Inclusive Interactions - Shaping the Future of our Industry and Inspiring the Next Generation

Those who know me well will know I'm a huge fan of the music of Whitney Houston. For my 5th birthday I received The Bodyguard soundtrack on tape where my love of Whitney began - not the typical musical choice of a child growing up in the 90's, but I guess I've never quite fit everyone else's mould. More than the undeniable talent and musical genius of the melodies that captured me as a child, the words of her songs have always felt like they jump out at me. Several times in my life I have heard a song and suddenly it takes on a whole new meaning to me - I guess this is the magic of music.?

Last week I had such a moment. Driving home from day one of the RenewableUK and Scottish Renewables Floating Offshore Wind Conference and Exhibition in Aberdeen's P&J, a song I have heard several hundred times came on shuffle. It starts:

"I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way."

It is the first time that I really thought about these words, it was also the first time hearing them as a mum and it got me thinking - what will I teach my daughter Daisy to help her get on in life? What examples can I set which might make a difference?

In the lead-up to the event I had attended one of our quarterly RenewableUK Shadow Board meetings where I was asked would I be able to make it along to the conference. I explained that my partner had a work event and we'd struggle to find childcare so it was unlikely. Just as I had written it off, a member of the RenewableUK Exec team said that if I could make it then both Daisy and I would be very welcome.?

At first, the idea of taking along my 4 month old baby seemed out of the question, I had never seen anyone take their children into such a formal and professional setting. But the way with which my colleagues at RenewableUK and the Shadow Board warmly encouraged our attendance, and even offered to watch Daisy if I wanted to go in to certain conference sessions made me feel it could be possible.

I will admit, ahead of the conference I did have some concerns: What might people think?! Would Daisy behave? Would I be judged for bringing my child? Where would I feed her?

Thankfully all of my concerns were allayed on getting to the P&J.

When I arrived, I went straight to the Newcomers Breakfast Briefing which was being run by my fellow RenewableUK Shadow Boarders: Anne-Charlotte Gaillard , Claire Melrose (Gilchrist) and Nicola Harris . The networking at the start of the session allowed me to meet new people and both Daisy and I received a very warm reception. It was great to be able to provide some insight to attendees on who they might be able to speak to and also to provide an overview of my employer Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) where support or funding may be required.

The team covered a number of topics including developer timelines, a CfD allocation round explainer and supply chain engagement tips. They also presented key sources of information and support allowing everyone to make the most of the event.

I did step out while my colleagues were presenting as Daisy decided to be a little bit vocal with happy gurgles and I didn't want to detract from the excellent preparation which the team had put into the session.

After the wonderful welcome address from Claire Mack from Scottish Renewables and keynote speech from John Swinney - Scotland's First Minister, it was the turn of esteemed colleague and OWGP Board Member Zo? Barnes , to launch the FLOW Taskforce 2050 Vision Report entitled Floating Wind: Anchoring the next generation offshore. As expected, Zoe received a positive reception which teed up various discussions and sessions throughout the conference.

I had the privilege of taking on the part-time role as a workstream lead as part of the Taskforce and was delighted to see this work also published in parallel with the Vision Report.

The reports can be found below:

Floating Wind: Anchoring the next generation offshore

https://www.renewableuk.com/news-and-resources/publications/floating-wind-anchoring-the-next-generation-offshore/

Over the course of the event I was able to attend a couple of conference sessions, mostly while Daisy slept in her harness, but I spent most of my time going round the exhibition.

Attending industry events is a part of my normal role which I really love. Seeing companies I have supported in my day job grow from strength to strength, gaining up to date insight on the industry, catching up with colleagues and friends energises me. It’s where I feel most at home.

On this occasion it was both the professional and personal intertwined, which was exactly what I needed in parallel with singing nursery rhymes, attending baby classes and tracking nappies to maintain my sanity and professional connection. It felt really good to be included.

What I didn't expect - the genuine warmth, interest, admiration and beautiful human connection which complete strangers offered out to me as I walked round. Many people shared their own tales of parenthood, some stopped me just to speak to Daisy. Many people asked whether I was back at work already and a few told me that when they had their children they wished they had been able to attend events. A number of people remarked about the importance of children seeing their parents in a work context and many joked that apprentices just keep getting younger and younger! This well spirited humour was refreshing and delivered without malice or sarcasm.

I was blown away by kindness and it really put into focus the inclusivity and progressiveness of our industry. People were surprised but delighted at our presence. Several people said seeing us there would encourage them to consider it in future.

It is important to me to really thank both Scottish Renewables and RenewableUK for creating a space where both Daisy and I were not just welcome, but could be comfortable. Putting in place a feeding room alongside other provisions to make the event inclusive for all really did make a huge difference to our ability to participate and enjoy all there was to offer.

And if I had any doubts about my own ability to teach Daisy about how wonderful life and our industry can be for her future, I know I won't need to look far around me for support.