Registrations are now open for the energy industry’s annual Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Conference hosted by Energy UK, Energy Institute (EI), Energy Networks Association (ENA) and Ofgem.
Now in its fifth year, the hybrid event will take place on 11 June 2024 at the QEII Conference Centre and will be sponsored by Murray McIntosh, a leading Policy and Public Affairs recruitment firm within the energy industry.
With an expert lineup, the Conference brings together CEOs, senior leaders and EDI professionals from across the industry to drive lasting change in the sector and beyond.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Baroness Sandy Verma
- Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive, Energy UK
- Nick Wayth, Chief Executive, Energy Institute
- Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive, Energy Networks Association
- Jonathan Brearley, Chief Executive, Ofgem
The industry-wide TIDE (Tackling Inclusion and Diversity in Energy) initiative was launched at the 2022 EDI in Energy Conference to take a cross-sector approach to EDI. Its priorities; engaging with leaders, data and insight, and sharing good practice, were initially workshopped at that conference and make up the three themes to this year’s programme.
Attendees will also hear the energy sector results of Energy and Utility Skills 2023 Inclusion Measurement Framework – which measures workforce characteristics across the industry – and TIDE’s Health Index. The Index is a new initiative to allow organisations to anonymously benchmark their EDI maturity against others, as well as provide TIDE with an indication of where further support might be needed, and a baseline from which to measure progress. The afternoon session is designed to leave attendees with practical steps they can take to improve EDI within their organisation, whether they are a leader or working specifically in talent or EDI.
Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive at Energy UK, said:
“Our industry’s success depends on attracting a pipeline of diverse talent with the skills, innovations and expertise to meet the challenges of the future – as well as being representative of the communities we serve. There is no doubt that cultural changes take time, and effort, but the speed of progress in EDI within the energy sector is disheartening. Measuring impact is part of the problem and I’m pleased that TIDE is addressing this challenge at this year’s conference, which once again promises to be filled with lively discussions and practical steps companies and individuals can take to improve diversity and inclusion in energy.”
Dr Nick Wayth FEI, Chief Executive of the Energy Institute, said:
“The energy transition requires radical technical innovation, but we often overlook the radical innovation needed to improve our sector’s diversity. Through TIDE’s important work tracking industry data, I look forward to dissecting and discussing what’s required to drive meaningful progress in our sector at the upcoming EDI in Energy conference”.
Jonathan Brearley, Chief Executive of Ofgem, said:
“We must do more to support our industry to better reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and the EDI in Energy Conference is an important chance to drive that change forward. There is no doubt in my mind that everyone who attends will take something valuable away whether it be a renewed enthusiasm, new insight or inspiration from best practice shared by their peers.
“It is also an opportunity for industry leaders to remind themselves of their responsibilities in delivering the change we all want to see.”
Lawrence Slade, CEO, Energy Networks Association, said:
“Over recent years, the energy sector has made real progress on equality, diversity and inclusion issues, though we know there’s still more we need to do. Getting a better up-to-the-minute understanding of the situation, including how people are feeling and how they think we can improve, is vital to sustaining progress. I’m proud to support the TIDE initiative and I hope everyone attending this conference will come away with a better understanding of the latest best practice, key emerging challenges and insights into how they can do more personally to make everyone feel welcome in the energy sector.”
Notes to editors
About the Tackling Inclusion and Diversity in Energy (TIDE) Initiative
TIDE was launched in 2022 as a group of volunteers working across industry to provide tools and resources to improve Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in energy. Its aim is to combine cross-sector EDI insights and evidence, building on experience and expertise to share best practice and support industry-wide changes.
Find out more: www.energyedihub.uk
Follow TIDE on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tackling-inclusion-diversity-energy/