TALENT PIPELINE

A PIPELINE of Opportunities

NORTHERN GAS NETWORKS IS A POWERHOUSE OF SOCIAL MOBILITY IN THE REGIONS IT SERVES, AND A LEADER IN THE UTILITIES SECTOR IN TERMS OF PURPOSEFUL ACTION.

SPOTLIGHT ON MARK HORSLEY AND NORTHERN GAS NETWORKS

Established in 2005, Northern Gas Networks (NGN) delivers gas to NGN has recognised that strategically there is still plenty to be 2.7 million homes and businesses in the North East, Yorkshire and addressed and are looking further into reducing social mobility The Humber, and Cumbria. barriers for employment, for instance, hiring across different age The company covers 37,000 km of pipeline and serves 25,000 km groups and balancing the gender gap. 2, including vastly populated urban centres, as well as sparse rural NGN has created a framework which effectively draws on its areas in the North. partnerships to provide the necessary support and funding for the NGN has been repeatedly recognised by Ofgem as the most cost- local communities in the North. efficient of the UK’s eight Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs), not Initiatives such as Warm Hubs are a testament to the indispensable only delivering excellent value for money, but also supporting the value NGN funding provides to the local communities. region socially and economically. The company’s drive to identify vulnerabilities is aided through Driven by its commitment to customers and sustainable innovation, NGN is at the forefront of utility companies in terms of its responsible business practices, and how it aims to have a positive impact on its customers and local communities. Led by Chief Executive Mark Horsley, NGN works hard to help the local communities They have aptly entwined art with STEM “ training and workshop sessions for NGN employees, especially operational staff. Outreach at schools and colleges enables NGN to educate the youngest in the region and engage them with their work. In particular, they have aptly entwined art with STEM to inspire a wider group of young people, thus understanding in the area it serves and should be to inspire a wider group the impact they can have on students commended for its strategies addressing if addressed through different learning social mobility. of young people frameworks. Situated in a landscape with social mobility As a leading company, NGN has recognised cold spots, NGN has taken pivotal steps in that it needs to think in the long-term and engaging with the local communities and providing them support – about future generations. Its projects and initiatives are foreword be that with work opportunities, education or outreach. thinking and creative, impacting both individuals and communities. By employing social indices and measurements NGN has been able NGN’s strategy of taking a localised approach to making a positive to target certain areas within the region, tailoring its support based social impact across its communities, and in fostering strategic on the different social mobility challenges, ranging from rural partnerships on the delivery, has proven an effective way to isolation and poor physical health to mental health and financial improve the lives of even the most hard to reach groups. hardships. This has shown NGN is focusing on making a real impact in Through the company’s work experience schemes and decreasing vulnerability in all of its main forms. apprenticeships, NGN is increasing accessibility to young people, In addition to the highly effective strategy implemented by NGN, helping them develop key skills, while also giving back – culturally the Social Mobility Pledge has yet identified some areas where and economically – to the region. gaps exist, for NGN to consider. Diversity and inclusivity are interwoven into NGN’s culture and the The Social Mobility Pledge has also identified specific social company has nurtured a workplace where employees value and mobility related gaps across communities in NGN’s service area for appreciate one another, reflecting their broader strategy in the company to target its efforts towards going forward. local communities.