WUN #SpeakUp: Empowering Every Voice in Utilities

Speaking up shouldn’t feel risky — it should feel supported, safe and possible.

The WUN #SpeakUp campaign exists to help everyone in the utilities sector find their voice, challenge inappropriate behaviour and contribute to inclusive, respectful workplaces where every person is valued and protected.

Explore Events | Read the Blogs | Access Resources

What is #SpeakUp?

#SpeakUp is a sector‑wide movement created by the Womens Utilities Network in 2024 to encourage open, honest conversation about inclusion, inappropriate behaviour and representation across the utilities industry.

The campaign was developed after WUN found that many women across the sector had struggled to speak up about their experiences — often due to fear of repercussions, lack of confidence or uncertainty about what “speaking up” actually looks like in practice.

Led by a group of WUN Board and Advocate team members, WUN #SpeakUp provides practical advice, guided learning, real‑life stories and supportive spaces to help individuals build confidence, develop assertive communication skills and know their rights. It also equips allies and leaders with tangible actions they can take to drive culture change.

Read the Reflective Blog about how #SpeakUp started

Why not nominate an individual, team or organisation for the Women in Utility Awards. We’re looking for nominations that have championed the values of the WUN #SpeakUp campaign to create a safer, more respectful and inclusive workplace by changing unwanted behaviours and inspiring positive cultural change.

This award is open to individuals or teams working in the utilities industry that can demonstrate success in #SpeakingUp which has resulted in improved workplace culture between 1st March 2025 and 31st March 2026.

Submit Your Nomination Here

Why #SpeakUp Matters

Despite progress, speaking up still feels difficult for many people working in utilities. The reasons are often personal – but also structural.

Most women involved in WUN shared that they had experienced inappropriate behaviour at some point in their careers.
Many reported that knowing how to speak up, or believing they would be heard, remained a significant barrier.
The October 2024 changes to the Equality Act strengthened employer responsibility to prevent sexual harassment; making speaking up not only brave, but a protected right employees should expect to have supported.
Individuals and organisations alike expressed a need for practical, accessible guidance – not theory or policy in isolation.

From Policy to Culture: Why Speaking Up Still Feels Hard – and How Leaders Can Change That

What We’ve Delivered So Far….

WUN has created a programme of events, conversations and resources designed to help both individuals and organisations take meaningful action.

Flagship Events

Senior Leaders Dinner with HRDs – A private roundtable exploring changes to the Equality Act, lived experiences and practical ways to create safer cultures.
Virtual #SpeakUp Confidence Session – Techniques, tools and conversations to help people challenge inappropriate behaviour in the moment.
WUNForALL Panel: Allyship in Action – A dynamic session on how allies can use their power, privilege and positional authority to support others.
Conference & Sector Engagement – #SpeakUp has appeared across WUN webinars and at Utility Week Live, sparking conversations across the sector.

The Impact So Far…

The campaign has already sparked meaningful cultural and behavioural change:

Referenced across internal communications, inclusion strategies and leadership discussions.
Used by organisations to review reporting mechanisms, behavioural expectations and training approaches.
HR Directors praised #SpeakUp for providing space to reflect, benchmark and explore ideas like reverse mentoring and open feedback loops.
Individuals consistently describe WUN sessions as empowering, confidence‑building and practical.
Dozens of people have shared their own stories and reflections, helping normalise what speaking up looks and feels like.
And importantly, #SpeakUp is now being referenced organically in everyday conversations; proof that the culture is shifting.

“#SpeakUp is driving real cultural change by giving people the confidence and tools to speak up”.

How Leaders & Allies Can Make a Difference

Creating an inclusive culture is a shared responsibility – and leaders and allies play a crucial role.

Here are the actions WUN encourages:

Listen deeply, especially to voices not typically heard.
Be brave – conversations about bias, power and exclusion can feel uncomfortable, but discomfort is a catalyst for growth.
Model vulnerability and own your learning.
Create psychologically safe environments where concerns are acted upon, not dismissed.
Use practical tools such as reverse mentoring, open feedback loops and legal clarity on employer duties.

The Role Allies Play in Supporting Others to #SpeakUp