Responsible for developing, maintaining and operating the electricity distribution networks in the north of Scotland and central southern England, SSEN's (Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) specialist Inclusive Service Panel helps inform and influence decision making, with a specific focus on the provision of inclusive and accessible services which benefit and support customers.
The independently chaired panel is formed of experts with a working knowledge of issues relating to equality, diversity and inclusion, volunteering alongside an internal group of representatives from across SSEN's business. The panels were formed in 2017 to challenge thinking, provide innovative suggestions and practical ideas to further improve the inclusive nature of the services offered to SSEN's customers.
SSEN's panels have directly contributed to improving accessibility for its customers as SSEN became the first UK Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to introduce Easy Read as a communication format. The panels also influenced the organisation to introduce a website accessibility tool, add subtitles on videos, informed its approach to fuel poverty and energy efficiency and reviewed its storm processes and welfare provisions to ensure customers are cared for and supported during power cuts and emergencies.
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Lisa Doogan, SSEN's Head of Customer Service and Stakeholder Strategy, said: "Our Inclusive Service Panels have a real voice within our organisation, influencing our thinking at the highest levels of decision making and challenging us to continue pushing boundaries to make a real difference to the service we offer customers.
"Due to the continuing success of our panels, we are looking to recruit additional members to join our external panel. Our panel members bring a vast range of work-life experiences into our business, including mental health, physical disability, equality, occupational health, religious diversity and the LGBT community. We are looking to expand the team by recruiting members experienced in working with Black Asian Minority Ethnic groups, hard-to-reach communities or experts in cultural intelligence."
Richard Shakespeare, Independent Chairperson for SSEN's Inclusive Service Panels, added: "SSEN has shown a real commitment to be an inclusive network operator. It is a company that wants to support customers because they know it's the right thing to do. Having worked with SSEN for several years, I can promise you this is not a tick box exercise or a public relations activity; they show a drive and passion for diversity and inclusion which is unlike any other business.
"If you think that this opportunity is for you and you can help us to consider the needs of diverse customers and communities, I would strongly encourage you to apply."
Applicants are invited from across the UK; however, SSEN will pay particular attention to ensuring that its customers from across the geographic areas it serves are fairly represented. Panel members volunteer their time in return for shared learning, making a difference for customers and shaping SSEN's business for the future. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Apply by the closing date of Thursday 1 August.
