Celebrating the women in leadership shaping a fairer, greener future across our network.
For generations, the UK’s gas distribution networks have been the unseen backbone of daily life. Keeping homes and businesses safe and warm, powering industry, and helping communities thrive.
Today, as the energy landscape evolves, women across the sector are stepping forward with fresh ideas, empowered leadership, and an unshakeable drive to create a better, more inclusive future.
Here at Northern Gas Networks (NGN) we deliver gas to 2.9 million homes and businesses across the North of England. One of our focuses as part of our five year contract with Ofgem, the energy regulator, from 2026 – 2031, is ensuring our customers and communities recognise themselves in our colleagues.
However, this shift isn’t just about representation. It’s about signalling that there is a place for everyone here. This is based on embracing differences and valuing different perspectives. It is also demonstrating, through action, that the future of gas distribution is collaborative, creative, and full of opportunity.
It’s not a cultural initiative, but a strategic enabler of safety and trust. It widens the talent pipeline and supports long term operational resilience.
Celebrating the Women Leading NGN Forward
Gas distribution has traditionally been a male-dominated space, especially in operational and engineering roles. Yet across the UK, more women are entering the field. From technical apprentices and engineers to community leads, data specialists, sustainability experts and senior leaders.
In our company, we are embedding inclusion into everyday culture, modelling allyship, and helping colleagues feel confident, heard and supported. This starts from the top down.
Leadership representation matters. At NGN, three talented female directors are helping shape the organisation’s culture, strategy and customer experience.
Claire Allcock, our HR Director, has over 29 years of experience across a number of sectors, including several more traditional, male-dominated industries such as the legal sector. Her focus and commitment are to ensure people are always at the heart of everything we do at NGN.
“For me, leading with a focus on people, wellbeing, and openness is what helps create a thriving, inclusive workplace.” She says. “Ensuring all colleagues feel comfortable doing their best in their roles is a core NGN value.
“For our female colleagues, this is vital. As a mother myself, I know all too well the balance of a professional career and being present for my sons. As a business, we recognise this too, and providing policies like enhanced parental leave (for both mothers and fathers) and the ability to buy additional holiday days where needed, and flexible working arrangements where possible are vital gestures that, as a company, we can provide, making huge impacts in the day-to-day.”
Driving positive change through our Women’s Community
Another one of our female directors is Claire Hodgson, Head of Finance. Not only does Claire offer coaching and mentorship opportunities for female colleagues looking to advance their careers, but she is also our executive sponsor for NGN’s Women’s Community.
“Women should have help and support in taking the next steps in their careers.” She says. “It’s not about telling them what to do or how to act, but giving them support and confidence to show off their own unique skills and abilities that will bring future success for the company.
“You really see this passion from our Women’s Community. The community is open to everyone, and members openly discuss best practices and initiatives to move NGN forward.
“This community has organised several speakers outside of the business to come in and lend their expertise in different areas. In fact, we have a guest speaker coming up for a special International Women’s Day event focused on navigating Menopause. Open to all, the event has received interest from male and female colleagues alike. That is the impact this female-led community is having on the culture of NGN.”
Inspiring the next generation
Representation matters. Every woman stepping into the gas distribution sector sends a clear message: that there is space for you here.
Space to build a meaningful career, to influence change, and to thrive in an industry that impacts millions of lives every day.
Whether they’re leading operational innovation, shaping environmental strategies, or supporting communities, women are not just part of gas distribution’s story; they’re key writing its future.
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