Big Energy Saving Network (BESN) energy awareness training for front-line staff: 19th and 21st October

Recently we published a feature called Winter + energy bills + COVID-19 constraints = potential fuel poverty crisis  explaining the perennial problem of fuel poverty that manifests itself each winter, and which is likely to be made worse for many by the outcomes of Covid-19 this year. 

Covid-19 has already increased usage from staying at home more often and will continue to do so as the temperature goes down and the heating turns up. Loss of income, redundancies and short-time working are all contributing to an unprecedented energy crisis for many people - and the cold weather hasn’t even arrived yet.  

Free Training for frontline staff and volunteers 

As one of the five key initiatives we support, the article listed Big Energy Saving Network training. The idea is to train frontline staff in VCSE organisations, public agencies, housing associations - and indeed any organisation whose staff engage with vulnerable clients - to help them support those clients in improving energy efficiency and staying warm in their homes, raising awareness about the Priority Services Register, switching suppliers and generally getting better deals on their energy bills. 

Are your staff and volunteers aware of the support available? CAN is offering free online training to help people provide support and information where needed.   

Forthcoming sessions: 

Mon 19th October       2pm – 3.30pm 

Weds 21st October    10am – 11.30pm 

Our free training session will help you: 

• explore ways to help vulnerable people save energy and money in their homes 
• understand what support is available to them 
• help people find the cheapest supplier 
• know where to signpost clients to and understand what else they might need to consider 

For joining information please email [email protected].   

We can also arrange a session for staff and volunteers at a time convenient to you. PLEASE NOTE: this offer is open to VCSE, public sector and private provider organisations across the Eastern region – not just Norfolk. If you are interested in booking a session for your staff or volunteers please contact [email protected] or call 01362 698216 and leave a message - we'll get back to you.  

More about Big Energy Saving Network 

BESN is a community outreach project targeting vulnerable energy consumers. It is delivered by ‘energy champions’ in organisations across England and wales. 

Funded by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), the Big Energy Saving Network (BESN) is an outreach initiative which aims to engage and empower vulnerable individuals to make informed decisions on how to make their energy expenditure more affordable. Sadly, trust in energy companies is low across all population groups and vulnerable consumers tend to be amongst the most disengaged in the energy market. They are also the least likely to switch energy supplier or tariff, often requiring more intensive support to engage.  

BESN was designed to deliver support to consumers using face-to-face contact through ‘trusted intermediaries’ such as champions, volunteers and frontline workers. It has achieved considerable success when measured against its core aims of reaching out to, and enabling, vulnerable individuals to make informed decisions on energy saving behaviour.