Join us in shaping the future 

The need for more women leaders in the utilities sector is clear, and we are committed to making a difference with our new development programmes.  

Making this important step towards creating a more inclusive, innovative, and dynamic industry – we will empower women to take on leadership roles, drive progress, improve performance, and better serve our communities. 

We invite our partner companies and individual women across the sector to join us on this transformative journey. Together, we can shape the future of utilities and create a more equitable and prosperous industry for all. 

Created specifically for the Womens Utilities Network (WUN) for women in utilities – the programmes will give you or your team members an unmissable opportunity to develop individual leadership styles, learn new management techniques and build self-confidence.  

The current landscape 

We all know that our sector has traditionally been male-dominated, with women occupying a smaller percentage of leadership roles compared to other sectors. According to recent studies, women make up less than 25% of the workforce in utilities, and an even smaller fraction hold executive positions.  

This gender gap not only limits the potential of talented women but also hinders the industry’s ability to benefit from diverse perspectives and leadership styles – which has never been needed more as we transition to a Net-Zero future. 

Worryingly, our recent survey on Unconscious Bias revealed that nearly 50% of women in the sector are thinking about leaving, and at the WUN, we want to stop talent leaving and heading elsewhere. 

Why we need more women in leadership in our sector 

1. Diverse perspectives drive innovation Diversity in leadership brings together different perspectives, experiences, and ideas, crucial for fostering innovation, addressing complex challenges, and driving sustainable growth. 

1. Improved financial performance Research consistently shows that companies with diverse leadership teams perform better financially 
2. Enhanced organisational culture A more inclusive leadership team can create a positive culture, boost colleague engagement, and increase retention rates. 
3. Better representation of our customers Utilities serve diverse communities, and their leadership should reflect this diversity to drive better customer service. 

 Introducing Our Career Development Framework 

To address these challenges and pave the way for more women in leadership roles within the utilities sector, we are excited to introduce our new bespoke development opportunities. These programmes are designed to equip aspiring and existing women leaders with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to thrive in their careers and make a significant impact in the industry. 

The WUN Framework 

Arrive – a skills development programme designed specifically for women who are new into their careers in the utilities sector 

Drive– a skills development programme designed specifically for women in utilities entering their initial management roles 

Thrive – a leadership programme designed for women in utilities looking for senior leadership progression 

Strive - a programme designed to support men as allies for women working in the utilities sector 

MBA - a university backed MBA programme focussed on environmental sustainability dedicated to women in utilities 

Highlights: 

1. Bespoke Curriculum The development programmes in our framework cover a wide range of topics essential for female managers and leaders, including leadership and culture, resilience, psychological safety, creating impact, navigating organisational politics, coaching and being an inclusive leader. 
2. Networking Participants will have access to a network of experienced industry leaders who will provide guidance and insights, as well as fellow learners from across the sector.
3. Interactive Workshops and Seminars Our programmes include interactive workshops and seminars led by a hand-picked group of industry and leadership experts. They are designed as active learning opportunities to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants. 

By embracing and fostering women’s leadership in utilities, we not only promote gender equality but also unlock the full potential of the industry.  

 More details on how to sign up individuals within your organisation on ‘WUN Drive’ will be coming in September. Join us in this important initiative and be part of the change.