As we get ready to start construction in 2025, we are committed to being a good neighbour to the local communities within which we work.
As the project enters construction phase, we will be exploring and identifying volunteering and supporting opportunities available that can help us in delivering social value to the local onshore communities and marine environment.
The key themes we aim to focus our social value contributions on are:
Nature positive
Delivering a sustainable environmentally friendly project that protects and preserves the environment in which we work and identifying opportunities that enhance and improve the local environment is key to the project.
Inspiring the next generation
We aim to support local schools, colleges, and other education providers in raising awareness and interest in STEM subjects.
Socio-economic growth
The project will seek opportunities to boost the local social and economic benefits by maximising our spend with local businesses, services, and suppliers, and doing our upmost to generate new employment.
Community support
We are keen to support local registered not-profit community organisations and charities that make a positive impact on residents physical and mental wellbeing.
When construction starts in 2025, we will explain how charitable and not-for-profit community-based organisations can apply for funding for initiatives based around these four themes.
Communication
There are a number of ways in which we will keep everyone informed about project progress as construction gets underway and ways in which you can get in touch.
Dedicated EGL1 community relations team
If you have a question about our works or wish to speak to a member of the project team, please contact us and let our dedicated community relations team know.
Project progress updates
We will keep you updated about project progress and upcoming works through this website, community newsletters and local information events/meetings.
Community Liaison Group in County Durham
We have started a regular Community Liaison Group (CLG) meeting in County Durham, that is attended by local ward councillors, parish councillors, Durham Wildlife Trust, Sustrans and Durham County Council officers. Initially the focus has been on the substation and converter station aspects at Hawthorn Pit and South Hetton. The CLG will expand to include the cable route up to Seaham as our main contractors come on board.
The CLG gives the community the opportunity to get detailed updates as the construction progress and raise matters that are important to people who live and work locally.
Our first CLG meeting was held on 22nd June 2023.
Focus groups in East Lothian
In East Lothian, we attend a number of local forums that are in place to keep the local community informed and to aid coordination between developers. These include:
- East Lothian Energy forum hosted by Paul McLennan (MSP)
- East Lothian Developers - Construction Traffic forum – Hosted by SSE Renewables
- East Lothian’s Wind of Change group – Chaired By Chris Bruce of East Lammermuir Community Council