Starting the conversation
As the UK pushes toward a clean energy transition, one thing has become increasingly clear: the technical and policy pieces of the puzzle are not enough on their own. Real progress - on heat networks, retrofit programmes, local energy strategies - depends on communities being meaningfully involved. Not consulted after decisions are made, but genuinely engaged in shaping them.
Local authority officers across England have been equipped with new skills and confidence to lead meaningful conversations with communities about clean energy, following the delivery of a national Energy Champions training programme.
Delivered by engagement specialists Involve on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the programme built on the Innovate UK Net Zero Living Programme and was delivered in partnership with all five Local Net Zero Hubs.
The initiative has created a cohort of officers capable of strengthening engagement practices within their organisations and local areas, supporting more effective, inclusive and informed dialogue around energy and net zero.
Building skills for meaningful engagement
Local energy projects - including retrofit programmes, heat networks and place‑based energy strategies - depend on communities being actively involved in shaping decisions, rather than being consulted at a late stage. However, many local authorities face challenges when trying to deliver this level of engagement, often due to limited resources, inconsistent approaches and a lack of opportunities to share learning.
The Energy Champions programme was designed to address these challenges by equipping officers with practical tools, techniques and networks to enhance how they engage with residents and stakeholders.
Through a series of regional workshops delivered across England, 45 local authority officers developed skills in deliberative engagement - learning how to design processes that genuinely listen to communities, respond to concerns and incorporate public input into decision‑making.
Participants were also supported to improve how they communicate climate and net zero, focusing on values‑based messaging and clear, accessible storytelling that resonates with local audiences.
Supporting better outcomes for communities
As local authorities continue to play a central role in delivering net zero, they are increasingly expected to lead on complex and sometimes sensitive issues, often without sufficient support. At the same time, challenges such as misinformation and declining public trust can make engagement around clean energy more difficult.
The Energy Champions programme responds to this by promoting a shift away from traditional “tick‑box” consultation towards genuine dialogue and shared ownership, helping to build trust and deliver stronger outcomes for local projects.
New guidance to support local authorities
Insights from the programme have also informed the development of new Public Engagement Guidance for local authority officers, providing practical, evidence‑based support for those responsible for engaging communities on clean energy.
The guidance (download at the bottom of this page) offers a resource for officers looking to build their confidence and capability, helping to embed more effective engagement approaches across local projects and policies.
For regions including the Midlands, the programme aligns closely with ongoing work by the Local Net Zero Hubs to support local authorities in developing and delivering ambitious energy projects - ensuring that communities remain at the heart of the transition.
By strengthening engagement skills and supporting knowledge sharing, initiatives like the Energy Champions programme play a key role in enabling local authorities to move from ambition to delivery - and in ensuring that the transition to clean energy is both inclusive and community‑led.
Our Midlands Energy Champions
Within the Midlands, this work is being taken forward by two dedicated Energy Champions, supporting activity across both the East and West of the region. Acting as local points of expertise, they play an important role in sharing learning, building confidence among officers, and strengthening approaches to community engagement across local authorities.
Reach out to our Midlands Energy Champions
Sim Dhura: Sim.Duhra@gedling.gov.uk - Climate Change Manager at Gedling Borough Council & Will Higgins: Will.Higgins@wmca.org.uk - Energy Research Analyst & Partnership Coordinator at West Midlands Combined Authority
As the energy transition continues to accelerate, building this kind of capacity at a regional and local level will be essential to delivering successful, community‑led outcomes.
Local authorities and partners are encouraged to explore the guidance, connect with their regional networks, and continue building the skills needed to place communities at the heart of net zero delivery.