Foreword – Women in utilities

Having commentated for years on the sector’s challenges in attracting diverse talent and addressing gender imbalances, the moment had come for Utility Week to be more assertive in helping the sector shift the dial.

After months of planning and preparation for the awards’ debut, the reality of how this felt on the day itself was overwhelming. The volume and calibre of entries we received had already been inspiring, but the emotion in the room as the industry community – including core utilities and their critical network of delivery partners and suppliers – came together was palpable.

Tears, laughter and moments of admiring incredulity were shared in equal measure as our finalists and winners were recognised for their talent, grit and dedication in helping the energy and water industries become the vibrant and representative workplaces we need them to be to meet challenges like climate change head on.

As we start to build in earnest towards the second iteration of the Women in Utilities Awards, it is only right that we take a moment to explore in more detail some of the experiences and ambitions which made last year’s entrants and winners so special.

In this report, we have focused on finalists and winners for our Woman of the Year and Rising Star Categories – two of the most hotly contested awards which celebrate the achievements of individuals.

The passion and perseverance shown by these women is nothing short of incredible and their example should spur others on. It’s important to acknowledge, even as we celebrate successes, that there is more work to be done to ensure equal access for all talent to the opportunities that this sector holds. Our industry research, conducted shortly before the awards, showed that while the sector has made great strides on inclusiveness, there is still significant room for improvement. Return to work policies after maternity leave and the experiences of women working in frontline roles are important areas for focus.

Utility Week and WUN remain enormously grateful for the support provided to our first awards scheme by our sponsors and the wider industry. As launch partnership opportunities and entries for year two, we can’t wait to see what stories we hear and what learning we can support about ways to make the utilities sector the best that it can be through the power of diverse talent and leadership.

• Entries for the Women in Utilities Awards 2025 will open in January. The Awards ceremony will take place on 27 June at Royal Lancaster London. Find out more here.