Retrofit Catalyst

National Energy Action (NEA) has recently secured funding to develop a new pilot project that
aims to help local people reduce their heating bills, create healthier homes, and be ready for
the transition to net zero. Over two years, a local energy retrofit hub will be established in
three different locations, each with two members of staff who will help build trust, provide
guidance and support, harness opportunities, and empower local people to achieve and benefit
from change. Two local energy retrofit hubs are already up and running; one in Sheffield and
one in Burnley. The key will be to work at the heart of the community to encourage / support /
enable householders to take up existing grants for energy efficiency measures but in addition,
practical (funded) assistance will be available to enable retrofit works and to offer
additional non-funded support as necessary. As well as the important benefits to participating
households, this demonstration project will provide valuable insight into the attitudes of
low-income householders towards energy efficiency improvements, highlighting challenges and
barriers to retrofitting energy efficiency measures into the homes of those who need it most.
NEA intends to utilise the knowledge gained (positives and negatives) to inform and influence
those who make the decisions and design key national energy efficiency campaigns.

The Retrofit Catalyst will be one of two new staff based in, and working to establish, a new
local energy retrofit hub in Oldham (exact location TBC). We are also recruiting for a Home
Retrofit Consultant in the same location (job ref R93). The Retrofit Catalyst will carry out
development work to understand the make-up of the local area, the housing stock, existing
networks and strategies and to identify gaps in provision. They will be responsible for
identifying opportunities for significant schemes such as ECO to be implemented on a larger
scale and to build partnerships with organisations working locally where they can add to the
retrofit experience. Through the action taking place in the community, the Retrofit Catalyst
will build local capacity with installers and supply chains to deliver energy retrofit measures
in a supportive environment. They will also co-ordinate or deliver advice and events in the
community to householders and/or others to raise awareness of retrofit practice and
technologies as well as to inform and de-mystify. Impeccable customer service will be at the
heart of all community engagement.

The Retrofit Catalyst will work alongside other NEA departments to share experiences and
learnings and to assist with the progression of other elements of the project. They will be
expected to identify local/regional funding opportunities and assist NEA’s Fundraising and
Partnerships team to produce proposals where applicable.

NEA’s Retrofit Catalyst role sits in the Directorate of Homes and will report to the Community
Retrofit Project Manager.

The retrofit Catalyst will have experience working in energy retrofit, community development
and regeneration or housing sectors. They will also be an excellent communicator with
experience and understanding of how to effectively address the energy needs of low income,
vulnerable or disadvantaged householders – with the desire to make a positive difference to
people’s lives.

A standard DBS Check will be required for this role.