At Cadent, the heart of the organisation is its people. As the UK’s largest gas distribution network, Cadent operates across the North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, and the North London areas, providing gas to 11 million homes and businesses. But beyond their essential role in delivering energy, Cadent is deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive.
A key part of this commitment is the company’s seven employee communities. These networks provide vital support, foster a sense of belonging, and champion equity, diversity, and inclusion across all levels of the organisation. Each community is designed to create a space where individuals feel safe, heard, and empowered.
All employees have the opportunity to join these communities, further reinforcing Cadent’s commitment to collaboration, empowerment, and belonging.
We meet the people at the heart of these communities and hear their stories.
Hear from Cadent employees, as they share the values and culture that make the organisation such a unique place to work.
Women in Cadent: Empowering voices
With women making up over 20% of the workforce, the Women in Cadent community ensures that their voices are not just heard but amplified. It’s about support, empowerment, and driving real change.
“Women do face problems which are different to men. You need somebody who can understand you, and that’s where the community comes in,” says Ritika Dutia. This understanding has led to tangible outcomes, such as the introduction of a new range of PPE with both masculine and feminine fits, as well as a maternity range. It’s a testament to the power of collective voices making a difference.
Watch:’Cadent: Living our Purpose’
Men’s Engagement Network: Creating safe spaces
For Dan Johnson, founding the Men’s Engagement Network was about creating a space for men to open up without judgement.
“I think it’s always been useful to have a male group that’s part of the broader set of communities to allow for male representation,” he explains. “It’s important that people know that there are services there for men. There are people that are sympathetic to them.”
This community is breaking down the stigma that often surrounds men discussing their mental health, making it easier for them to reach out and access support. By encouraging honest conversations about stress, wellbeing, and the pressures they face, the community is helping men at Cadent feel understood and supported.
Embrace: Celebrating diversity
Co-chairs Neena Begra and Hanisha Hands-Patel lead Embrace, a community dedicated to celebrating different cultures and backgrounds at Cadent. For them, it’s about forging deeper connections between colleagues and creating a genuine sense of belonging.
“It’s important to be able to understand where people come from,” says Hanisha. “Helping other people understand where I come from or where Neena comes from is important, so you can all feel like you’re part of one purpose, one aim, one cause.”
Through cultural events, open discussions, and shared stories, Embrace helps to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes. It’s a space where employees can share their backgrounds and traditions, encouraging conversations about heritage and identity. The community is helping colleagues to see beyond differences and find common ground — making Cadent a richer and more connected place to work.
Grief Awareness: Finding comfort in community
For Claire Valentine, founding the Grief Awareness community was deeply personal.
“I lost my mum to cancer around three years ago,” she shares. Driven by her experience, Claire’s goal is to create a safe space for colleagues to talk about grief without fear of judgement.
Grief can often feel isolating, especially in a workplace setting. The Grief Awareness community helps to break this isolation by encouraging open conversations about loss and the emotions that come with it. By providing a supportive space, Claire and her community are ensuring that no one at Cadent has to face their grief alone.
Military Community: Shared experiences, stronger bonds
For many veterans and reservists, the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging. That’s why the Military Community at Cadent is so important. Led by Daniel Mills, an Army reservist who also works for Cadent, the community provides a vital support network for those with military backgrounds and their families.
“People with military backgrounds generally gravitate towards each other naturally,” says Daniel. “Having someone to talk to with that shared experience is vital. We’re open to anyone joining and wanting to share and support their stories and support each other in what they do and how they feel.”
The Military Community creates a safe space for veterans and reservists to share their unique challenges and strengths. From understanding the pressures of reintegration to appreciating the skills and discipline that military experience brings, the community helps members feel seen and valued.
Pride at Work: A place to be yourself
At Cadent, the Pride at Work community stands as a beacon of inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community. For Ami Hawtin and Holly Eves, being part of this network has been a game-changer in creating a work environment where authenticity is celebrated
“Being in a workplace where you don’t feel judged and you feel normal is so big; it’s part of your daily life. You feel comfortable every day and that’s a great thing,” says Ami.
For Holly, the support of Pride at Work has provided a foundation of trust and acceptance that has been instrumental in her own growth within the company.
“It’s just been a wonderful employer to work for. They make me feel very safe to be myself, and Pride at Work is a huge part of that,” adds Holly.
By offering a network of like-minded colleagues, Cadent ensures that everyone can bring their full selves to work, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Thrive!: Elevating different voices
Thrive! at Cadent is all about ensuring that employees with disabilities — both visible and invisible — have the support and opportunities they need to thrive in the workplace. Co-chair Lisa Hulbert is passionate about seeing an inclusive culture where all voices are heard and valued.
“Thrive is really important because what I want to see is different voices around the table collaborating and working together and sharing experiences. And people being treated equitably and in a fair way,” says Lisa.
The Thrive! community focuses on removing barriers to inclusion and providing a platform for employees to share their challenges and triumphs. It’s about recognising that disabilities come in many forms — some visible, some not — and ensuring that each employee receives the support they deserve. By creating an environment where everyone can contribute their unique perspectives, the community plays a vital role in driving equity, empowerment, and positive change at Cadent.
The journey continues
Cadent has made significant progress in fostering an inclusive culture, but the journey doesn’t end here. The company remains committed to expanding the reach of these communities and ensuring that everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.
These stories are a reminder that it’s people who make Cadent what it is — and together, they’re building a workplace where everyone can thrive.
