More than 100 people from four gas companies—Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, SGN, and Wales & West Utilities—gathered at the American Express Stadium for a National Inclusion Week event.

The event, organised by SGN, featured panel sessions, keynote speakers, and collaborative activities, with attendees also able to join virtually.

Abbie Sampson, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at SGN, opened the first panel session by highlighting the value of employee network groups for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). She said these groups can connect colleagues, foster a sense of belonging, and drive positive change.

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The event focused on a number of key themes, including allyship and inclusive language. Attendees shared their experiences and discussed how small changes, such as using more inclusive language and making reasonable workplace adjustments, can create a more positive working environment and help with the retention of talent.

Awareness and support for neurodiversity in the workplace was also highlighted. Narissa Kentfield, from SGN's training team, shared how she was inspired to create new training resources for neurodiverse colleagues and their managers.

Ms Sampson said the event was an "incredibly inspiring" step towards making energy networks a more inclusive and diverse place to work and that the message was clear: "now is the time to listen, to act and to create positive change."