TIDE would like to thank everyone that joined the EDI in Energy Conference both in person and online. The 2026 event brought together even more partners from across energy to reflect the diversity of lived experiences and skills from the industry – our thanks to the Energy Institute, Energy Networks Association, Energy UK, Offshore Energies UK and RenewableUK for this summer’s conference.
It was a great day of discussion and collaboration that would not have been possible without the enthusiasm and expertise of our team, delegates and speakers.
Huge thanks also go to our sponsors Linklaters and SGN, as well as our exhibitors Enact Solutions, Energyz Black, Male Allies, Men for Inclusion, POWERful Women and Pride in Energy. Thank you to everyone involved and see you in 2027!
Live recordings of the sessions are available now 👉 Watch the conference – Energy UK
Industry updates
Industry data reveals stagnating energy sector inclusion progress
TIDE’s 2026 Health Index and the latest Energy & Utility Skills Inclusion Measurement Framework (IMF) have revealed challenges around accountability, workforce data and representation within the energy industry. Despite clear gains such as a 5% increase in women working in the energy workforce and wider use of accessible communications, overall progress has slowed across many indicators around EDI activity.
Find out more, including full details on the outcomes of the 2026 Health Index and IMF 👉 Health Index and Inclusion Measurement results – Tackling Inclusion & Diversity in Energy (TIDE)
Gender balance stalling or in decline across energy sector says POWERful Women
The UK energy sector is ‘treading water’ on gender balance, according to POWERFUL Women’s (PfW) 2026 Annual State of the Nation Report. The analysis found female representation on the boards of the UK’s top 100 energy companies has inched up by just 1% since last year to 31%, but that 22 boards removed at least one woman in the last 12 months and the number of all-male boards increased from 12 to 13 – all of whom failed to respond when contacted by PfW.
Find out more, including the report’s findings on pipeline progress and structural barriers at senior levels 👉 PfW Annual State of the Nation 2026 report
Energy gender pay gap remains among AXIS Pledge companies
The 2026 Gender Pay Gap Report from AXIS Network, in conjunction with Lead5050, has found overall improvements across AXIS Pledge companies following increased data reporting. But despite this continued shift towards parity, the analysis revealed men still dominate the top pay quartile within the energy industry, earning £1.21 for every £1 women receive.
Read the full report and statement from Emma Behjat, Chair of AXIS Network 👉 Gender Pay Gap Analysis of the Energy Sector 2026
Pride in Energy launches sixth annual survey to track lived experiences
The diversity forum Pride in Energy has opened its sixth annual survey tracking the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies across the UK energy industry. The ongoing anonymous poll measures whether corporate inclusion initiatives are translating into psychologically safe and inclusive working environments.
Take part in the latest Pride in Energy survey 👉 2026 Pride in Energy Survey
Energyz Black picks up engagement accolade
Energyz Black was named the Engagement Campaign winner at the British Renewable Energy Awards (BREAs), hosted by the Renewable Energy Association (REA). The award recognised the organisation’s efforts to champion greater representation and opportunity across the energy sector.
Find out more on Energyz Black’s win 👉 Energyz Black Wins Engagement Campaign Award at the British Renewable Energy Awards 2026
WiN launches student ambassador programme
Women in Nuclear (WiN) UK has launched a student ambassador programme in London and the Suth East to strengthen engagement between the nuclear sector and the wider student community. The programme delivers an ambassador-led mentorship scheme that pairs students with trained industry mentors.
Find out more about the programme, including its early partners 👉 Student ambassador programme launched to inspire future leaders
Lean In highlights AI gender gap’s impact
New research reveals that women are less likely than men to utilise AI at work, despite 64% of female developers previously stating the technology was accelerating their careers. The Women in the Workplace Annual Report also found men are nearly 30% more likely than women to be praised for using AI at work while women are much more heavily scrutinised, creating an AI gender gap.
Read more of the report’s findings, including what companies can do to close this AI gap 👉 The AI Gender Gap: How Women Can Break Through
An open call from TIDE
It’s been great to see many organisations updating EDI calendar with exciting events and training for the coming weeks, which you can find below.
Please do also send through any news updates. We would love to receive contributions so we can share the great work everyone is doing in 2026.
Send us your contributions 👉 diversity@energy-uk.org.uk
Events
Have you used TIDE’s industry-wide EDI Calendar yet? It’s a great tool to help you catch annual milestones recognising EDI themes and stay aware of upcoming events across the sector. You can even add your own events for TIDE channels to support and promote.
WES celebrates 10 years of Early Careers Board
15 July | 18:00-20:00 | London
The Women’s Engineering Society (WES) is hosting a celebration of the impact of its Early Careers Board, which has led online campaigns, shared fresh ideas, and developed innovative resources over the last decade. There will be talks from past and present WES members and plenty of networking opportunities.
Find out more and how to sign up 👉 Celebrate 10 years of the ECB — Women’s Engineering Society
WiN Managing and Influencing Stakeholders
21July | 13:00 – 14:00 | Online
Women in Nuclear UK’s (WiN) online event will explore tips to effectively manage and influence stakeholders, offering practical advice to boost impact and build stronger connections.
Find out more and how to register 👉 Managing & Influencing Stakeholders – Women in Nuclear UK
AFBE-UK Diversifying Routes and Talent into Apprenticeships
14 August | 12:00 | Birmingham
AFBE-UK will explore underrepresentation in engineering and technology apprenticeships and how to overcome barriers to diversity in early career attraction and talent development to build a more inclusive apprenticeship pipeline. Experts from across the sector and STEM Outreach at AFBE will share perspectives, data and initiatives that are contributing to a diverse next generation of talent.
Find out more and register for the event 👉 Diversifying the Routes and Talent into Apprenticeship
Women to Work’s Confidence, career planning and resilience coaching workshop series
September 2026
Registration for Women to Work’s September series of personal development coaching workshops for women in energy has been launched, with a 15% discount on all 2026/2027 bookings – including one-to-one coaching – available to Energy UK members. The four short, impactful and practical workshops cover career progression, options and pathways; challenging limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome and having your voice heard; an introduction to building resilience in yourself and others; and coaching tools and techniques for work and life.
Find out more on the series of workshops 👉 Women to Work September 2026 series
Or email info@womentowork.co.uk to book places and quote “Energy UK” to receive the discount.