Four influential leaders across the energy sector are leading a drive to improve visibility of diversity and inclusion across the whole sector.
Collecting data on the demographics and protected characteristics of the workforce will provide a baseline to measure how diverse the energy industry is, and Jonathan Brearley [CEO of Ofgem], Emma Pinchbeck [CEO of Energy UK], Lawrence Slade [CEO of Energy Networks Association] and Nick Wayth [CEO of the Energy Institute] are urging companies to take part in this year’s Inclusion Measurement Framework, led by Energy and Utility Skills, in partnership with The Equal Group.
The CEOs are united in their view that improving diversity and inclusion within the energy sector is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. A diverse and inclusive workforce fosters innovation, enhances decision-making, and positions organisations to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry, which serves every person in the UK.
Despite initiatives like POWERful Women, which focuses on improving gender diversity, Pride in Energy, which promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion in the industry, and subsectors like nuclear and offshore wind that have begun measuring and setting targets for both gender diversity and ethnicity, there is a lack of industry-wide data. This means there is no visibility on how diverse the industry currently is and is also prohibiting any meaningful attempt at target setting.
Jonathan Brearley, CEO, Ofgem said:
“Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley, said: “We’ve faced some turbulent times recently in the energy sector and there are plenty of challenges still ahead as we help build an energy system that must be more affordable, cleaner, and secure for all. As with any great challenge, to be successful we need a wide array of people with all kinds of skills, backgrounds, and perspectives to bring their talents to the table.
“Gathering and recording data is a vital part of the journey towards a more diverse workforce – it allows us to gauge how we’re doing, see where we need to do better, and ultimately achieve a better result. Therefore, I’d encourage all companies to play their part and submit their data.”
Emma Pinchbeck, CEO, Energy UK said:
“The energy industry is tasked with tackling climate change, the biggest challenge of our generation, and to do so effectively we need innovative ideas and perspectives that come from a wide-ranging workforce representative of the customers and communities we serve.
“Measurement is an important part of tracking progress and setting ambitious targets – and whilst good data exists in some areas of the industry, or across some characteristics, we are lacking in comprehensive industry-wide data that will show where we need to focus efforts. The more companies that take part, the more reflective the data will be, so we encourage our members and other companies across the industry to take the time to complete the survey and contribute towards industry’s efforts to improve the measurement of diversity across our sector.”
Lawrence Slade, CEO, Energy Networks Association said:
“Achieving greater inclusion and a more diverse workforce is something the energy networks are working hard to achieve. Our members have committed to an EDI Charter, which means there will be greater participation from the workforce in establishing EDI within each business, recognising and strengthening the contributions of those from diverse backgrounds and adopting staff networks to promote inclusive voices.
“The Inclusion Measurement Framework is a vital diagnostic tool for our sector to develop a truly accurate picture of diversity. It’s only with a clear picture of where we are today that we can create an effective roadmap of where we need to go in the future.”
Nick Wayth, CEO, Energy Institute said:
“The UK energy industry will need to recruit 400k jobs by 2050, of which 260k don’t exist and 140k replacing those who have left the workforce to ensure we meet our Net Zero requirements.
“Having a diverse workforce will be vital in meeting our future energy needs. Gathering data which can be measured is imperative to ensuring the energy sector develops and innovates.
“Participating in the Energy and Utility Skills Inclusion Measurement Framework enables us all to track progress and continue tochallenge the sector.”
Developed with industry, the Energy and Utility Skills Inclusion Measurement Framework is a well-established, framework which measures data across the employment lifecycle.
Underpinned by research from the Royal Academy of Engineering over the last four years, the framework it has collated data from participating organisations across the energy and utilities sector and used the results to identify where change needs to happen for individual organisations, and for the sector, to better represent and reflect the communities they serve.
Participating organisations can benchmark their data against their industry, region and organisation size. Participation is free of charge to any company within the energy and utilities sector.
The framework also provides the option of a leadership survey, to understand the personal diversity journeys of sector leaders alongside seeking their views on leading inclusion. All four CEOs have committed to and to ask their leadership teams to participate in this survey.
For further information visit the Energy and Utility Skills website here. The deadline for data submission has been extended to 20 October 2023 with organisations able to register to participate here.
In a best endeavours approach, participating organisations are invited to provide the data they can, even if they don’t measure all areas covered by the survey. The results will be published on aggregate in early 2024, and whilst companies can benchmark themselves against industry data, individual company results will not be made public.
ENDS
About the Tackling Inclusion and Diversity in Energy (TIDE) Taskforce
TIDE was launched in 2022 as a group of volunteers working across industry to provide tools and resources to improve Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in energy. Its aim is to combine cross-sector EDI insights and evidence, building on experience and expertise to share best practice and support industry-wide changes.
Find out more: www.energyedihub.uk
Follow TIDE on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tackling-inclusion-diversity-energy/
About Energy and Utility Skills
Energy & Utility Skills is an industry body at the forefront of bringing leaders together to identify and address the skills challenges our sector faces. It provides membership, assurance, and skills solutions to help employers attract, develop, and retain a sustainable skilled workforce. It collaborates with employers to support their workforce needs and sector-wide workforce mobility.
Find out more: https://www.euskills.co.uk/
For any technical questions relating to The Inclusion Measurement Framework please contact euskills@theequalgroup.com
For more information and any media enquiries please contact:
Chris Arnold, Head of Marketing
07711 005 549
About The Equal Group
The Equal Group, is a data driven equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) consultancy, which focuses on providing forward-thinking organisations with the tools and support that they need to make positive transformational change.