22 Nov 2022

POWERful Women announces higher “40 by 30” target for female representation in UK energy, supported by 18 UK energy leaders

  • Industry-wide goal raised to at least 40% of middle management & leadership roles by 2030 to drive faster action.
  • 16 UK energy company heads plus CEOs of two regulators commit to greater ambition on diversity from 2023.
  • Report shows companies are on track to achieve their own current targets but have more to do at the top.
  • Case studies reveal workplace initiatives making a difference.

POWERful Women has today announced a new target and strategy to see women in at least 40% of middle management and leadership roles in the UK energy sector by the end of the decade. A coalition of energy leaders has pledged support for this industry-wide target to achieve a gender-balanced, diverse and inclusive sector.

In the 2022 Annual Report of the Energy Leaders’ Coalition (ELC), launched at PfW’s Annual Conference today, the UK heads of 16 of the largest energy employers — representing nearly three-quarters of the UK energy workforce — have published progress towards their own and industry targets on gender diversity and inclusion. The report includes the CEOs of Ofgem and the North Sea Transition Authority, showing female representation is rising but remains particularly low at executive director level.

Katie Jackson, Chair of POWERful Women, said:

“To provide the talent and skills needed for a successful energy transition to net zero, we need to be doing much better on female representation in the UK energy industry and it’s time to raise our ambitions. We’re pleased to announce our new target of at least 40% of middle management and leadership roles to be held by women by 2030, which we hope will drive faster progress at a critical time.

I am delighted that we have the backing of energy leaders in our ambitions. Despite a highly unstable and challenging year in the sector, they continue to put diversity and inclusion at the centre of their business plans. Like us, they recognise the importance of an industry that is truly representative of society.”

ELC Annual Report highlights

  • 5 of 16 companies have already achieved both industry-wide targets for women at board and executive director levels (40% by 2025, 30% by 2030).
  • 9 companies still have zero women in executive director roles.
  • Female representation in the leadership pipeline for the 16 companies is now at 32%, higher than the UK industry average and equivalent to FTSE350.
  • All companies are on track or have met their own gender diversity and inclusion targets.

A priority for the Coalition’s 2023 work is addressing barriers faced by women at middle management level. The report includes case studies showcasing workplace policies and initiatives making the most difference to women.

Statements from leaders

“Our tracking and public reporting of companies’ progress reveals that there is still a long way to go towards gender balance, particularly at executive director level. The leadership pipeline is stronger, with these 16 companies now on a par with the FTSE 350. Leaders recognise more work is needed and have made strong commitments today.”

— Katie Jackson, Chair of POWERful Women

“As leaders we want to attract and retain the best people for the energy transition. That means a step change in the number of women at all levels, including leadership. The ELC will work together to address barriers women face, particularly at middle management, and support higher ambitions across the industry.”

— Tom Glover, UK Country Chair, RWE

“Representation of women at the top of the energy sector remains low, risking critical skills and talent. Joining the ELC allows us to help address these challenges and showcase programmes that make a positive difference.”

— Monica Collings, CEO, So Energy

“It’s incredibly valuable that so many energy leaders meet regularly for honest conversations about diversity goals. Transparency on data and learning from each other is essential to make a real difference for women.”

— Chris O’Shea, CEO, Centrica

Both the target announcement and the ELC Annual Report were launched at POWERful Women’s 2022 Annual Conference, ‘How the energy sector can build inclusive cultures and deliver on diversity goals’, with speakers from government, energy companies, and other sectors.

Contact for media enquiries

Anna Stanford, Communications Adviser
📞 +44 7961 234634
✉️ [email protected]

Notes to editors & About POWERful Women

Report download: ELC Fourth Annual Report (Nov 2022)

The Energy Leaders’ Coalition, formed in May 2018, now comprises senior leaders from major UK energy companies. POWERful Women (PfW) is a professional initiative working to achieve a gender-balanced, diverse and inclusive energy sector in the UK with a target of at least 40% of middle management and leadership roles held by women by 2030. Find out more at www.powerfulwomen.org.uk.