How volunteering connects people with the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement

Jenny joined National Grid four years ago in an admin support role for the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement. Before that, she was an office manager for a training company. She explained that her career hasn’t followed a straight path.

“I knew I wanted a change from my previous job, as there weren’t many development opportunities, and I wanted more of a career after I had my son,” Jenny said.

“At National Grid, I first worked part-time, and then gradually moved into my current role, now working full time,” she added. “Once I learned more about the community liaison officer role, it just felt right.”

The Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement is part of The Great Grid Upgrade, National Grid’s plan to upgrade the network so more cleaner energy can reach homes and businesses across the region.

The work involves many people and partners. Jenny plays a steady role in identifying the communities where the team can make the greatest impact through volunteering.

Her job involves working closely with colleagues from across the project and, ultimately, helping the communities affected by the project in Suffolk and Essex.

She said the best part of her role is the people she gets to work with.

“I love being part of a team,” she said. “Everyone working on the project is great. I really enjoy building relationships with people both at National Grid and in local communities.”

Last December, Jenny helped organise a team volunteering day that made a real difference in the local community. What started as a simple conversation quickly grew into an idea to support the Suffolk Scouts as they updated parts of their site.

The Scouts needed help to prepare spaces for outdoor activities, supporting future events at the site. This includes Suffolk Punch 2026, a much-anticipated week-long camping event with more than 1,000 people expected to attend.

The volunteering, part of National Grid’s wider community engagement programme, gave the Scouts practical support while also helping the Bramford to Twinstead team get to know the area, and each other, better.

“It started as a simple idea,” Jenny explained. “The Scouts needed help with the Hallowtree Scout Activity Centre to make sure it can continue to host future events.

“I immediately thought it would be good to help the Scouts with something they needed to get done as soon as possible.”

The team helped with painting, repairing, clearing and other hands-on jobs that needed doing.

“Everyone got stuck in,” said Jenny. “There was a great energy. It was lovely seeing people from different parts of the project working side by side.”

Eight members of the team dug a 200-metre trench, clearing tree roots and rocks to prepare the ground for new electricity cables, fibre-optic ducting and water pipes.

The Scouts told the team how much the help meant to them, and the site looked and felt refreshed afterwards. Many colleagues said the day helped them feel more connected – both to the project and to each other.

In addition to donning their boots and gloves, the team also donated 10 laptops to Suffolk Scouts. These will be used to deliver outdoor first aid training at Bramford Scout Group, enabling volunteers to lead adventure activities such as mountaineering, rock climbing and sailing.

“The Scouts really appreciated all the work the team has put in to help with the site, and the laptop donations too,” said Jenny. “We are already planning to do more work together, which is really exciting.”

The Bramford to Twinstead project involves technical work, careful planning and close coordination. But projects like this also depend on the people who help create a positive, supportive environment. Jenny’s role makes it possible through supporting communities and local organisations, such as Suffolk Scouts.

As the project continues, Jenny is looking forward to continuing to look at other opportunities for community and volunteering work in the area.

“I love my job – it puts a smile on my face when I say I work for National Grid,” she said. “I want to keep doing good work and helping people where I can.”