The Energy Leaders’ Coalition (ELC) published its 2024 annual report on November 6th, Engaging the majority and spotlighting the minority to drive better female representation in UK energy.
This report highlights the stronger commitments made and needed to gender diversity among major UK energy employers – all of whom impact the UK’s solar industry.
While these companies show growing ambitions, challenges persist in recruiting women and advancing them into senior roles.
The ELC
The ELC, composed of leaders from 14 major energy companies alongside the CEOs of Ofgem and the North Sea Transition Authority, represents nearly two-thirds of the UK’s energy workforce – which works collectively to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the sector.
ELC Chair Alistair Phillips-Davies, CEO of SSE, notes: “The ELC meetings allow for open, face-to-face discussions on gender diversity, informed by external insights. This year, attendance reached record levels, showing the growing commitment to learning and progress.”
This year, ELC members reported strides towards aligning their gender diversity targets with POWERful Women’s goal of 40% female representation by 2030, regularly monitoring progress.
They also emphasised learning and collaboration, seeking external insights to address ongoing DEI challenges.
Regarding female representation, the ELC companies are on average ahead of the broader UK energy sector, with seven members meeting the FTSE target of 40% women on boards.
Three companies have achieved 40% female leadership, but progress at the middle-management level remains slow, with some organisations even seeing stagnation or decline.
Key actions that have made a difference include targeted recruitment, inclusive leadership training, and better DEI data tracking.
Tackling challenges
Challenges remain, particularly in engaging more of the male workforce, addressing non-inclusive behaviours, and supporting gender diversity in traditionally male-dominated field roles.
Incoming ELC Chair Cordi O’Hara, President of National Grid Electricity Distribution, adds: “We must continue building on this progress, working together to foster a diverse workforce that will support the UK’s transition to net zero.”
Looking ahead, the ELC aims to lead change, support UK net zero goals, and enhance sector-wide collaboration.
Katie Jackson, Chair of POWERful Women, remarks: “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, it’s critical that companies don’t lose momentum and continue accelerating towards our 2030 goals.”
The 2024 ELC Annual Report was launched on November 6th at POWERful Women’s 2024 Annual Conference: ‘Bridging the gaps to 2030: the bold and rapid actions that will drive gender equality in energy’.
