Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | 20TH - 26TH JULY 2018 | 29 Customers Customer Care Award Providing essential services to the public places utilities in a unique position of responsibility, and they are increasingly ris- ing to the challenge of changing customer needs and expectations. Entrants for this award must demonstrate a true understand- ing of what their customers want, and a gen- uine commitment throughout the business to delivering this. Diversity Award A diverse workforce is critical to the success and sustainability of utilities. This award, new for 2018, seeks examples of companies that have gone above and beyond the call of duty in fostering diversity at all levels of the business, whether through support net- works, mentoring, HR and recruitment poli- cies or other measures. The judges will be looking for a broad range of diversity – edu- cation, ethnicity, gender, or even diversity of personality. They will be asking how the business has harnessed the potential of this diversity, and seek evidence of its benefits, for both the business and the individuals that work within it. Environment Award This award is for the company or a specific project that demonstrates a clear and con- scious commitment to good environmental management, going above and beyond legal or regulatory compliance. Judges will be looking for how the project or programme has been delivered includ- ing costs and time scales, and measurable benefits to the environment that have been brought about the project or programme. Health & Safety Award This award recognises exceptional commit- ment to all-round health and safety by a company or organisation within the industry. Entrants must demonstrate an innovative, robust and high-quality safety management system together with a minimum of four years' consistently excellent or continuously improving health and safety performance that goes beyond statutory requirements. Customer Engagement Award As customer expectations of their service pro- viders rise, utilities are seeking new and inno- vative ways to engage. This may be through a new app, a new social media channel, or a new way of engaging customers face to face. Innovation Award Utilities of all shapes and sizes recognise that innovation is a must-have if they are to adapt to the changing environment in which they operate. There are multiple approaches to innovation – some innovation is funded via regulation, some is generated within the core business; some is large scale, some might be a single project or new approach. This award, new for 2018, seeks to celebrate and recognise those businesses that have created a culture of innovation, and realised its benefits for customers, stakeholders and the business alike. IT Initiative of the Year The effective use of information technology (IT) by utilities is essential to providing the high service levels customers have come to expect, while containing costs. Entries to the IT Initiative Award should demonstrate the use of modern – not necessarily cutting edge – IT systems to help the business achieve its aims. Staff Development Award Entries should demonstrate a sound, thoughtful approach to staff development that meets the organisation's skills require- ments and provides long-term career devel- opment, whether at apprentice, graduate or other stages of their career. Supply Chain Excellence This award is for the utility company that can demonstrate innovating working with supply and contracting organisations, whether that is optimising the relationship; finding ways to draw on others' experience; making step- changes in managing the supply chain; or creating a partnership that is more than the sum of its members. Judges will be looking for how the partnership facilitated knowl- edge exchange – for example, between the utility and the supply chain's partner from other sectors; or within the utility's broader business. Team of the Year Any utility is only as good as its people, and this award is for the team that went the extra mile in 2017/18 to deliver a defined project for the company or one of its stakeholders. This may be a special-purpose team bringing together otherwise disparate members or an existing team that has taken on a challenge or performed above and beyond expectations. Utility Partner of the Year Has your business helped the utilities sector reach new heights? This year, we're introduc- ing the Utility Partner of the Year award to recognise the vital contribution contractors, IT providers, suppliers and other partners make to the utilities sector. This award seeks to recognise and celebrate those businesses that help the UK's utilities deliver outstand- ing service. The judges will be looking for a business that truly understands utilities; that adds value through long-term partnerships; and that helps utilities deliver above and beyond expectations for customers and other stakeholders. Utility of the Year This prestigious award recognises the out- standing utility that sets a benchmark for others to aspire to. The winning utility will have delivered on every front, for customers, employees and other stakeholders. It will be a successful and sustainable business with a customer-focused culture and a strong record on staff development. Our winner will work closely and collaboratively with its partners and will be an ambassador for the utilities sector. HOW TO CATCH THE ATTENTION OF THE JUDGES "I'll be looking for evidence that stakeholders have been engaged on the need for the project and that delivery has been well managed" CAPITAL PROJECT AWARD LEAD JUDGE: MAXINE FRERK, DIRECTOR, GRID EDGE POLICY "I will be looking for evidence of the outcomes, such as data showing the impact of engagement – primarily the impact on the community" CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT AWARD LEAD JUDGE: MIKE FOSTER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, ENERGY AND UTILITIES ALLIANCE "I am looking for companies and people who have recognised the exciting changes ahead and who are responding with foresight and innovation" DIVERSITY AWARD AND INNOVATION AWARDS LEAD JUDGE: LAURA SANDYS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, CHALLENGING IDEAS 2018 awards sponsored by

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