Emily’s Story

Please tell us about yourself, what you did before and your current role.

I am a Senior Policy Officer at the Energy Networks Association (ENA), we represent the companies that operate and maintain the electricity network infrastructure in the UK and Ireland. I am also on the Steering Committee for the Young Energy Professionals Forum (YEP) where I have a leadership role as the Communications and Engagement lead. The YEP Forum is a UK-wide network for people with up to ten years’ experience in the energy sector. The forum aims to promote and inspire the next generation of energy industry leaders by providing opportunities to connect, develop, and recognise success. Prior to my current role, I was an Energy Policy Analyst at the National Energy System Operator (NESO).

Why is your role important, to your organisation and to the people of the UK/the UK economy?

My role helps to influence decisions made by the government, regulator, system operator and industry that affect how electricity is delivered safely, reliably and sustainably to homes, businesses and communities across the UK. This is important because it helps ensure that the UK’s electricity network operators have an authoritative and credible voice in the policy and regulatory decisions that shape the country’s energy future.   The policy and public affairs function is important to ENA because it strengthens the organisation’s ability to effectively represent our members interests, facilitating collaboration across the sector, sharing best practices, promoting and protecting our industry’s reputation, and influencing those who have an interest in what our members do, to ultimately support our members to achieve their objectives. We aim to deliver outcomes that enable the electricity networks to play a fundamental role in the UK’s energy transition.   Our external affairs work is important to the public and UK economy because electricity networks are critical national infrastructure that underpin our everyday lives and contributes to economic growth. The work I do helps to ensure that policymakers and regulators are informed by the practical experiences and expertise of electricity network operators in their decision-making processes. This supports policies that will enable sustainability, security, and affordability for consumers, while enabling the investment needed to achieve Clean Power by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050.

What path did you use to get to the position you hold today? (qualifications, apprenticeships, graduate scheme etc.)

I have taken a slightly unconventional path into the energy sector – as you will find most people have!

I studied Politics and International Relations at Royal Holloway University of London.

My first graduate role was in Corporate Affairs Executive Search, working across the private and public sector, where I had a wide range of energy sector clients.

My career in energy officially started when I completed an 18-month Corporate Affairs Graduate scheme with National Grid ESO, which transitioned into National Energy System Operator (NESO).  

I completed placements across Corporate Affairs and Strategy & Policy directorates in Internal Communications, Corporate Strategy, and Public Affairs teams, before I successfully moved into my first post role as an Energy Policy Analyst.

What attracted you to join the energy sector?

I was attracted to the energy sector because it combines purpose-driven work with opportunities for learning and development. I wanted a role where I could contribute to something bigger than myself, and helping deliver the transition to cleaner, cheaper energy felt like a chance to make a real difference. I also loved how varied the sector is – there are opportunities for people with all different skillsets, backgrounds, and experiences.

Which parts of the job do you enjoy most / find most rewarding?

The opportunity to bring together different perspectives from across the electricity networks sector, working alongside the government, regulator, system operator and wider industry to solve complex policy challenges. 

What does an average day consist of?

An average day in my role as a Senior Policy Officer is incredibly varied, which is one of the things I enjoy most.  

I spend a lot of time monitoring the policy and regulatory landscape, producing briefings and correspondence, and managing strategic programmes that support ENA’s policy development and advocacy objectives, such as the Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan.  

A key part of my role is helping colleagues, senior leaders and members to understand what the impact of policy developments are on the electricity networks sector. I provide guidance on emerging issues, identify risks and opportunities, and translate complex information into concise, actionable insights in order to influence decision-makers and achieve positive outcomes on behalf of the sector.  

I also contribute to ENA’s wider external affairs activity, working across public affairs, stakeholder engagement, media relations, digital communications and, when needed, crisis communications e.g., storm responses.  

No two days are the same!

What are your career aspirations?

My career aspiration is to be a Corporate Affairs Director in the energy sector!

And finally, would you recommend it to anyone thinking about joining the energy sector?

My biggest piece of advice would be to try things out and keep an open mind. You don’t need to have your entire career mapped out when you leave school or college. In fact, many people in the energy sector, including me, didn’t follow a perfectly planned route into the industry.

Every experience teaches you something about what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and what motivates you. Take opportunities as they come, whether that’s volunteering, work experience, internships, apprenticeships, graduate schemes, or simply networking with people already working in the sector. The more you explore, the more you’ll learn about yourself and the huge variety of careers available in energy.

And lastly, don’t be afraid to change direction if something isn’t right for you, because your first role doesn’t have to be your forever role. The energy sector is full of opportunities to learn, grow and move into different areas, so be curious, be proactive and give things a go. You never know where it might lead!