Social Impact Lead in Wokingham

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.

In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users. Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thinking and public value.

The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future. Your energy. Our future. Together.

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

About the role

As Social Impact Lead, you’ll have the unique opportunity to lead the design and embed social impact principles right across NESO, energising colleagues and keeping everyone aligned and inspired as we grow our capabilities. You’ll be at the heart of an exciting movement to strengthen NESO’s role in society, working closely with the Sustainability Manager. This role can be based from Wokingham and Warwick and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements. Please note that a cover letter is required as part of your application.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage NESO’s social impact offering, including leading NESO-wide volunteering, matched giving, promoting programmes and community engagement initiatives.
• Manage the volunteering and matched giving platform.
• Manage performance, track progress against targets and report on a regular basis to peers and senior stakeholders.
• Establish, own and lead partnerships with organisations including charities and community organisations to deliver social impact.
• Work with Corporate Affairs and Internal Communications colleagues to build compelling internal and external stories from the social impact that is delivered.
• Build a repository of case studies that signal NESO’s commitment to delivering wider societal value.
• Establish a strong internal network across NESO to activate and embed social impact initiatives.
• Collaborate with NESO colleagues across regions, nations and Corporate Affairs teams with engagement on social impact activities and initiatives.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in social impact and community engagement.
• Design and manage social impact programmes and provide progress reports to inform stakeholders.
• Participate in and contribute towards a collaborative, inclusive and supportive team culture in line with NESO values.

About You

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who has:

• Professional approach, demonstrating the ability to work independently whilst effectively managing information, ensuring all milestones are addressed.
• Comfortable operating autonomously, maintaining a high level of attention to detail and accountability.
• Highly organised, able to manage projects, events and multiple workstreams.
• High ambition and passion for creating social impact, with experience in corporate social responsibility, volunteering, or community engagement.
• Proven experience managing volunteering programmes and collaborating with organisations, local communities, or local authorities to deliver impactful community engagement and social impact initiatives.
• Ability to shape strategy, with experience designing and delivering impactful engagement programmes.
• Strong communication, presentation and relationship building skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Experience leading reporting and project evaluation, reporting upwards to Senior Stakeholders.
• Proficiency working with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £47,000 - £57,000 dependent on experience and capability. As well as your base salary, NESO's core benefits are the essential perks and advantages that form part of your employee package:

• You will receive a bonus based on company performance.
• 26 days annual leave as standard.
• A competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
• Annual Enrollment to NESO Savings Plan, when you save between £20- £500 a month from your take-home pay, we will pay a 50% matching contribution.

NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle and protection benefits, here's just a few available:

• Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading.
• Additional Birthday Day Off.
• Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts.
• Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance.

More Information

This role closes at 23:59, on the date displayed at the top of this advert, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.