30 Nov 2021
Energy leaders commit to accelerating the journey to gender balance post COP26 and post Covid
- Annual diversity and inclusion report from UK energy companies coalition highlights slow progress on female representation.
- Pledge to work harder to bring commitments to life for Net Zero and the changing workplace.
- Case studies show good practice delivering results on diversity.
UK energy leaders have pledged to step up action to improve gender diversity and inclusion to help the energy sector meet energy transition and Net Zero challenges. They also commit to ensuring women aren’t disadvantaged during post-pandemic economic recovery, keeping diversity central in the workplace.
Published today, 17 days after COP26, ‘Accelerating gender diversity and inclusion for the Net Zero challenge’ is the Third Annual Report of the Energy Leaders’ Coalition (ELC), a commitment by 16 of the UK’s top energy company heads to improve gender diversity and inclusion across their organisations and the sector. Collectively, they represent over half of the UK energy workforce.
Key progress and actions
- Publishing each company’s progress against their own and industry-wide female representation targets.
- Commitment to ensure diversity isn’t a casualty of Covid-19, retaining flexible working and ensuring fair, transparent change programmes.
- Reviewing STEM outreach to strengthen the talent base of women with these skills.
- Expanding the coalition to include Cavendish Nuclear, Centrica, and the CEOs of Ofgem and the Oil and Gas Authority.
- Case studies showcasing effective policies and initiatives improving gender diversity statistics.
Industry analysis
- 24% of board seats occupied by women.
- 14% of executive board seats occupied by women.
- 28% of top UK energy companies had no women on their boards.
- 78% had no women occupying executive board seats.
Statements from leaders
“We’re delighted to publish the third annual report of the Energy Leaders’ Coalition, a timely acknowledgement from the very top of the UK energy industry that diversity must be at the heart of their journey to Net Zero and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Transparency and accountability are central to shifting the dial, and we welcome the CEOs of Ofgem and the Oil and Gas Authority to explore the regulators’ role in advancing inclusion.”
— Ruth Cairnie, Chair of POWERful Women
“We know we are fishing from a far too shallow talent pool. Attracting and retaining the best people for the energy transition requires a step change in diversity and inclusion. We are determined to ramp up our activities to ensure our actions match public commitments.”
— Duncan Clark, Head of Region, Ørsted UK
“Representation of women at the top of the energy sector remains disappointingly low. The industry must reflect its customers and tap into the skills and leadership needed for a successful energy transition. I’m pleased to see good practice examples and commitment from company leaders.”
— Nick Wayth, CEO, Energy Institute
POWERful Women’s 4th Annual Conference, ‘Securing the diversity and inclusion we need for Net Zero – how to bring gender commitments to life’, takes place 30 Nov – 1 Dec and features government, energy leaders, and sector influencers. Day 1 speakers include the Energy Minister Rt Hon Greg Hands MP, Lindsay McQuade (ScottishPower Renewables), Duncan Clark (Ørsted), Dominic Kieran (Cavendish Nuclear), and other energy and D&I leaders.
Contact for media enquiries
Anna Stanford, Communications Adviser
📞 +44 7961 234634
✉️ [email protected]
Notes to editors & About POWERful Women
Report download: Energy Leaders’ Coalition Report
The Energy Leaders’ Coalition, formed in May 2018, comprises senior leaders from major UK energy companies. POWERful Women is a professional initiative promoting women’s professional growth and leadership in the energy sector, aiming for 30% of executive board roles and 40% of management roles filled by women by 2030. Learn more at www.powerfulwomen.org.uk.