In 2024, two young engineers at FairHeat – Sasha Green and Ethan St Catherine – decided it was time to start a conversation. What began as a simple idea following FairHeat’s internal presentation for Black History Month soon evolved into a movement: the creation of FairREACH, FairHeat’s BAME committee and internal community.
FairREACH was founded with a clear purpose — to create a safe, supportive space for ethnic minority colleagues, champion representation and inclusion within FairHeat and influence positive change across the wider heat network industry.
The Story Behind FairREACH
Both Sasha and Ethan joined FairHeat through the company’s Graduate Scheme, drawn by the organisation’s purpose-driven focus on sustainability and net zero. But as they settled into their roles, they recognised an important gap, one that extended beyond FairHeat. Ethan mentions:
“We were in the cultural capital of the UK, yet we didn’t see that diversity reflected in our workplace or across the wider heat network sector. At the time, Sasha and I were the only two Black engineers at FairHeat. We wanted to change that, to make sure there was a space for those like us, who don’t feel fully seen or heard in the industry.”
Their shared experiences shaped the founding of FairREACH. Both grew up in predominantly white areas and understood what it felt like to be the only person of colour in the room. Sasha describes how that shaped her drive to make a difference:
“I wasn’t prepared to feel like the only Black person in the room again. I wanted others to experience the same sense of community that I found at FairHeat, a place where people from all backgrounds are valued, represented, and celebrated. Creating a space for open and honest dialogue became my way of helping to ensure that once we attract diverse talent, we also create the conditions necessary to retain it.”
Rooted in Personal Experience
For Sasha, who is of mixed British and Caribbean heritage, her background played a huge part in shaping her perspective. Growing up in a deprived area where over 70% of households experienced some form of deprivation, she learned early on the importance of access, representation, and opportunity.
“It’s not just about race, FairREACH is also about supporting people from disadvantaged backgrounds more broadly. Often those things intersect, and we want to help create a workplace that recognises and uplifts everyone.”
Ethan, whose family heritage spans Ireland, Trinidad, and St Lucia, echoes that sentiment. His awareness of ethnic identity came later in life, at university, where he finally found others with shared experiences.
“I didn’t fully appreciate my racial identity growing up. But as I got older, I learned to celebrate and embrace it. FairREACH has become a way to bring that confidence into my professional life and encourage others to do the same.”
Creating Space for Conversation
At its core, FairREACH is about education, empathy, and empowerment. The committee is working to remove the stigma around talking about race, religion, culture and class in the workplace, ensuring everyone feels confident to have those conversations openly and respectfully. Ethan explains:
“It’s about making the workplace and our network a genuinely safe space. People worry about saying the wrong thing, but the real goal is to learn and understand why something might be wrong and how to approach it differently next time. Growth comes from dialogue.”
Through awareness initiatives, training, and open discussion, FairREACH aims to make inclusion part of everyday culture — not just a once-a-year celebration. The committee also serves as a feedback channel for underrepresented colleagues, ensuring voices are heard and action is taken where needed.
Influencing the Industry
While FairREACH’s roots are internal, its vision extends far beyond FairHeat’s walls. The group works closely with wider networks such as the Diverse Heat Network (DHN), helping to connect professionals and promote diversity in the heat network sector. Ethan, who is also a DHN Champion, mentions:
“The work we’re doing internally can help influence the industry externally. By showing what’s possible, we encourage others to do the same — to create their own spaces for conversation and representation.”
He adds that inclusion is also about improving the sector itself:
“Heat networks serve communities. We need to make sure our workforce reflects those communities, and that we bring in people from all backgrounds to design, operate, and manage systems that impact everyone.”
Looking Ahead
The year ahead for FairREACH is full of promise. The committee plans to continue growing the internal community, expand awareness training, and partner with other industry initiatives to champion EDI. But just as importantly, Sasha hopes FairREACH remains a celebration of culture:
“We want FairREACH to be a platform that celebrates the diverse cultures within FairHeat, where people can share traditions, stories, and experiences they’re proud of. It’s about celebrating differences, spreading acceptance, and reminding everyone that diversity is a strength.”
Ethan agrees, emphasising the importance of momentum:
“We’ve had a strong start. The goal now is to keep up the momentum, continue to influence change and support FairHeat and our industry being a place where everyone feels they belong.”
A Community That Reaches Further
FairREACH now represents more than a committee. It’s a growing community within FairHeat with over 30 members, one that connects colleagues, celebrates identity, and champions inclusion across all levels of the business.
As FairHeat continues to grow, FairREACH will remain a cornerstone of its culture, ensuring that diversity, equality, and belonging aren’t just ideals — they’re embedded in the way the company thinks, works, and leads.
