Why is responsible driving important to SSE?

At SSE, safety is not a priority that shifts, it is a value that underpins everything we do. Whether we are working on critical infrastructure, supporting our customers, or travelling between sites, we are responsible not only for ourselves, but for the communities we serve. Responsible driving is therefore not an add on to our safety agenda, it is central to it.

With thousands of colleagues driving every day as part of their role, SSE has a significant presence on the UK and Irish roads. That brings with it a duty to act responsibly, lead by example and strive to be a company of safe drivers.

What you do as an organisation already in this space

Driving remains one of the highest-risk activities many of us undertake every day, whether that’s traveling to our sites or commuting to our offices. The more vehicles’ employers have on the road, the greater the exposure there is for drivers, and passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.

Our vehicles are an extension of the workplace, being safe, considerate and compliant isn’t just about protecting our people, it’s about Doing the right thing. This aligns directly with our Management of Road Risk Policy, influencing safer roads and fewer families impacted by preventable tragedies.

SSE has clear policies, robust training, ongoing driver education, a dedicated road risk team and a culture that actively encourages people to speak up, slow down, and challenge unsafe behaviour. We have specific road safety objectives included as part of our annual SHE Plans. Risks are managed by ensuring that a permit to drive process is in place, requiring regular risk assessment to ensure drivers are competent to drive on SSE’s behalf, and that vehicles are appropriate for use and can be used safely.

Initiatives, such as our annual driver safety campaigns, with regular focus on Summer and Winter themes aligned to seasonal risks are communicated and briefed to all teams.  We also have our Driving Signature Practices which set the tone on expectations to Drive Right.

• Respect: Your own health & well-being, other road users and maintain your vehicle in good condition
• In the Zone: You are alert, not distracted, mobile phone out of reach, focussed, disciplined and patient
• Good to Go: Your journey is risk assessed, cabin clear, vehicle checked. If you’re driving an Electric Vehicle (EV) then it’s important that you plan for charging stops if required
• HIT: HIT Handbrake, In Gear, Turn Wheels
• Too Fast, Too Close: Maintain appropriate speed and keep your distance from vehicles in front

The impact the overall campaign had on SSE and Declan personally

I attended the “Seeing is Believing” immersive experience and the Road Safe Roadshow in Belfast. As Corporate Partners with Business in the Community (BITC)  for Responsible Driving, we were invited to witness the reality of road safety enforcement and the sobering aftermath of traffic collisions.

During these events we met with Road Policing Interceptors and Dog Handlers to see the technology and specialised units required to monitor our roads and respond to incidents in real-time.

The Collision Investigation Unit walked us through a case study, detailing the meticulous and often heartbreaking process of reconstructing a fatal crash site to determine its cause.

Perhaps the most impactful sessions for me featured a presentation on the “Fatal Five” – Speeding, Drink/Drug Driving, Careless Driving, Seatbelts, and Distraction –  including a firsthand account from individuals who have been impacted by a road fatality, which has changed their lives forever. It was a powerful reminder that ‘collisions’ accidents” are often the result of preventable choices.

How the business will continue to help employees and to share the Fatal Five messages

Hearing real stories, reflecting on the devastating impact of road collisions, and openly discussing the Fatal Five behaviours was powerful.

For me, this campaign reinforced that leadership in safety is about much more than policy or compliance. Every decision we make, whether we rush, take a call, or stretch our limits while driving, sends a message, but we can influence others to be safe on the roads, we can take that into our future campaigns.  Our ambition and goal is simple but significant; everyone gets home safe, every day.

Our Commitment

As a safety leader at SSE, I am personally committed to responsible driving, not just in words, but in actions. That means planning our journeys properly, avoiding distractions, respecting speed limits, and never compromising safety for convenience.

It also means holding myself to the same standards we expect of others and supporting my teams to do the same. Leadership is visible, especially on the road.

If each of us commits to safer choices behind the wheel, the impact is enormous.

If it’s not safe, don’t do it.