Tell us about your career path, and how you got to work for Believ?
I was a business manager for a power and gas company and realised I wanted to pivot my career and explore a different avenue after reflecting on the damage the industry can cause to the environment. This led me to study for a Master’s degree in sustainable systems, in New York, with a focus on cleaner technologies and renewable energy. I then went on to complete a fellowship at EDF energy around the decarbonisation of heavy fleet in the US.
Tell us about your master’s degree, and whether it has had any influence on your role as ESG and Social Value coordinator at Believ?
It has indeed! My masters focused on sustainable systems, and my course involved a deep dive looking at cleaner energy, with my project focusing on lifecycle processes of renewable energy. This was crucial in developing my understanding of the industry, further influencing my current role at Believ.
What does your role at Believ entail and why is it important to have an ESG & Social Value Coordinator?
I first joined Believ as a tender specialist, responsible for site selection, and commercial and legal analysis of the tender sites. I worked closely with local authorities across the UK and was involved in a number of major tender wins.
Most recently, I changed roles and became the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and Social Value Coordinator for Believ. This is a new role, created because the business realised it needed full-time, dedicated resource to ensure Believ makes a positive difference. It encompasses Believ’s impact on the environment, its relationship with stakeholders, its leadership and management practices, and decision-making processes.
I still work closely with local councils and authorities, but I now work to deliver Believ’s commitment to social values and ESG. Believ is committed to implementing and delivering initiatives and practices that drive a positive impact on wider society and the environment. For example, Believ has set a goal to become a net zero charge point operator by 2050. I make sure that Believ is on top of reporting and that we are having a positive impact on the communities we work in. It is important because companies have a responsibility to the people and environment in which they operate.
We also organise volunteering events that empower our staff to step beyond the office, engage directly with communities, and contribute meaningfully to the social and environmental causes that align with our ESG values. Additionally, earlier this year Believ achieved B Corp certification – a great milestone which demonstrates high standards of performance, accountability and transparency in sustainability, equity and responsibility.
Despite having only been in this role for a couple months, I believe that I am making a positive change – and my team and I are only just getting started!
What do you think the next 5 years are going to look like for the EV charging industry?
By 2030, the government plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, so the race to get alternative infrastructure ready in time, is on. I think there will be charge points within a 5-to-10-minute walk of everyone’s home meaning that reliable, high-quality charging will become accessible to everyone. This will allow the public to get on the road and feel confident that they won’t get stranded. I also anticipate that we will see the same rollout happening in the UK replicated in all countries across Europe.
What advice would you give to other women looking to get into the EV charging industry?
There is a place for you. Project management, sales and finance, build and operations are just a few of the available departments, and women should feel free to apply for roles in any of them, depending on their passions and interests. The current speed at which the industry is moving, propelled by new legislation and government commitments, means that it is also a very exciting time to join.
What more can be done to help women succeed in the EV charging industry, and why is it important women are fully represented?
I believe by investing in opportunities that allow women to participate and have a voice will help encourage those who are on the fence about whether they would like to join the industry.
It is also important to be deliberate in hiring, advertising jobs in the right places to make sure that they reach a range of individuals from different backgrounds with diverse experiences and perspectives.
Having diversity, with individuals and women from different backgrounds and from various walks of life, is proven to benefit the workplace, industry and society as a whole.
Why is it important that we celebrate Women in EV?
Typically, there is a misconception that certain industries are more male dominated. Therefore, spotlighting women in EV will show that there is in fact inclusivity and diversity within these industries. Women can do it all!
I hope that girls will look up to the women we are spotlighting and see how exciting their roles and the industry is, especially if this is something they would have never previously considered.
At Believ there are women in many different parts of the business, and it shows that Believ takes its commitment to DE&I very seriously. I think it is a beautiful place to work and is somewhere that holds values very highly. Women are represented and do have a voice, and it certainly doesn’t feel like a male dominated workplace.
For more information please visit: believ.com
More stories on the EV industry can be found here: https://essmag.co.uk/category/energy-efficient-transport/
