New Voices, lasting impact

Inspiring. Empowering. Inclusive. Welcoming. Informative.   

These are just a few of the words Scottish Renewables’ New Voices used to describe the campaign, sponsored by Ørsted, as it wrapped up for its second year.

Add glowing reports of personal growth and an average 9.5/10 experience rating to this, and it’s safe to say that the initiative delivered real impact for this year’s cohort.  

Participants described feeling “more confident” in their abilities and “equipped with the tools to use their voices,” with one calling the programme a “safe space to be open, honest and learn about oneself”. Others spoke of being “ready to inspire others like me to make their voices heard” and feeling “honoured to be called forward to be a representative for the wider industry”. 

Perhaps the most consistent theme to emerge was the power of the New Voices community. Again and again, participants highlighted that the connections they had made within the cohort were the most valuable part of their experience.
 

We’re delighted to see how the initiative has fostered a spirit of understanding, one that spans diverse roles, backgrounds and career stages across the renewable energy industry. It’s a network rooted in shared experience, with connections that will continue to grow long after the formal sessions have ended. 

Ultimately, this positive feedback proves the importance of creating inclusive spaces that invest in people – not only as employees, but as communicators, storytellers and changemakers who have the power to shape the renewable energy industry for the better.  

As much as this feedback excites us for the future of the campaign, it doesn’t come as a surprise.

The initiative was designed to create a culture of empowerment, equipping participants with practical tools to communicate with confidence and clarity across a range of settings. At its heart, it’s about valuing and amplifying the fresh perspectives our industry needs.  

To put its philosophy into practice, the campaign takes 10 inspiring renewable energy professionals through a three-month programme of workshops focused on confidence-building, public speaking and media training. Each session is led by industry and communications experts; all committed to helping participants find and strengthen their voice. 

Ensuring that the people shaping our industry reflect the diversity of the communities we serve is not only the right thing to do – it’s essential to unlocking the once-in-a-generation opportunity renewable energy presents.

As industry navigates complex delivery challenges and political turbulence, embracing diverse voices, and the new ways of thinking they bring, has never been more vital. For us at Scottish Renewables, this principle is the north star guiding the New Voices Campaign.  

To this year’s incredible cohort: thank you. Your contributions, courage and collaboration have made the campaign so special. We can’t wait to see what you do next.

Entries for the next cohort of the New Voices campaign will open later this year.