Allyship in Action: Key Takeaways from the #SpeakUp Panel with the Womens Utilities Network

The recent WUNFORALL saw a new format, a virtual panel session, hosted as part of the Womens Utilities Network’s #SpeakUp campaign. It brought together utility professionals and change-makers to discuss a critical theme: allyship. The session, hosted by WUN Advocate, Julia Stichling, explored how we can all support one another to create more inclusive, courageous workplaces in the utilities sector.

Why We Speak Up

Since its founding in 2018, the Womens Utilities Network (WUN) has been focused on tackling the stark underrepresentation of women in senior roles across utilities. With a thriving community of over 9,400 members and 70+ partners, WUN has become a driving force for change, offering mentoring, networking, and development opportunities across the UK.

The #SpeakUp campaign was launched in 2024 to go deeper — to address the silent barriers that prevent open dialogue and to encourage meaningful conversations that shift workplace culture. This recent panel was another powerful moment in that journey.

The Courage to be an Ally

Keynote speaker Lee Chambers, founder of Male Allies UK, opened the session with a personal and insightful talk on what it means to be an ally. Drawing from his own experiences as a stay-at-home father and advocate for equity, Lee reframed allyship not as a title but a skill set — one that requires courage, curiosity and consistency.

He reminded us that true allyship benefits everyone. Research shows 97% of men who actively practise allyship feel they’ve become better leaders and people. But more importantly, effective allyship involves bridging the gap between intention and impact, recognising privilege, and having the bravery to lean into uncomfortable conversations.

Creating Spaces Where People Feel Safe to Speak

A diverse and insightful panel followed, featuring Joshua Ketley (WRC), Halyma Begum (Callisen), Keri Handford (Cadent Gas) and Lee Chambers. Together, they offered practical, honest advice on how to encourage speaking up at all levels.

From building everyday rapport to creating psychological safety, the discussion made one thing clear: we cannot expect others to speak up if we don’t first create the conditions for it. Halyma rightly pointed out that psychological safety is not a bonus, but a foundation. Without it, even the best-intentioned policies fall flat.

The panel shared that allyship starts small — noticing who isn’t in the room, inviting quieter voices to speak, and giving credit where it’s due. Companies like Cadent Gas for example use videos to help staff develop confidence in how to speak up appropriately and effectively.

Accountability, Privilege and Growth

One of the most powerful messages came in the second half of the panel: allyship also means being accountable, especially for those in positions of power or privilege. We need to think of our privilege, not only in terms of gender, but also seniority, education or access — and to use these ‘keys’ to open doors for others.

The panel emphasised that discomfort is not something to avoid but to learn from. Growth comes from listening, self-educating and staying open to feedback. Whether it’s calling out poor behaviour or championing a colleague behind the scenes, we all have a part to play.

Moving Forward Together

The session closed with practical advice: start a conversation, notice who is missing, keep educating yourself and above all, practise active listening. Speaking up is not just about having a voice — it’s about making space for others to use theirs.

As WUN continues to grow, so too does its impact. From the launch of the WUN Report on workplace culture to the expansion of its mentoring platform and development programmes, the network is leading by example.

We are looking forward to continuing raising awareness with our #SpeakUp campaign. If we want to see change in our sector, we need to start where we are — by speaking up, listening well and being the ally someone else needs.

Join us. Speak up. Be the change.

To learn more about WUN’s upcoming events, access the panel recording or get involved with the #SpeakUp campaign, visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn.

There is also more content available around psychological safety from a previous WUN4ALL, you can find the recording here and if you want to learn more about speaking up, have a look at our recorded session around confidence and skills of how to speak up, here