Read: UK Power Networks leads the way in Levelling Up

Securing equal opportunities for the communities it serves is the driving force for UK Power Networks today becoming the first distribution network operator to partner with the country’s largest social mobility plan.

The company which distributes electricity to 8.3 million customers across London, the East of England and South East of England, has committed to the Levelling Up Goals initiative spearheaded by former Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Justine Greening.

This will see an action plan created to support the Levelling Up Goals agenda, building on UK Power Networks’ aim to be an employer of choice and providing continued additional support for its most vulnerable customers.

The twin challenges of the economic recovery post-Covid and the UK’s acceleration towards net zero opens up a new era for utilities taking greater responsibility for social mobility, by leading the way, going above and beyond what people might expect of a utility. 

Andrew Pace, director of HR at UK Power Networks, said: “Levelling Up provides us with a clear benchmark as we look to play our part in the UK’s efforts to tackle social mobility, ensuring everyone has the same access and opportunities in life.

“Our plan, will set clear priorities covering key areas as recruitment, engagement, safety, diversity and inclusion, customer vulnerability and the energy transition so that we are in a position to confidently continue doing the right thing both by our employees and the communities we serve.”

A long-term campaigner on levelling up, Justine Greening co-founded the Social Mobility Pledge in 2018 to bring businesses and universities together to improve social mobility. The Levelling Up Goals are the first major piece of work launched by the most committed of these organisations, The Purpose Coalition.

Justine Greening said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with UK Power Networks on measuring its impact against the Levelling Up Goals. A large part of what we do is about sharing best practice and UK Power Networks is already demonstrating this with some of its fantastic work around social mobility and creating equality of opportunity.

“The challenge now is for purpose-led businesses to step up and play their role in boosting opportunity and social mobility as we recover from the pandemic.

“UK Power Networks has shown that it is committed to leading the way and making a difference on social mobility and I’m looking forward to working with the team on its Levelling Up Action Plan.”