01 Oct 2020
Covid-19 could accelerate pace of change on inclusive workplaces
- ‘Bringing Gender Diversity and Inclusion Commitments to Life’ is the Second Anniversary Report of the Energy Leaders’ Coalition.
- 14 UK energy leaders committed to greater female representation.
- Focus on creating inclusive workplaces to equip a Net Zero workforce.
- Importance of diverse skills and thinking during times of disruption and uncertainty.
UK energy leaders are accelerating changes to working practices in response to Covid-19. This supports the development of talent and skills for the energy transition. The Second Anniversary Report of the Energy Leaders’ Coalition highlights progress made across 14 top UK energy companies to improve gender diversity and inclusion.
The report reviews company progress over the past year, identifies challenges, shares ‘recipes for inclusion’ case studies, and outlines plans to overcome remaining barriers in a shifting world. Download/view the report here.
Industry statistics
- 21% of board seats occupied by women.
- 13% of executive board seats occupied by women.
- 38% of top UK energy companies had no women on their boards.
- 79% had no women occupying executive board seats.
Leader statements
“We’re delighted to publish the second anniversary report of the Energy Leaders’ Coalition, a response from the top of the industry to the poor representation of women in senior roles. Diversity and inclusion are more important than ever during times of uncertainty. Accelerating real change in working practices ensures the best talent is available for the energy transition.”
— Ruth Cairnie, Chair of POWERful Women
“The energy industry remains deeply unequal, and we can’t allow Covid-19 to make things worse. It’s inspiring to see this issue taken seriously by energy leaders. Our renewed commitment to diversity and inclusion should convince others to follow suit.”
— Juliet Davenport, CEO & Founder, Good Energy
The report is launched at POWERful Women’s 3rd Annual Conference, online during National Inclusion Week. The conference ‘Leading and learning on diversity and inclusion: equipping the sector for the energy transition’ features government officials, energy leaders, and sector influencers to share good practice, listen, and learn. Speakers include Sarah Munby (Permanent Secretary at BEIS) and six ELC members: John Pettigrew (National Grid), Sinead Lynch (Shell UK), Tom Glover (RWE UK), Juliet Davenport (Good Energy), Will Gardiner (Drax), and Alistair Phillips-Davies (SSE).
Contact for media enquiries
Anna Stanford, Communications Adviser
📞 +44 7961 234634
✉️ [email protected]
Notes to editors & About POWERful Women
The Energy Leaders’ Coalition, formed in May 2018, originally included 8 companies and expanded in September 2020 to 14 members. POWERful Women promotes professional growth and leadership development for women in the energy sector, aiming for 30% of executive board roles and 40% of management roles to be held by women by 2030. Learn more at www.powerfulwomen.org.uk.