We’ve won ‘Impact Company of the Year’ at the Better Society Award, in recognition of the outstanding impact of our Young Innovators Council (YIC).
The award recognises organisations that create meaningful, long-lasting impact as part of everyday business.
The judges praised our sector-leading work to embed youth voice into business decision-making through our Youth Innovators Council.
Launched in 2021 in partnership with Solutions for the Planet, our Young Innovators Council brings together young people aged 14–19 from across the North of England to help shape Northern Gas Networks’ policies, culture and long-term planning. The group meets regularly and feeds directly into real business discussions, including decisions at board level.
Jenny Wilkinson, our Stakeholder Engagement and Research Lead, said: “Winning this award is a proud moment for Northern Gas Networks, but more importantly it recognises the incredible young people who make up our Young Innovators Council.
“The council isn’t a consultation exercise – it’s a genuine partnership. Our young innovators shape decisions that influence our business, our culture and our future, while gaining real-world skills and confidence along the way.
“This award is a powerful endorsement of what can be achieved when organisations listen to future generations and build their insight into the heart of decision-making.”
So far, 132 young people from 74 schools have been involved in the YIC, helping to shape our £1.8bn five-year business plan, influence our sustainability and net zero ambitions, and co-create a schools engagement programme that has reached more than 45,000 young people.
Built around employability and skills development, the programme has supported young people into STEM qualifications, apprenticeships and careers – including roles at Northern Gas Networks – while generating £5.03 of social value for every £1 invested.
The award win adds to growing recognition for the Youth Innovators Council’s role in helping Northern Gas Networks’ deliver more inclusive, forward-looking and impactful customer engagement.
The industry-leading Young Innovators Council gives young people aged 14-19 the opportunity to discuss the social and environmental issues that matter most to them and influence key decision-making. Their feedback helped shape our Business Plan for 2026-2031 which outlines a fairer, greener future for the North of England.
The award was presented at the Better Society Awards dinner on 13 May 2026 at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square.