Northern Gas Networks’ industry-leading Young Innovators Council (YIC) – which helps shape the decisions made by the gas distribution network – has been recognised for its huge impact by being shortlisted for another prestigious industry Award.
Northern Gas Networks teamed up with the social enterprise Solutions for the Planet to set up the YIC during the Covid pandemic in 2020, and the YIC joins organisations from a huge range of industries including cutting edge computing, property and AI in being nominated for the ‘Best Use of Innovation in Customer Engagement’ category in the Engage Awards.
The Awards celebrate engagement across customers, employees and sales and marketing, focusing on organisations that have committed to initiatives which contribute to success.
This award is in the ‘customer’ category, and recognises businesses who place customers at the heart of their business.
132 young people aged 14-19 have been YIC members since its inception in 2021, which is a first for the energy sector and has helped shape Northern Gas Networks’ £1.8bn business plan, as well as future-proofing the organisation.
74 different schools across Northern Gas Networks’ region have been represented, with 64% of YIC members identified as ethnically diverse. 42% were eligible for Free School Meals, and 17% identified as having a disability or long-term condition.
YIC members have recently helped to develop new work experience programmes – showing that authentic youth collaboration can improve workforce resilience – and insights from the group were also used to improve Northern Gas Networks’ sustainability commitments.
They’ve also helped to develop a framework for long-term change and an inclusive workforce through identifying changes in policies, culture and the physical environment, as well as pushing the organisation to be more ambitions with its carbon reduction targets.
Earlier this year, the YIC was also nominated for the Business Innovation Award at IGEM’s Gas Industry Awards.
Jenny Wilkinson, Stakeholder Engagement and Research Lead at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We’re so proud of all of the young people in the YIC who fully deserve this nomination. The YIC provides them with a unique opportunity to learn more about the energy industry while developing a range of work-based skills.
“Their opinions shine a light on what matters to our future customers – such as the transition to net zero, the long-term impact of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
“They challenge our business to be braver and more ambitious in the decisions we take, and play a vital role in our comprehensive programme of engagement with stakeholders. The YIC has built relationships, fostered genuine collaboration and is a true social mobility success story.
“This is proved by the fact that two former members of the YIC are about to progress to our Independent Stakeholder Group, who hold us to account and influence every decision we make.”
Lauren Gupta, Youth Insights Programme Coordinator at Solutions for the Planet, said: ‘We’re delighted to see the Young Innovators Council nominated for the Best Use of Innovation in Customer Engagement at this year’s Engage Awards.
“This is a truly unique collaboration between Northern Gas Networks, Solutions for the Planet, and the passionate and thoughtful young people who make up the Council. It is through their out of the box ideas, reflective thinking, and deep interest in the future that makes innovation happen and we couldn’t be happier for them.”
The Awards will be held in London in November – good luck guys!