From a small team of six in 2020 to over 150 colleagues by mid-2025, the Windward Group has never viewed growth as a numbers game. For us, expansion means building a place where people belong. Our mission is twofold: power communities through renewable energy and resilient networks and ensure our people can bring their whole, authentic selves to work. Our culture is woven from four core values that shape every interaction. These aren’t corporate buzzwords; they’re living commitments. They guide how we collaborate, how we celebrate difference, and how we treat each other with dignity and respect. At Windward, feeling heard, supported and valued isn’t the exception, it’s the standard. DE&I at Windward is far more than an initiative, it’s a strategic pillar embedded in our governance. Commissioned by the Board and reporting into the People Committee, our DE&I Working Group ensures inclusion is purposeful and actionable. Its structure places accountability at the heart of our culture, with our Managing Director directly involved to champion the work from the very top. Formed in August 2023, the group represents the breadth of our business. Nine colleagues, drawn from every part of the organisation, meet monthly to drive policy, engagement and awareness. Their actions are shaped by a robust charter and a shared commitment to build a better workplace.
Some highlights of their progress:
• Launched a comprehensive DE&I policy
• Introduced anti-bullying, harassment and discrimination policies
• Developed a pioneering Gender Diversity policy
• Raised awareness around key religious and national celebrations
• Amplified mental health initiatives through inclusive campaigns
• Embedded DE&I into orientation for every new starter
The past two years have been a transformative chapter in Windward’s story. Here are some of the moments we’re proudest of:
Recognition
• Named #72 in the UK in our debut year in the Great Place To Work list
• Featured in GPTW UK’s Best Workplaces for Wellbeing
Gender Balance and Leadership
• Achieved a 50/50 gender split across the group
• Elevated women to senior leadership roles in engineering, policy and land management
Youth and Community Engagement
• Reached 7,000+ pupils through STEM outreach events
• Hosted 30+ work experience placements in 2024, with plans to double this by end of 2025
Pride Participation
• Supported Cardiff Pride for three consecutive years
• Expanded support to Edinburgh Pride to embrace inclusivity across locations
Orientation That Connects
• Every new colleague experiences our DE&I philosophy through a thoughtful orientation. With Insights Discovery, they explore personal strengths, collaboration styles, and team dynamics. It’s a deeply human experience, designed to help people thrive, not just onboard.
Campaigns That Spark Change
• In February 2025, we championed Race Equality Matters with simple but powerful daily actions. Through 15-minute calendar prompts, colleagues engaged in reflection and learning. One board member shared this candid response: “I thought the week of sessions was excellent. Very thought-provoking—and will help me change. As someone who grew up in the ’60s and ’70s, I reflect on the sexism, racism, bigotry and homophobia that society threw at me. Every day is a school day. My wife and I continue to observe and challenge the biases we were taught. These sessions moved us deeply.” These stories reflect how our culture creates not only workplace transformation, but personal evolution.
As a DE&I group our brilliance lies in more than project plans and policies. It’s in how we connect people, spark conversation, and drive real cultural change. Our work stands at the intersection of experience and action, bridging gaps with empathy, courage, and intent.
Why we’re worthy nominees:
• Our charter sets clear accountability and high standards
• Our initiatives shape every stage of the colleague journey, from interview to promotion
• Our monthly support leads to culture-shaping campaigns tied to national moments and personal wellbeing
• Our influence permeates every level, from boardroom decisions to peer conversations
• We’ve created a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and pushes us to keep learning
We believe inclusion is not a finish line, it’s a daily commitment. It’s in the way we welcome new voices, learn from each other, and hold space for difference. Our DE&I Working Group is not just a team, they’re the heartbeat of our mission to build a culture where every person belongs.
