Case Study

Renewable Energy Regulatory Affairs Officer

Will Vooght of Good Energy
Information about Will Vooght
Name Will Vooght
Location Wiltshire
Company Good Energy

"The primary motivator is being able to achieve something and knowing I’ve made a positive impact; that’s the real driver behind work."

Will Vooght

Overview

I’m Will Vooght, and I work in the Regulations team at Good Energy.  Despite the fact that we’re a relatively small company, people out there really listen to us because of what we do – we’re the UK’s only dedicated 100% renewable electricity supplier.
Without doubt, university really helped me get where I am today.  It taught me loads about writing reports, research, problem-solving, time management and self-motivation.
The thing I enjoy most in my job is being given a research project and told to run with it - looking at something totally new, learning about it, interpreting the meaning, and feeding back to my colleagues.  A project I recently worked on has just won 2 awards.  When you know that your work is being recognised and you’ve done something really positive, that’s by far the most enjoyable part!

Tell us about your job – where do you work and what do you do?

I work for the Regulatory team at Good Energy.  This basically means that I’m here to keep tabs on changes and developments within the electricity industry, how they affect us as a company, and how they impact upon everyone in the country as individuals.
It’s also part of my job to ensure that we’re compliant with our ‘green obligations’ – the things that ensure we’re the only 100% renewable supplier of electricity in the UK.

What inspired you to do what you do? How did you get into it, did you have a plan?

I studied Geography at university – and managed to shape most of my modules to focus on environmental topics and climate change.  I always wanted (and still want) to work in the environmental sector.  There are endless types of jobs out there; I just wanted to do something that has real benefit.  However, all that said, never did I imagine that it would lead me to a role within an electricity supplier!  I really ‘fell into’ the job that was right for me.
My initial role here at Good Energy involved speaking to customers about what we do, but I’ve progressed through the company into the Regulations team.  I understand that the word ‘regulation’ sounds pretty dull, but it ultimately means that I’m in a position where the work I do can help to influence changes within the industry - hopefully for the better!

Why is your job meaningful?  Both to you personally, and in how it benefits the wider world in terms of climate change and other environmental challenges.

My work at Good Energy has meaning, primarily, because of what it is that Good Energy does – providing clean, green electricity to customers.
Despite the fact that we’re a relatively small company, we’re able to punch way above our weight.  Whether we’re talking on the phone or at a meeting, or writing a report, people out there really listen to us because of what we do.

Many jobs in this sector are very new, how long has your job existed?

Regulation and policy are beasts that are constantly evolving – so there’s been regulation and the need to monitor it for as long as there’s been electricity.  However, the thing that’s changing most rapidly is the policy.  Climate change isn’t regarded as a theory anymore – it’s not a graph, model or statistic; it’s here, it’s now and it’s outside everyone’s door.  Thankfully, the majority of people have opened their eyes to it and policy is starting to reflect this.
There are a lot of changes happening at the moment concerning the way we all use energy and where we get it from.  Some of the biggest changes to happen to the utilities industries are scheduled to take place over the next few years – things that will impact on everyone’s lives.  So, whilst my job title remains the same, the work is constantly evolving.

What personal qualities do you think have got you where you are today?

I know it sounds a little cheesy, but hard work and determination have helped me get where I am today.

What are the essential skills for your job?

I think it’s a certain attention to detail, a knack for making things understandable, and problem-solving (basically, figuring stuff out); all are really key skills required for my job.

What qualifications do you have? Are these typical for people in your role?

I got 10 GCSEs; an A, 6 Bs, 2 Cs and a D - a mixed bag, but I did best in Geography.
Admittedly, I didn’t do as well as I could have at A-level; I got a C in Geography, a D in Physical Education and an E in Business & Economics… if only I could do them again!
I got a BSc at Plymouth university.  Due to a particularly serious skateboarding accident, I was unable to complete my dissertation.  I’m going to finish it though, and instead of Glaciation I think this time I’ll write it on Energy.
I really didn’t do very well in my education.  I knew all along that all it took was for me to apply myself - but I just didn’t.  This is my biggest single regret.

What do you think most helped you get where you are now?

University – without doubt.  It taught me loads about writing reports, research, problem-solving, time management and self-motivation.
Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun and a chance to discover who you are.

Please describe a typical working day

Regardless of how you look at it – good or bad – I honestly find that there is no such thing as a typical working day!  Things are changing very quickly for renewable electricity at the moment - so every single day turns out different to the last. 
Sometimes I’ll be speaking to renewable generators, other times I’m researching something for a colleague or a project, writing a report, attending a meeting, or advising on communications.  The list goes on…  still, it keeps me on my toes!

What do you enjoy most and least about what you do?

When you enjoy something, it’s difficult not to do it well.  I don’t want to blow my own trumpet, but, for example, a project that I worked on and completed at the end of last year has just won 2 awards; the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Award for Climate Change Impact, and the Sustainable Housing Awards’ Sustainable Innovation Award.  When you know your work is being recognised and you’ve done something really positive – that’s by far the most enjoyable part!
The thing I enjoy most in my job is being given a research project and told to run with it - looking at something totally new, learning about it, interpreting the meaning, and feeding back to my colleagues.
At the other end of the spectrum, the least enjoyable part is dealing with people in the industry who have been doing what they’re doing for so long that they’re afraid of change – many of whom seem to want to delay rather than tackle an issue in the here-and-now.

What kind of people do you meet through your work or do you work alone?

I generally meet a number of people, from other companies, who are in similar positions to me.  I also get to speak to individuals from various environmentally-minded businesses and organisations.

Do you feel well paid for what you do, or is it not about the money?

I feel that I deserve what I get – I keep myself busy!  Unfortunately, money is needed to buy stuff (food, etc) so, whilst it’s not all about the money, money certainly helps.  The primary motivator, though, is being able to achieve something and knowing I’ve made a positive impact; that’s the real driver behind work.

Finally, what do you know now about jobs, careers and the future that you wish you’d known when you were at school?

Just how important it really is to put the hours in.  It’s what every kid’s parent tells them - but now I know it’s 100% true.  I’m not a big fan of clichés, but if I could go back to school I’d really try to find the right balance between working and having fun - rather than simply trying to have fun all the time!

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