Change and Transformation in the Private Sector
The UK’s energy sector is facing a significant challenge: a widening skills gap threatening the modernisation of essential infrastructure. To address this, National Grid partnered with North Highland to transform its Data and AI capabilities through the Data Talent Programme. This initiative aimed to make the data profession the envy of the industry and build tomorrow’s workforce today.
The UK’s energy sector is facing a significant challenge: a widening skills gap threatening the modernisation of essential infrastructure. To address this, National Grid (NG) partnered with North Highland (NH) to transform its Data and AI capabilities through the Data Talent Programme. This initiative aimed to make the data profession the envy of the industry and build tomorrow’s workforce today.
The programme focused on four key objectives: develop a clear view of data and AI skills needs, mobilise a data and AI community, optimise talent retention through upskilling and career mobility, and align talent initiatives with strategic business needs
To achieve these objectives, NH worked closely with NG to create a blueprint of existing data capabilities, identify skills gaps, and prioritise talent needs. This involved mapping data professionals across the organisation, increasing the visibility of data skills by 340%. A crucial part of the programme was creating a data and AI community. NH helped rebrand the Chief Data Office to ‘Data Connect’ and crafted an engaging data story that brought to life how data can be used in programmes supporting critical missions for NG. This resonated across the business, mobilising teams around the key mission of “making data our superpower”.
To support talent retention and development, NH and NG created an innovative Data and AI Skills Framework. This user-friendly tool outlines skills and proficiency levels across core disciplines, catering to all skill levels from beginners to experts. The framework also includes inspiring career stories that bring data and AI professions to life. A Knowledge Management Hub was established as a central site for tools to boost data and AI fluency within the workforce. This hub includes a Line Manager toolkit, data fundamentals learning, project spotlights, and advice for applying for new data and AI roles.
The Data Talent Programme delivered significant results for National Grid: a narrative connecting data to the mission of a greener future, a defined global view of Data Talent capabilities and future need, empowered employees with tools to build skills and advance careers, and increased opportunity equality, enhancing skills for under-represented groups
The programme’s impact extends beyond National Grid, benefiting customers and society by accelerating progress towards sustainable energy. For instance, the WhaleWatch project combined data expertise to assess the impact of marine traffic on whale populations for wind turbine placement. The Data Talent Programme transformed National Grid’s approach to data and AI, positioning the company at the forefront of innovation in the energy sector. By fostering a data-driven culture and enhancing capabilities, National Grid is better equipped to address complex energy challenges.
This initiative strengthens internal operations and contributes to broader clean, fair, and affordable energy goals. As National Grid leverages these capabilities, the impact will support the UK’s transition to a greener economy and set a benchmark for data and AI utilisation in the energy sector. The Data Talent Programme exemplifies how strategic investment in skills and technology can drive meaningful change, benefiting both the organisation and the communities it serves.
View the North Highland profile in the MCA Members Directory.