Join us for “Enhancing Energy Infrastructure through Innovation and Inclusive Collaboration” on Friday 24th October 2025 (09:00 – 17:00), kindly hosted at Arup’s Birmingham offices by the CIGRE UK Women in Energy section. This one-day event brings together energy professionals, researchers, and industry leaders to explore the future of sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure. Through a series of engaging sessions, panels, and workshops, participants will have the opportunity to share insights, exchange ideas, and co-create solutions that advance the energy transition.
Programme Highlights
Session 1 – Presentations: Designing the Network for the Future Sustainability, Integration, and community engagement
- Technical Challenges of Building an HVDC Grid – Richard Poole, National Grid Ventures
The presentation will cover aspects of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology and discusses where the technology currently is, moving to and describes some of the challenges associated with integrating it into the Transmission System.
- Sustainable design – speaker TBC
- Evolving Transmission Network Design for Net Zero – Amanda May, National Grid
This presentation will discuss how design of the transmission network needs to evolve to meet the future needs of our customer, stakeholders and society. We will cover the challenges and opportunities of designing transmission networks, against a backdrop of industry processes such as connection reform. We will look at how we are thinking about and managing the complexity of a co-ordinated network design and the skills and capabilities needed to make this transition.
Session 2 – Panel Discussion: Shaping Tomorrow’s Grid
- Focusing on advancements in maintenance processes and smart grid upgrades.
Networking Lunch
- Connect with peers and expand your professional network.
Session 3 – Interactive Workshop: Sustainability Design Challenge
- A hands-on group challenge to design innovative, sustainable electrical systems, followed by group presentations.
Session 4 – Soft Skills Panel: From Awareness to Action: Men as Catalysts for Inclusive Leadership
This dynamic session highlights the essential role men play in driving inclusive leadership within the energy sector. Moving beyond awareness, the discussion will focus on actionable strategies male leaders can take to support diversity, equity, and belonging in their organisations. Through personal stories, lived experiences, and practical tools, our panellists will explore how male allies can challenge bias, foster inclusive cultures, and champion diverse leadership pipelines.
Attendees will gain insights into how inclusive collaboration strengthens innovation in energy infrastructure and leave with concrete ideas for creating more equitable workplaces — where all voices are heard, valued, and empowered to lead.
Panel Members:
Biljana Stojkovska: Chair CIGRE UK Women in Energy
Gary Ford: for background go to: Men for inclusion website
Closing Networking Drinks (16:00 – 17:00)
- An informal opportunity to continue discussions and build connections.
This event promises a rich mix of technical innovation and inclusive dialogue, fostering collaboration to shape the energy systems of tomorrow.
This event is kindly hosted by Arup
Speakers
Richard Poole has over 28 years in Electrical/Power industry. His Current Position at National Grid is as the HVDC Principal Consultant Engineer, NGV Interconnector Operations, HVDC Engineering in UK. Dr, Poole’s Professional Experience includes Low Voltage, Medium and High Voltage Electricity Distribution installation, testing and commissioning. AC/DC Protection ad control Design Assurance, testing and commissioning. HVDC project delivery including Design Assurance, Factory Acceptance Testing, Installation and Commissioning. He is also a member of the following Professional Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institute of Asset Management. He is the Global National Grid HVDC Company Technical Expert (CTE)
Amanda May is a specialist in Electricity Transmission Networks and Head of Customer Network Design at National Grid. She is a chartered engineer who has worked in the energy sector for over 20 years, in a career spanning distribution and transmission.
Biljana Stojkovska is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the IET, with extensive expertise in clean energy and grid technology integration. She has a strong track record of delivering technically robust grid projects with clear commercial impact. Her career spans grid systems, energy markets, system planning, and operations, with a focus on techno-economic analysis to optimise asset value and business performance. Recognised for her leadership in complex, high-value strategic initiatives, Biljana has successfully navigated demanding regulatory and commercial landscapes. She is also an accomplished international communicator, engaging regularly with industry stakeholders, governments, and regulators.
Biljana is the Founder and Chair of CIGRE UK Women in Energy and serves as Vice-Chair of the CIGRE International WiE, where she is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the energy sector.
Charlotte Higgins is an Associate Director with Arup, leading the Electricity Transmission and Distribution business. She has over 20 years’ experience in energy and electricity T&D with expertise in the development and planning of electricity networks. She has led and contributed to a number of ground breaking innovation projects and is inspired by working with clients to help develop and deliver the network that’s needed for the energy transition. Charlotte is a regular Cigre contributor and supporter and held the position of UK regular member for Cigre C1 study committee System Development and Economics from 2018-2022.
Gary Ford is the co-founder of Men for Inclusion, having spent 10 years in the Corporate world advocating for gender equality and diversity and inclusion wherever he worked. Gary’s not just a co-founder; he’s a driving force behind Men for Inclusion, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for creating transformational culture change. In 2023, he was asked to speak at the inaugural UN Women’s Center of Excellence dialogue in Seoul, South Korea. Following positive feedback from the session, he presented at the 2024 UN Women conference, delivering a keynote talk to senior leaders and a 90min workshop for over 50 delegates. In 2020, he co-authored his first book, ‘The Accidental Sexist: A Handbook for Men on Workplace Diversity and Inclusion’ (Rethink Press), showcasing his commitment to fostering inclusivity in workplaces. He previously worked as a technologist within Financial Services for over 35 years. He was a Managing Director at JPMorgan where he co-founded their male allies programme for Women in Technology. The programme was rolled out to thousands of men globally and was ultimately launched across the whole firm. He has been the male ally advisor to Women On The Wharf, and was a winner of the WeAreTheCity Rising Star award in the Men for Gender Balance category. A compelling and knowledgeable industry commentator, Gary provides insights and data that will interest those fostering inclusive workplaces through DEI employee engagement and inclusive leadership.