#StandWithMe – Reflecting on the Women in Utilities Awards
At the Womens Utilities Network (WUN) our Stand With Me campaign is built on a simple but powerful belief – creating a truly inclusive utilities sector is everyone’s responsibility. The Women in Utilities Awards are a shining example of what can be achieved when we celebrate the individuals and organisations driving positive change across our industry. Whilst these awards recognise outstanding women and their achievements, they also highlight the critical role that male allies play in breaking down barriers, championing inclusion and helping to create workplaces where everyone can thrive. Allyship is not a passive act – it requires commitment, action and the courage to advocate for change. In this blog we hear from two of our male ally champions, who reflect on their experience of attending the awards this year.
WUN Advocate, Heidi Knapton.
Lee Firth, Group Learning & Development Manager – OCU Group
Attending the Women in Utilities Awards for the first time, through our partnership with WUN, was a hugely inspiring experience. It was made even more meaningful with two members of our own team shortlisted for awards, giving us a real sense of pride and connection to the event.
What stood out most to me was the passion, ambition and determination of the women and allies in the room. It reinforced just how important it is that we, as an industry, actively engage with and encourage more women to build careers within our sector. With the skills gaps and challenges, we face, we simply cannot afford not to. We need to make sure we are creating an industry where women can see opportunities, feel supported and have the confidence to progress.
At OCU, we are seeing the rewards of taking that approach. We have recently completed the first cohort of our Women into Leadership programme and have now launched cohort two. Seeing the development and ambition of those involved is a great reminder that creating opportunities can have a real and lasting impact.
For me, male allyship is about more than simply supporting initiatives it is about being an active part of the change. That means listening, championing opportunities, challenging barriers and using our influence to help create a more inclusive industry. The passion I saw at the Women in Utilities awards was a powerful reminder of why that matters.
Ian Barker Managing Partner, BFY Group
Attending the Women in Utilities Awards was a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across our industry, and I particularly enjoyed hearing Mandy Hickson’s story of becoming one of the UK’s only female fast jet pilots. Her journey was a powerful reminder that having the talent and capability is only part of the story – whether that talent is seen, heard and given the opportunity to thrive is heavily influenced by the people and systems around us.
For me, male allyship starts with recognising that influence, and using it to challenge bias, remove barriers and drive fairness across our systems and decisions. At BFY, that means ensuring we maintain a genuinely equitable approach to pay, reward, development and opportunity.
The Awards were a brilliant celebration of progress, and a reminder that allyship means consistent, everyday action. Personally, this involves keeping a critical eye on the systems and decisions in front of me, and sponsoring women across BFY, our clients and the wider industry
Real change happens when people choose to stand together. If these stories have inspired you, why not take the next step? Join WUN as a member or become a male ally and be part of a network that’s driving inclusion, championing talent and helping to shape the future of utilities.