Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is encouraging individuals who are passionate about customer inclusion to apply to join its Inclusive Service Panel.

Responsible for developing, maintaining and operating the electricity distribution networks in the north of Scotland and central southern England, SSEN’s 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 and lived experience of issues relating to inclusion, alongside an internal group of volunteer representatives from across SSEN’s business.

SSEN's panels have directly contributed to making SSEN’s services inclusive for its customers; becoming the first UK Distribution Network Operator to introduce Easy Read as a communication format. The panels also influenced the organisation to:

  • Introduce a website accessibility tool
  • Enable customer service and power cut reporting via a British Sign Language video link
  • Add subtitles on videos
  • Inform SSEN's approach to fuel poverty and energy efficiency
  • Review its storm processes and welfare provisions to ensure customers are cared for and supported during power cuts and emergencies

Applicants most suited to joining the panel will:

  • Have lived experience of or supporting those with extra needs
  • Be a clear communicator
  • Be a collaborator
  • Be a problem-solver

Emma Merritt, SSEN’s Customer Vulnerabilities and Communities Lead, said:

“Providing innovative suggestions and practical ideas to further improve the inclusive nature of the services offered to our customers, the Inclusive Service Panel has a real voice within SSEN. 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.

"We are looking to recruit one additional member to our 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.”

Carolyn Delehanty, Independent Chairperson for SSEN’s Inclusive Service Panels, added:

“As a panel, we collaborate to guide and shape the improvements SSEN implements. Drawing on our diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, we contribute unique perspectives while striving to provide SSEN with a unified and balanced direction.

"The most fulfilling aspect of being a panel member is witnessing the tangible impact of our efforts when positive changes are brought to life."

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 are compensated for their time to attend three virtual and one face to face meeting in Perth, Reading or Portsmouth. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

The panel meet four times per year with one meeting held in person.

To apply by the closing date of Friday 31 January please send a CV and covering letter demonstrating your passion and explaining why you want to join the panel to Emma Merritt at networkscvteam@sse.com.