Energy firms including Shell, Orsted and Scottish Power have signed up to a new initiative to increase the number of women in senior and middle management roles in the sector.
It comes amid new figures from the POWERful Women action group showing little progress on the issue has been made in the last year by the UK’s top 80 energy companies.
Women occupy just 13% of board seats, from 11% in 2017, and continue to hold just 6% of executive board seats with no change on last year.
Half of firms have no women on their boards at all.
The Energy Leaders’ Coalition features eight from the UK sector pledging to improve gender diversity.
SSE, National Grid, EDF Energy, Innogy Renewables and Good Energy are also among those involved.
In March, Energy Voice hosted a Women in Energy event at the Robert Gordon University, featuring Oil and Gas UK, Chevron, Iqarus and the Oil and Gas Authority.
Ruth Cairnie, Chairwoman of POWERful Women said: “Our latest statistics show that, while some progress has been made in getting women into senior positions, it is moving far too slowly. We are missing out on a wealth of female talent.
“The Energy Leaders’ Coalition shows what good leadership looks like and we hope will inspire others in the sector to take convincing action.”
Shell’s UK country chairwoman Sinead Lynch said: “Our industry is adapting to a changing energy system. For Shell to lead in the energy transition, we need to be a true meritocracy.
“We need to attract the best talent and enable those individuals to thrive and fulfil their potential.
“Diversity, in all its forms, will be how we find the best solution to the challenges and opportunities ahead. For us, it makes good business sense to support and empower women at every stage of their career.”
Recommended for you
