Phoebe's STORY

What do you do and where do you do it?

I currently work as one of 3 Commercial Framework Development Leads within the Market Change Team in National Gas’ System Operation function.

Why is your role important? Why is it important to the company/ the people of the UK/ the UK economy?

In my role, I am responsible for the development of the Commercial & Regulatory Framework for Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS). This means that in my day-to-day I serve as the subject matter expert for the CCUS regulatory regime and develop proposals with our partners within the CCUS space of how the framework should evolve in both the short and long term.

This role is important because the proposals we develop directly influence the development of the CCUS Sector in the UK, if adopted. The successful deployment of CCUS is a necessary aspect to meeting our 2050 net zero goals, and therefore my role could directly impact whether or not these aims are achieved. How and when we reach net zero will have wider consequences for our economy and the UK’s international reputation as a climate leader.

Which parts of the job do you enjoy most / find most rewarding?

I think the most rewarding aspect to my role is its centrality to delivering Net Zero, and Clean Power before this. Consequently, it’s easy to stay motivated, even when I have a demanding workload or encounter a problem especially difficult to solve. Its also great to work in an environment in which everyone is passionate about delivering on this shared goal.

What path did you use to get to the position you hold today?

I completed an undergraduate degree at the University of York in 2021, graduating with a 2:1 in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. I joined National Gas in 2024 as a Market Development Analyst and was subsequently promoted to Development Lead in Summer 2024. In my current role, I find myself relying on my PPE degree regularly, with all 3 dimensions being useful to understanding different perspectives, the rationale for different policy interventions and forming reasoned and logical arguments to influence stakeholders.

What did you do before?

Before I worked at National Gas, I worked within the water industry for a year, as a Market Design Analyst at MOSL, the market operator for the non-household water retail market in the UK. Like the methane and CCUS markets, the non-household water retail market is regulated, and market players adhere to a specific set of market “rules” or “codes”. Therefore, this role was in some ways really similar to the role I do now, albeit focussed on short-term change projects.

What attracted you to join the energy and utilities sector?

I was attracted to the role as a Market Development Analyst at National Gas for two reasons. Firstly, the job description really emphasised that the position directly contribute to delivering Net Zero, something that I feel strongly about. Therefore, I could really sense that the role would have a strong purpose to it and this really appealed.

Secondly, and more generally, energy and utilities appealed to me because the sector is so broad and multifaceted. Consequently, you can develop a career encompassing many totally different job roles and functions which are really very different, whilst building an in-depth knowledge of the same sector. National Gas in particular is good at encouraging lateral moves and secondments, underpinned by a personal development plan, so you can explore your interests in many different areas and develop a range of complementary skills.

Why is your current position better/ more satisfying?

I’m not sure I’d agree that my current role is objectively better than roles I’ve previously held, just different. There are elements of my current role that I particularly enjoy though, including the amount of time I spend working with people to solve problems and agree solutions.

What do you think of the career prospects? Have you had much training and development?

I think the career prospects at National Gas and in energy and utilities are great. I get a lot of support from my manager and wider team around my personal development, and as a result last summer I completed my International Diploma in Business Analysis, was promoted, and have subsequently has opportunities to informally line manage more junior colleagues. On training and development, every employee at National Gas has access to LinkedIn Learning, and our department has a budget for specific external training programmes too. I have also heard of colleagues that are completing degrees sponsored by National Gas.  

I mentioned already, National Gas is supportive of lateral moves and secondments and were regularly encouraged to have personal development discussions with line managers.

What does an average day consist of?

I would say my role is very stakeholder focussed. A lot of what I do will be preparing for or attending workshops, in order to understand problems and select and agree solutions that might affect a wide variety of stakeholders.

I split my time between office and home working. On days I come into the office, I try to meet as many people face to face as I can, and reserve report writing, wrapping my head around new and complex obligations and preparing for presentation to the days I work at home.

Would you recommend your job to a friend and why?

I would recommend my job to a friend (and in fact, recently have!). National Gas has a supportive company culture and provides a great point from which to build a varied and interesting career within the energy and utilities space.