Allyship Award (individual) 

Recognising an individual as an agent of change who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, supporting women colleagues, addressing the gender imbalance and materially contributing to the success of women in the industry.  

Entries for this category should show evidence of: 

• An individual who champions and takes action to encourage women and support their progression 

• Practical and sustained support for women within their organisation and/or the wider industry, which has had a tangible and quantifiable impact 

Best EDI initiative (company) 

Highlighting an internal initiative at a company which has resulted in improving equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the business.  

Entries for this category should show evidence of:  

• An initiative which has established a long lasting positive change to the workforce  

• An initiative which improves accessibility of women for all socio-economic backgrounds, ethnic minorities, sexualities, abilities, neurodivergence and gender identities to careers in utilities  

• A bold and ambitious project improving the welfare of employees (please give examples) 

Education Outreach Award  

Recognising an individual or a company initiative that has done outstanding outreach work with communities to encourage and inspire women into a career in utilities.  

Entries for this category should show evidence of:  

• An educational outreach programme which influences the next generation to choose a career in utilities  

• The tangible and quantifiable impact and breadth of the outreach project 

• A program or project with a long-lasting impact, demonstrating consideration of the initiative’s future  

Mentor of the year (individual) 

Highlighting an individual who has gone above and beyond as a mentor to support and develop the careers of future women leaders in utilities.  

Entries for this category should show evidence of:  

• An outstanding commitment to mentorship to drive both personal and professional development  

• Evidence of a tangible and quantifiable impact for the individual(s) mentored  

• Testimonial from a mentee (200 words)  

Returning Star

Awarding an individual in the middle of their working life - who has perhaps returned to a career in the utilities industry following maternity leave or a career break - and has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to their organisation and/or the wider industry since their return.

Entries for this category should show evidence of:

• An outstanding career journey and achievements since returning to work in utilities, for both the individual and their organisation
• Success in maintaining an effective work-life balance
• How they have contributed to wider industry or organisational goals, for example, achieving net zero carbon emissions or championing innovation
• Testimonial from the nominee’s line manager (200 words)

Rising star (individual) 

Celebrating a woman who has worked in the utilities industry for fewer than five years and demonstrates huge potential, while making a significant contribution to their organisation and to the industry as a whole and demonstrating an ongoing commitment to innovation.

Entries for this category should show evidence of:

• The individual’s commitment to a career in utilities, and to their own learning and development
• An outstanding contribution to their organisation or the wider industry, with quantifiable benefits for the organisation and/or its customers
• How they have contributed to wider industry or organisational goals, for example, achieving net zero carbon emissions or championing innovation
• Testimonial from the nominee’s line manager (200 words)

Best Employer for Women (company) 

Celebrating a company which has inclusion and diversity deeply embedded in its culture, values the benefits of a diverse workforce and has implemented policies to remove barriers and encourage the development of women.  

Entries for this category should show evidence of:  

• An established culture that supports inclusion at all levels of the organisation, and for women at all stages of their career 

• A supportive parental leave policy and flexible working options and other inclusive working practices which support women’s progression in the workplace
• A demonstrable commitment to proactively close the gender pay gap

Hi Vis Award 

Awarding a woman delivering outstanding work in field operations, who is contributing materially to the success of her own organisation and providing an inspirational role model for the next generation. 

Entries for this category should show evidence of:  

• An ambitious individual progressing and/or innovating in field operations  
•  An ongoing champion for women within an organisation and/or the wider industry and/or wider community 

Woman of the Year Award 2024 (individual) 

Recognising an outstanding leader who over the course of their career has contributed materially to the success of their own organisation and/or the wider industry, and provided an inspirational role model for women in utilities. 

Nominations for this category should show evidence of:  

• Proven leadership and an outstanding track record of delivery within an organisation and the wider industry, leading directly to business success 
• An ongoing record of active support for women within an organisation and/or the wider industry and/or wider community 
• An inspirational role model for the next generation of women in utilities