Deliverable: A series of videos explaining and promoting careers in Offshore Wind Consenting.
Offshore wind is playing an increasingly key role in the future energy mix, and the sector is maturing rapidly on a global scale.
However, growth is dependent on the availability of critical skills and recent modelling indicates that in the UK, the forecast of employment required in 2030 is outstripping the pace of workforce development.
This data indicates that amongst there are several skills gaps and shortages which need to be addressed, including Consenting roles, which are essential to manage the upcoming pipeline of offshore wind farms in the most environmentally sensitive way possible.
Results and outcomes
The videos were published as part of a broader campaign during Green Careers Week 2023, led by OWIC and RenewableUK. They were actively shared with educational institutions, training providers, SNCBs and other stakeholder organisations to support recruitment and training activities.
Within the first month of release, the video series was viewed over 1,000 times – a significant impact for a niche subject. In the months following release, other organisations requested permission to use the videos as part of their campaigns.
Watch the videos
A Government / industry partnership
Driving the development
of UK offshore wind
Supported by
RenewableUK
We were all really happy with both the quality of the videos and the delivery of the project. Widesight quickly grasped the brief and led a thorough discovery exercise which flushed out some key questions, helped tighten the scope and drive all subsequent decision making.
Feedback from interviewees and stakeholder organisations was unanimously positive: many commented on Widesight’s industry knowledge and ability to structure insightful conversations, as well as as their efficient and cheerful project management. Overall, a highly successful project, well delivered, and with minimal fuss.”
Kat Route-Stephens, Head of Environment & Consents, RenewableUK
Where to start with a project like this? Here's how we did it:
1. Scoping & Planning
As with any project, the most important first step was to determine the objectives and ensure a shared understanding amongst all stakeholders.
Widesight led a collaborative process to refine the objectives and priorities. Who, specifically, should be targeted? Which were the priority audiences? How could they be reached? What key messages should be emphasised? What would be the call-to-action? How would the videos be promoted and in what contexts would they be viewed?
Inevitably, there were diverse views on these and other questions but Widesight was able to distil these, add their own expertise and present a concise, coherent set of recommendations to guide the approach.
3. Video production
Both filming sessions were successfully completed, with interviewees reporting that it was an enjoyable, stimulating and productive time. Whilst interviewees were given the option to attend for their 30 minute interview slot only, almost all opted to attend for the whole day.
Shortly after the recording sessions, Widesight produced a draft video as a template. Once the team had shared feedback, the remaining videos were drafted. When the full set was available in draft form Widesight managed a thorough review process, including the interviewee and their organisation followed by the client team. Once approved, Release forms were signed, each video was finalised and a Lessons Learned session completed.
2. Project delivery
The video series would feature ten professionals from various stakeholder organisations.The series would be opened and framed by an explainer video about the role of Consenting in offshore wind. Widesight drafted a scope and outline for this explainer video, which was developed and released alongside the interview videos.
Widesight scheduled and arranged two recording sessions - one in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and one in London. At the same time, Widesight ensured that all interviewees and organisations were bought into the process of approving and video and releasing it formally via legal documentation.
In advance of the filming, Widesight developed relationships with each interviewee. This was supported by a short, succinct written brief outlining the details of the session and interview. The brief served two purposes: ensuring the interviewees were confident and secure about how to prepare and what to expect on the day; but also proposing key topics for each which were first reviewed and approved by the client team. In this way, all stakeholders were confident in advance of the filming that the output would fully meet the brief.
Why Widesight?
Widesight was selected because of their deep understanding of the sector, coupled with technical know-how and track record. A specialist Comunications agency with extensive experience in the Energy industry, Widesight has expert knowledge built up over several years supporting organisations throughout the offshore wind supply chain. This includes strategic communications planning, content development, video production and expert interviews.