Find Your Fit
Successful SEC’s have diverse skillsets among core team members.
Every Sustainable Energy Community has different strengths and skills based on who is involved and engaged in the community.
We’ve put together some key roles which, from our research, lead to the most successful Sustainable Energy Community Projects.
If you don’t fit into any of these roles just yet, or there’s a gap in your team in one specific area, don’t worry! The best first step is identifying these gaps, and the skills that your group DO have so you can move forward and get to the ‘doing’ quicker. Maybe you have no official experience being a project manager, but friends often look to you to plan the group Christmas party - that’s a great indicator that you already have the foundational skills to build on.
All this to say, these roles are just a guideline to get you thinking about how your team aligns with your SEC goals, and opportunities to help the group move ‘from plan, to do’.
Team Roles
Project Manager
Project managers are organised, passionate and goal-oriented people who
have an understanding of what projects need to move forward and who have
a strategic role in how the SEC succeeds, learns and grows.
Project manager responsibilities range from planning timelines, delegating tasks and pivoting the project based on challenges that arise.
Communications Lead
There are so many methods of communication among communities that it makes sense to have someone on your team own the communication strategy for the SEC. This can include how you engage with members, outreach to recruit new members, social media presence and more.
Research shows that consistent communication enhances trust and helps to
build community relations - whether this takes the form of a community group chat, website or even word of mouth, it’s important that communications is a high priority for any successful SEC.
Subject Matter Enthusiast
It’s fair to say that energy efficiency is at the heart of every SEC - however, it’s
a growing topic and can often be overwhelming to keep up with!
SEC’s with one (or more!) members who are dedicated to keeping up to date with the most effective methods of driving energy efficiency among local communities are uniquely positioned to affect meaningful change.
Community Engagement
Community engagement forms the foundation of mobilising volunteers and community members alike to become more energy efficient. Having a core team member who has experience or an interest in workshop planning, community relations and who can work closely with the communications lead will greatly benefit the SEC.
Consistent engagement with community members will ensure local awareness and even collaboration opportunities with small businesses, other community groups and stakeholders.
