To ensure value and sustainability in energy and water, is the aim of the UK's only multi-utility regulator. Belfast-based Utility Regulator protects the short and long-term interests of energy and water consumers in Northern Ireland. More than 90 engineers, accountants, economists and administrators work for the organisation — and their development is a point of pride for senior managers.

The success of the structured support and development programme, UR People, was a big factor in helping the organisation win an Investors in People Silver accreditation. Set up in 2007 as a non-ministerial government department, the Utility Regulator oversees electricity, gas, water and sewerage industries worth billions of pounds.

It promotes staff engagement through online platforms, which are used for work meetings and social events. It also organises staff "away-days" that focus on giving something back to the community, such as a beach clean that was run in conjunction with Tidy NI, an environmental organisation. Staff have access to a cycle scheme, as part of UR's mission to reduce its carbon footprint.

Over the past year, the organisation has been considering its New Ways of Working scheme for a return to the office. A working group has developed a set of principles for a hybrid model. Staff were asked for their views earlier this year, too. Remote meetings will continue, cutting down UR's carbon footprint for car and plane travel.