conference, the CEOs of Energy UK, ENA and Ofgem will, for the first time, make a public commitment on the individual actions they will take to improve EDI across industry, leading by example in the hope other leaders will sign up. Emma Pinchbeck, CEO Energy UK, said: “EDI is business critical, not something leaders can ignore or keep on the sidelines. We’ve seen the impact poor culture and processes can have on organisations this year; companies that don’t bother to understand the importance of a decent workplace culture and representation are putting themselves at risk in the same way they would be if they didn’t pay attention to their bottom line. Conversely, businesses that are more diverse and inclusive have been shown to be more productive and profitable. “The energy sector serves everyone and will be responsible for an energy transition that will impact all of us; our work will be easier if our workforce and decision makers are properly representative and understanding of society. We need a gear change in the way we recruit and support people from all backgrounds, and we need to make sure our industry is a safe, inclusive, exciting place to work. The work of TIDE should help to build a better, diverse, inclusive culture in energy – but this will also take honest conversations and commitment from leaders across the industry.” Lawrence Slade, Energy Networks Association, CEO said: “Any effective leader knows that to get the most out of your people, they need to be happy and confident in being their authentic selves. Focusing on EDI isn’t just the right thing to do – as today’s research shows, it can have a real positive impact on the effectiveness of your business. I’m proud to be making today’s Commitment to improve ENA’s focus on EDI and supporting the renewed focus on EDI across the energy sector.” Speaking in a personal piece to Utility Week earlier this week, Jonathan Brearley, Ofgem CEO, said: “At this fourth EDI in Energy Conference, as we celebrate some success, we need to acknowledge that the industry, including its regulator, have a long way to go. No major organisation can fully represent the people they serve through its leadership but without a diverse set of backgrounds it is much harder than ever to do so. If we don’t change and adapt to the background and personal life of those who work in the sector, we will lose some of our best talent – at a time when the sector needs it the most.” The new Energy Leaders’ Commitment requires leaders to:
By signing up, leaders are also committing the organisation to completing the TIDE Health Index which will serve as the first cross-industry survey of energy companies’ progress on EDI. The Health Index will be piloted over the rest of this year, and if deemed useful by industry will be rolled out in 2024. EDI and HR professionals who would like the opportunity to shape the Health Index and participate in the pilot should visit www.energyedihub.uk to register their interest. Today, TIDE is also launching a call for input for its online EDI Hub, which will seek to be a one stop shop for EDI professionals in the energy industry. Covering topics from EDI strategy to data collection, the group is requesting suggestions for training, resources, accreditation as well as case studies which demonstrate best practice, and examples of organisations that can support companies to improve their EDI. Input can be given here www.energyedihub.uk Leaders will also today reflect on the latest research into the energy sector’s views in relation to EDI, carried out by Ofgem appointed insight consultancy Thinks Insight and Strategy. The report shows clearly that:
The full research can be viewed here: www.energyedihub.uk ENDS Notes to editors Links to research: https://www.energyedihub.uk/tools/resources/ Direct link to download https://www.energyedihub.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Ofgem_Thinks_Insight_EDI-report.pdf Short link https://bit.ly/Ofgem_Thinks_Insight_EDI The TIDE Taskforce was launched at the 2022 EDI Conference, as a cross-industry group to improve Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion across the energy sector. Its priorities were determined via input from Senior Leaders and EDI professionals at the conference last year; Insight gathering Sharing best practice Engaging with leaders A key principle that will be maintained as activity progresses is that the Taskforce will leverage existing activity and resources to supercharge EDI improvements across the sector, not duplicate. TIDE is spearheaded by Ofgem, the ENA, the Energy Institute and Energy UK, with the four CEOs meeting on a quarterly basis to provide steer and challenge to the group. After an open application process, over 40 people from across the energy sector are now involved across various working and delivery groups. This includes representatives from POWERful Women, PRIDE in Energy, Energy Utility and Skills and the Offshore Wind Sector Deal Skills Workstream. The workstream leads intend to update on progress and showcase upcoming activity at this year’s Conference. There will be opportunities to learn more about the work of the TIDE Taskforce and network with members. More information on TIDE can be found by following on LinkedIn. This group has been gathering momentum over what has been a very busy and challenging period in energy and conference delegates will hear an update on TIDE’s work, as well as have the opportunity to provide input and feedback. Key achievements include:
|