Women in Utilities: Key issues

Sponsors of the inaugural Women in Utilities Awards provide insights into the factors that help make the workplace more inclusive.

Women in Utilities: Key issues

Sponsors of the inaugural Women in Utilities Awards provide insights into the factors that help make the workplace more inclusive.

The importance of role models within the business

“Visibility is key to encouraging greater female participation"

Claudia Nicoll of National Grid Electricity Distribution, headline sponsor of the Women in Utilities Awards, explains why representation of women from board-level down is key to improving diversity.

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Why mentoring is crucial to developing confidence

“A mentor’s role is building confidence and self-belief, especially in environments where women may encounter systemic barriers or imposter syndrome”

Kayleigh Gray of BFY, sponsor of the Mentor of the Year category at the Women in Utilities Awards, explains why guidance from an experienced head is vital.

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Taking a wide-angle view of diversity

“If an employer is committed to inclusion and diversity, they need to make sure that the board and C-suite is diverse”

Accenture, backer of the Best Employer for Women category, outlines its approach to ensuring an inclusive workplace.

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Why ally?

“What does it truly mean to be an ally, especially in sectors traditionally dominated by men?”

Allison Sandle, general counsel and company secretary, Low Carbon Contracts Company, explains what being a genuine ally in the workplace involves.

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Going out to schools and colleges

“We recruited 70% more women into the business in 2023 compared to 2022”

UK Power Networks explains why by breaking down barriers and debunking stereotypes, companies can open up access and opportunity to careers in energy people who wouldn’t usually consider it.

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Is the correct kit available?

“Getting the basics right is important including ensuring women feel safe on our sites and that we have suitable PPE”

Claire Allcock, HR director, Northern Gas Networks says that companies must always take gender into account when providing equipment and facilities.

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Making childcare more equitable

“The take-up of shared parental leave is shockingly low”

Sarah Elias, principal, AFRY Management Consulting, and mum of two, provides a personal account of her return to work and calls for greater sharing of parenting responsibilities.

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Creating a more innovative and productive workforce

“For effective male allyship, businesses should ensure leadership training has an ongoing education and awareness focus around the promotion of diversity and inclusion”

Smartest Energy on why allyship allyship helps attract and retain talented employees and enhances industry's range of skills, perspectives, and experience.

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Welcome to the inaugural Women in Utilities Awards

The inaugural Women in Utilities Awards 2024, brought to you by the Womens Utilities Network (WUN) in association with Utility Week, is a tribute to the remarkable achievements of women in the utilities sector and the organisations and individuals that champion them.

Utility Week portfolio director Ellen Bennett said: “With the gender gap still painfully evident in the boardrooms, offices and sites of utilities, there has never been a more important time to recognise and celebrate the many achievements of women who have made their career in utilities – not least to encourage new entrants and women in the early days of their careers.”

The 2025 Women in Utilities Awards will take place on 27 June at the Royal Lancaster. Look out for more details soon.

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