UK Power Networks

The Investors in People Awards 2025 - Finalist Case Study

Nominated for The Award for Driving Positive ESG Impact (5,000+ employees), The Award for Health and Wellbeing_500

Why did you enter the Investors in People 2025 Awards?

We entered The Investors in People 2025 Awards to celebrate UK Power Networks’ unwavering commitment to caring for our people and our communities. Our journey has been fostered by a determination to set new standards for our industry and even beyond.

We recognise that our success as the UK’s largest distribution network operator is rooted in the talents and dedication of our workforce, and we have invested heavily in nurturing a culture where everyone can thrive. From looking after our engineers out in vans across the countryside, to our call centre advisors and support teams, we have pushed the boundaries of what we, as a utility company, can achieve.

Our recognition as Investors in People Platinum and our #1 ranking in the Most Inclusive Top 50 Employers list reflect our progress, but our ambition goes further: to be an Employer of Choice, a Respected and Trusted Corporate Citizen, and a leader in Enabling the Net Zero Transition for All.

Entering these awards not only offers us the opportunity to benchmark our achievements against the best in the country, far beyond our sector, but also motivates us to continue listening, learning, and improving – for the benefit of our employees and the wider community. By pursuing Investors in People accreditation and engaging in this process, we are demonstrating our belief that success is measured not just in operational excellence but in the lasting positive impact we create. We want our strategy, our culture, and our results to inspire others in our industry and beyond, and to highlight the value of investing in people as the foundation for a high performing business Ultimately, this entry is a testament to our collective drive to build a better future—one powered by engaged employees, strong values, and meaningful action.

What has it meant to you, your team, and your organisation to be shortlisted for an Investors in People 2025 Award?

Being shortlisted for the Investors in People Award for Health and Wellbeing (500+ employees) is a profound honour for our HR team, and the wider organisation. It represents external recognition of the commitment and hard work that our colleagues across UK Power Networks have invested in building a culture of responsibility and impact. For our team, it validates the stories we share and the values we champion—demonstrating that our efforts to communicate our initiatives around wellbeing and workforce empowerment are resonating and our people feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Leadership buy-in has been a cornerstone of our success. Senior leaders actively champion wellbeing services and communicate their importance across the organisation. Their visible support is helping towards normalising conversations around health and mental wellbeing, encouraging employees to engage offering support and increasing awareness. Beyond that, we wanted to have clear measurement of achievement and possible gaps, so our decision to pursue the We Invest in Wellbeing accreditation was a strategic one.

For the organisation, this shortlisting is a testament to the effectiveness of our wellbeing strategy. It confirms that our approach—rooted in innovation, data-driven decision-making, and holistic engagement—can achieve positive change within our sector.

This recognition inspires pride in our people and motivates us to continue pushing boundaries, scaling successful initiatives, and driving real value for our employees.

Above all, being shortlisted galvanises us to sustain and amplify our impact, showcasing UK Power Networks as a true employer of choice – an organisation where people and purpose come first.

What would it mean to your organisation to win an Investors in People 2025 Award?

Winning the Investors in People 2025 Award for Health and Wellbeing would be a defining moment for UK Power Networks, affirming our place among the top 5% of employers globally with Platinum Investors in People accreditation. Such prestigious recognition would celebrate our ongoing commitment to making this company a great place to work.
Our journey has already seen us win the Leadership and Management Award and be shortlisted in five categories at the 2024 IiP Awards, and shortlisted for the ESG Awards this year too – reflecting our consistent drive for excellence. We invest £6 million annually in training and have hired 100 apprentices – representing 25% of the industry’s intake—to nurture talent and create opportunities for all.

To win this category would be a powerful endorsement of our holistic approach. It would inspire pride across our teams, motivate us to scale our impact, and reinforce UK Power Networks’ reputation as a leader, where people and purpose drive lasting positive change. This award would not only celebrate our achievements, but also encourage us to keep raising the bar for our employees, our communities, and the wider industry.

How important is it for your organisation to be a part of the Investors in People community and engage in awards and events like this one?

Investors in People, who have recently retained their outstanding status from the independent Awards Standards Council, set an exceptional benchmark for organisations aspiring to put people at the heart of what they do.

It is a chance for regional firms like ours, to line themselves up against the best national organisations in the UK – and see how they measure up, plus what they can learn.

The rigorous standards and unwavering commitment to continuous improvement inspire us each year, making it a privilege to work alongside such a respected body.

We are immensely proud to hold Platinum accreditation – an honour achieved by only the top 5% of employers globally – which recognises not only our achievements but also our dedication to fostering an environment where every individual can thrive. Our ongoing partnership with Investors in People is a source of great pride, affirming our shared values and driving us to maintain the highest standards for our colleagues and communities alike.

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START YOUR ACCREDITATION JOURNEY

Ready to make work better? Complete the form below and one of our team will be in touch to discuss your accreditation enquiry.