Our values describe how we show up for each other, the people, the communities and the organisations we support, and for the mission that drives us.

At the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), we’re tackling two of the biggest challenges of our time – the climate emergency and fuel poverty. The scale of these problems demands more than technical expertise. It requires a team that works together with purpose, shares knowledge and experience and never stops looking for better ways to make a difference. 

Whether you’re considering joining our team or want to understand what makes CSE tick, these four values are at the heart of everything we do, underpinning our culture and woven into our processes and systems, including how we support staff to develop.

1. Commitment to our mission

We work here because we believe in what the Centre for Sustainable Energy stands for. That means reflecting our vision and purpose in how we work, actively taking part in shaping our strategy and programmes, and speaking up if something doesn’t feel right. 

It also means creating a culture where everyone feels welcome and valued. We look out for each other’s wellbeing, work in ways that are open and inclusive, and make sure all our colleagues can develop a real sense of belonging. 

2. Collaboration

Good ideas can come from anywhere, so we share knowledge readily and seek out insights from colleagues across the organisation. We value what others bring to the table, acknowledge their contributions, and stay open to learning from people both inside CSE and beyond. 

Respect runs through everything we do. We help each other succeed, treat colleagues, clients and funders with genuine consideration, and understand that working together makes us stronger and our impact greater. 

3. Conscientiousness

We take responsibility for our work and follow through on what we commit to. That means delivering tasks on time, flagging challenges early, and always striving to do our best for CSE.

We care for the organisation’s resources, from project budgets to our reputation. We work to improve our knowledge and performance, pay attention to detail where it matters, and act in line with our agreed policies and processes.

4. Initiative

We look for ways to improve outcomes, solve problems creatively, and aren’t afraid to try new approaches. The work we do is constantly evolving, so we stay flexible and willing to adjust as circumstances change.

We offer constructive ideas to drive improvement and welcome input from others. Taking initiative isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about being inventive with solutions to challenges, seeking help when needed and working together to improve our approaches and impact.