Optimising Your Profile for the Net Zero Agenda

In this Panoramic Associates Briefing, supported by LOGIN, Alex Miller and Harper Redman are joined by Gerald Charles to share valuable insights on how to future-proof your profile, avoid emerging risks, and succeed in the Net Zero and Retrofit sector.

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Talk Overview

Gerald discusses the additional skills that retrofit professionals need to meet the growing complexity of the sector. He highlights how the role is expanding beyond technical delivery to encompass compliance, coordination of staged works, and systems thinking, especially when early interventions, such as heat pumps, are introduced. He then explores how the sector can prepare a workforce that is as competent in customer engagement, sequencing, and quality assurance as it is in technical expertise.

Recruitment specialists Alex and Harper  share practical advice on how to stand out in the competitive Net Zero job market. From tailoring your CV for retrofit and sustainability roles to nailing interviews and navigating the hiring process, they offer clear, actionable tips to help you present your experience with confidence and land your next role.

Key Takeaways from Q&A & Discussion

• Skillsets & Entry Points: The importance of real-world experience was emphasised, particularly asset management and surveying, when entering the retrofit space. Effective communication with residents is just as critical as technical know-how.
• Training & Standards: Gerald highlighted the inconsistency in retrofit training pathways, noting that individuals can become coordinators without prior industry experience which can sometimes lead to questionable delivery standards. He advocated for a more structured progression through PAS 2035 roles.
• Community Engagement: There was a big focus on the need for trust-building with residents. Clear communication, early adopters, and community influencers are key to success, especially in what some may call a “post-truth” era where trust in public initiatives is low.
• Operational Disconnects: There’s an apparent tension between capital-funded retrofit works and revenue-funded facilities management. Discussion pointed to a lack of integration in maintenance planning and a poor handover process as ongoing challenges.
• Post-Installation Support: Gerald shared how organisations like CSE are addressing the post-installation gap with funded advice services, especially for technologies like solar. Miscommunication around expected financial benefits was flagged as a widespread issue.
• Funding Cuts & Future Outlook: Responding to a question about government support, Gerald confirmed that recent funding cuts have had a severe impact on supply chains and training. However, he expressed cautious optimism about new green skills funding expected in autumn, with further investment anticipated in the years ahead.

Our Guest Speaker

Gerald Charles is a retrofit specialist with a background in domestic energy efficiency strategy, project leadership, and whole-house retrofit delivery. He has led programmes across Wales and the South West, focusing on scalable retrofit and place-based decarbonisation. With a BSc in Construction Project Management and a Level 5 Retrofit Coordinator qualification, Gerald’s current work focuses on staged retrofit approaches and the strategic deployment of heat pumps as early measures.