Engaging with our communities
Our consumer vulnerability advisory panel
The consumer vulnerability advisory panel helps support the delivery of our consumer vulnerability strategy and provides advice and suggestions on future policies.
Established in 2016, the panel meets twice a year. It ensures we have the systems, services and partnerships in place to provide vulnerable customers with protection from the risk of harm during power cuts and help them to build their energy resilience on a sustainable basis.
It also aims to ensure that these services are available and accessible to all our customers, regardless of their personal circumstances.
The panel challenges our performance, setting stretching targets for our activity and helping us identify and respond to emerging issues and trends, and to embed our strategy throughout our business.
In 2019, we strengthened the panel’s voice through the appointment of Jenny Willis, an independent chair.
Jenny boasts a wealth of experience in research, participation, and community and stakeholder engagement, particularly focusing on the needs of those who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances.
Jenny is joined on the panel by a range of customer experts, or experts in their field who provide advice, guidance and oversight of our social programme and performance.
These include representatives from Local Authorities, United Utilities, NEA, Citizens Advice, Business in the Community, CAfS, Scope, Age Concern and Age UK, Macmillan, TBBT, Hope4U, Auriga plus energy savings partners and community support groups from across the region.
We are grateful to the panel for their support and commitment. We have continued to meet regularly throughout the pandemic and their help shaping the business plan 2023 – 2028 has been invaluable.
If you would like to find out more about our consumer vulnerability advisory panel, please email stakeholderengagement@enwl.co.uk
Community engagements events
KYP garden party
Event to promote energy efficiency and our priority services register, held with Kashmir Youth Project (KYP), a Rochdale-based charity dedicated to the economic regeneration of local communities.
Celebration event
Event held at Burnley Boys and Girls Club to celebrate 12 months of success working with our key partners. Find out more about our partnership with the club by watching our video.
AF launch event
Staff and volunteers at the formal launch of our partnership with Advocacy Focus (AF), in Accrington. AF works with local agencies to actively promote and provide the right services to the people of their community.
Guide Dogs 5k run
In August 2019, Electricity North West colleagues took part in the 'Use your senses' 5km run at Heaton Park in Manchester to help raise money for the Guide Dogs charity. Watch our short video to find out more.