In order to maximise the potential of our workforce and achieve our objectives it is important to develop their belief and engagement in National Grid’s vision.

In February 2009, we conducted our second annual employee survey. A total of 24,727 employees took part, representing 91.8% of our workforce. During 2008, we undertook intensive action planning at the Company, line of business and individual employee level, to address the key themes of improving communications, providing greater clarity on vision and direction and providing stronger links between performance and reward. The 2009 survey reported a 10% increase in the employee engagement index, up to 70%.

Improvements were reported across all survey dimensions, with significant improvements in the areas of vision, direction and communications which were key action items from the 2008 survey. Employees continue to believe National Grid’s safety culture and supportive management are significant strengths but would like to see improvements on how the Company creates the context for change, raises accountability and takes further steps to create links between performance and reward. Action plans are being developed and will form part of the management annual objective process for 2009/10 to ensure we further build upon this survey success.