Innovative collaboration with Glasgow Warriors wins Planet Mark Award
An impactful community partnership between leading electricity network operator, SP Energy Networks, and champion rugby club, Glasgow Warriors, has won the Community Engagement Award at the Planet Mark Awards 2024.
Recognising businesses’ commitment to shaping a more sustainable future, the Awards celebrate exceptional accomplishments and innovative sustainability projects.
The SP Energy Networks (SPEN) and Glasgow Warriors partnership was recognised for its commitment to championing diversity and inclusion through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education/careers and sport, as well as its extensive reach into the heart of local communities.
The partnership does this through an annual school rugby championship, with launch events held at Glasgow Science Centre; Development Days to encourage more schools to support participation in sport; dedicated STEM events at Scotstoun Stadium – the home of Glasgow Warriors; women’s rugby coaching; and a partnership charity day to connect with charities identified through SPEN’s Priority Services Register (PSR), which supports vulnerable customers.
Successful outcomes include:
- More than 5,000 pupils taking part in the school rugby championships since 2017.
- Around 1,700 young people engaged in STEM and sporting initiatives during 2023/24.
- 90% of pupils attending Development Days now considering a career in STEM.
- PSR information shared with more than 10,000 vulnerable people through charity relationships and regular attendance at Glasgow Children’s Hospital – supporting 20% of the increase in PSR registrations between 2022 and 2024.
- The introduction of Quiet Sessions to give rugby fans with sensory and additional needs the chance to watch a ‘Captain’s Run’, see behind the scenes and meet Glasgow Warriors players.
SP Energy Networks Director, Scott Mathieson, said: “Our partnership with the Glasgow Warriors has exceeded all expectations and it’s fantastic to see it recognised in this way. Supporting our communities is at the heart of what we do in both organisations and the results speak for themselves. We’re proud to have inspired, engaged and supported thousands of young people, families and individuals – it’s clear we’re making our ‘Mark’.”
Glasgow Warriors Managing Director, Al Kellock, added: “Our partnership with SP Energy Networks is all about making a tangible difference to the lives of people in our community. It is a partnership that goes far beyond the boundaries of Glasgow city, and the sport of rugby.
"By working with SP Energy Networks, we’re providing valuable opportunities for participation, education, and competition, creating a powerful and long-lasting legacy that will reap benefits for years to come. To be rewarded for this work is credit to all those putting their energy into making such an impact in our community.”
Eddie McConnell, Chief Executive, Down’s Syndrome Scotland attended one of the SPEN-Warriors partnership charity events. He said: “It’s really great that SPEN and the Glasgow Warriors team are open and willing to learn about how they can improve and be more inclusive of our community. It was also great to learn about the priority register service as many of our community would be considered vulnerable.”
Miss Young, Teacher, St Clare’s Primary, Glasgow: “I absolutely adored learning about all the jobs you could get from doing STEM. The pupils absolutely loved attending the [STEM Day] event and were talking about it for days afterwards.”
Further information on the SPEN/Glasgow Warriors partnership can be found on the SP Energy Networks website: Community Partnerships - SP Energy Networks.