Senior Authorised Person - SAP in England

The role of Senior Authorised Person - SAP will assure the construction of networks to ensure that ESP adopts, operates and maintains safe, compliant and efficient assets. The SAP will have responsibilities for operational matters associated with the day-to-day running of electricity networks along with a role to assure that EHV assets are constructed to appropriate standards. This will be achieved in conjunction with other members of the senior management team who provide specialist knowledge. This role is key to the adoption and operation of assets across residential and I&C networks. As we adopt more EHV networks, familiarity and experience of these would be beneficial.

Role Purpose

Key objectives for this role are to manage and oversee the construction of assets up to 132kV ensuring that safety and operability are to the required standards to allow ESPUG to meet its licence conditions in the most effective way. Control and authorisation of electricity distribution networks is also a key objective ensuring that both ESPUG standards, Distribution Safety Rules and industry guidance are complied with. As a senior member of the Network Operations management team, this role will have input to the development and implementation of processes and strategic decisions to ensure that effective commercial and regulatory outcomes are achieved, and business targets met. Responsible for building close relationships with ESPUG’s portfolio of ICP partners, Contractors, Emergency Service and Maintenance Service Providers. Ensure that processes and resources are put in place to respond to network incidents. Represent ESPUG, or deputise for Network Operations Manager, at industry forums, workshops, meetings etc. as and when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Accountable for the quality and compliance of asset construction and network operations by:
• Ensuring that contractors (ICPs & contractors authorised to work on ESP Electricity Network) are safe, competent, accredited and regularly audited against ESP Policy & Procedures and industry guidance.
• Regularly briefing Customers on changing industry requirements and ESP Policies and Procedures.
• Engaging in regular technical and compliance discussions with Customers to support delivery of safe, compliant and efficient networks.
• Managing inspection of assets under construction, pre and post commissioning (including any pre-construction activities as required) to ensure that safe, compliant and efficient networks are adopted by ESP.
• Reporting on safety and technical non-conformances, compilation of information and managing targeted interventions (e.g. increased visits, Technical & Safety Bulletins to be issued).
• Assisting Customers on the design of HV and LV networks necessary for the safe, efficient, and compliant design, construction, operation and maintenance in accordance with ESP’s standards, industry standards and legislation.
• Acting as Safety Controller under ESP Distribution Safety Rules.
• As HV control engineer, plan and control HV switching schedules.
• Provide 24hr HV Control standby duties on a rota for fault and planned works.
• Delivering Fault Response activities through our service providers and ensuring maximum recovery of claims resulting from 3rd party damage to ESP assets.

Key Skills

• High Voltage Senior Authorised Person with several years’ experience of High Voltage and Low Voltage electricity Distribution networks.
• Authorised to manage safety switching of the electrical network.
• Specific key skill requirements:
• Holds an in-date High Voltage SAP authorisation (Fault and planned switching) preferably with a DNO up to 132kV.
• Holds workbook of experience to demonstrate authorisation level.
• Experience of delivery, installation, operation and maintenance and management of electricity distribution networks.
• Understanding of fault detection and repair techniques.
• Understanding and experience of fault location switching strategies.
• Knowledge of the Regulatory and HSE Framework.
• Knowledge of electricity industry Standards, Recommendations, Specifications and Legislation relevant to the construction and operation of electricity distribution networks.
• Knowledge of the philosophy and principles relating to the design of electricity distribution networks including protection and SCADA.