National Grid ESO is the electricity system operator for Great Britain. They move electricity around Great Britain’s system to keep homes and businesses supplied with the energy they need 24/7, 365 days a year.
Their mission is to drive the transformation to a fully decarbonised electricity system by 2035 which is reliable, affordable and fair for all.
ILP graduates from the National Energy System Operator (NESO) reviewed existing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives to identify areas of improvement, suggested new policy initiatives and secured leadership support for the delivery. This process led to the ambition of improving the awareness and representation of neurodiversity within NESO.
The NESO team included:
- Deepak Lala, Mid-career leader (Project Lead)
- Abhijit Chakrabarti, Early-career leader
- Daniel Auty, HR Leader
- Cathy Fraser, Senior-career leader
I am a passionate advocate for equity and diversity in engineering and believe in fostering an inclusive environment where varied perspectives fuel creative problem-solving and technical excellence.
Deepak Lala, Programme Director, Distributed Energy Enablement, Mid-career Leader (Project Lead)
“During my time on this programme I have been particularly proud to collaborate with leaders from engineering companies across the UK to increase inclusivity in workplace culture and leadership.
“One way I show up in my workplace as an inclusive leader is by actively seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives in team discussions and decision-making processes. I make a conscious effort to create an environment where all team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, regardless of their position or background.
“I envision an industry where underrepresented groups are not just present, but leading and shaping our field’s future. Where inclusive design is the norm, not the exception, ensuring our solutions work for all. An industry that actively dismantles barriers to entry and progression, fostering a culture where every engineer, regardless of background, can reach their full potential.
Cathy Fraser, Head of Market Requirements, Senior-career Leader
“I am passionate about personal development through mentoring and proud of NESO's commitment for true inclusion through our internships for young people with learning difficulties or who are neurodiverse.
“We need to treat people as individuals and really listen to what creates an environment they can be themselves in.
“In the future of our industry, I’d like for everyone to be seen as an individual – with unique perspectives, ideas and opinions and there is a place for all.
I encourage engineers to challenge themselves on how they promote and encourage diversity of thought – and be curious about others and their lived experiences!
Dan Auty, Power System Manager, HR Leader
As an inclusive leader, I want to ensure everyone's voice is heard.
I’d like to see the industry focus less on perfection, and be less afraid of failure, and I’d encourage engineers to be braver and involve those whose views don't always align with your own.