60 Seconds with Gwyneth Compston, Power NI

Gwyneth Compston is the newly appointed Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Power NI. The East Belfast mum of 2 tells us about her new role and what’s coming up in the future at Power NI.

Monday 6 September 2021

60 Seconds with Gwyneth Compston, Power NI

Gwyneth Compston is the newly appointed Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Power NI. The East Belfast mum of 2 tells us about her new role and what’s coming up in the future at Power NI.

Tell us about Power NI and your role within!

Power NI is Northern Ireland’s largest electricity supplier and I have recently taken up a newly created role as CSR Manager. I love working with people and communities in Northern Ireland and I’m very fortunate that, as a company, we have a heart to make a real difference to the communities where we work, live and operate.

What has been your career journey so far?

I studied Consumer Studies at Ulster University and as part of the course I had the chance to take a placement year to work in a local business. I secured a one year placement with NIE (before we were Power NI we were a part of NIE) in the Customer Relations team. I had a fantastic placement year and when I went back to university I continued to work with NIE for a couple of days each week doing some admin work. I then successfully applied for a Graduate position and the rest as they say is history, I’m still here 19 years later!

Describe yourself in 3 words.
Organised, positive and compassionate

What is the 1 skill that helps you the most in your role?

I’m a good listener and I make time for people.

Do you have any advice for your fellow Women in Utilities?

Work hard, enjoy what you do and make time for yourself so that you get a chance to take a break and do things you enjoy. I’m a busy mum of two young children and they give me a really good reason to get out and about. With a clear head I’m much more productive at work but for me, it is really important to have some down time so that I keep the right balance between work and family.

Are there any exciting plans on the way for Power NI?

We reached out to more organisations and groups than ever during the COVID pandemic. We are looking at how we can continue these important conversations over the coming year.

Who is an inspiration in your career?

I have always admired my mum and her approach to work. She was a Home Economics teacher when I was growing up and worked in some very challenging schools. She was always very firm but fair with her most difficult pupils and earned their respect…. I know that mum also tried to make learning fun and even though she was strict in the classroom, she always tried her best to encourage learning and that is something I’ve always tried to do...work can be fun, and people feel more motivated when they are enjoying their work and their environment.

Stay tuned to all things CSR at Power NI at: powerni.co.uk/community

Monday 6 September 2021