A Northumberland school pupil has won a place on a new regional youth council which gives young people from the North of England a voice on important issues such as climate change and green energy.

Kaitlin Smith, from Widdrington Station near Morpeth, put herself forward as a member of Northern Gas Networks’ (NGN) Young Innovators Council, which brings together 35 young people in a virtual discussion group.

The council was created by NGN, the gas distribution network which transports gas to 2.7 million properties across the North of England. Its aim is to give young people the opportunity to find out more about how the gas industry works, and to help them build up self-confidence and the communication skills which will stand them in good stead for their future careers.

Kaitlin, who is 14-years-old, said: “A teacher at my school told me about a great opportunity to join the Young Innovators Council. At first, I did not think I would make it into the council: however, to my surprise, I am now part of it!

“We are currently discussing how Northern Gas Networks can educate young people on what the business does, and how they are able to share this information. During these discussions I believe that we have all had a chance to share our ideas and be listened to. Everything is working well, all members of the team get along and the staff are amazingly kind.

“There are a few things I would like to gain from this experience. First, I would like to improve my understanding of how NGN provides us with gas. But I would also like to build upon my social skills. I am not usually someone who speaks out about my opinion. I had noticed that in lessons I would very rarely put my hand up and suggest an answer, even if I knew I was correct. By using the knowledge and social skills I am gaining whilst being part of the Young Innovators Council, I can see that my confidence is growing.

“I am glad that NGN is reaching out to the younger generation and that we are now able to have a say in what our future will look like. We may be young, but our opinions are still valid. I believe that it is important that we hear everyone’s opinion, especially if we are all aiming for the same solution. NGN is constantly looking into ways where they can be more environmentally friendly, and I am delighted to be able to support an organisation that wants to improve our planet for the better.”

The council’s discussions will range far and wide across topics such as climate change, the use of hydrogen as a greener alternative to natural gas and educating young people about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. By sharing their views at council meetings, its young members will be able to have a say in NGN’s future direction, and its journey towards being a low carbon gas network.

Mark Horsley, CEO of Northern Gas Networks, said: “It’s fantastic to see Kaitlin and the other Young Innovators already starting to make a positive contribution to our organisation.

“Young people are the employees, customers and business entrepreneurs of tomorrow, and it’s crucial that we give them a voice as we move towards a zero-carbon economy and build back better after the pandemic.

“It’s equally crucial that we listen to these voices, and our panel of 14 to 19-year-olds will be able to influence our senior leaders as we make the big decisions that will affect future generations.”

The Young Innovators Council is being supported by Solutions for the Planet; an organisation that works with students, colleges, schools and businesses to inspire pupils who are interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects, and empower youngsters to become actively involved in sustainability issues.

Jen Baughan, CEO of Solutions for the Planet, said: “Our Youth Insights Service brings the voices of young people and youth participation directly to the heart of decision making.  Through the creation of the Young Innovators Council, Northern Gas Networks has made a clear statement about how important the role of young people are as employees, customers and custodians of our future.

“It is essential that young people have a seat at the table for key conversations about the future energy mix, gas safety and education and Northern Gas Networks have created those seats – 35 of them in fact!  We are pleased to be working with NGN on this exciting business development.”

The next session of the Young Innovators Council will take place in July, when council members will come together to discuss how young people can be better educated about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

To find out more about Solutions for the Planet, go to www.solutionsfortheplanet.co.uk. There is more information about the work of Northern Gas Networks at www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk