East Durham Trust is recruiting a Community Organiser to deliver the Energising Horden project – an innovative community energy initiative based in one of England’s most deprived former coalfield villages. This role will support the community of Horden to establish a resident-led governance body that can own, manage, and benefit from renewable energy projects. The postholder will be central to ensuring that local residents—particularly those in vulnerable situations—have a voice in shaping and leading community energy schemes. Projects underway include the Horden Mine Water Heat Scheme, feasibility studies for wind, solar, and anaerobic digestion through the Community Energy Fund, and the wider Energising East Durham programme.
About the Project
The Energising Horden project is a first-of-its-kind initiative to ensure that a former coalfield community leads the transition to renewable energy. The project will empower residents to establish their own governance structure, enabling them to own and benefit from major energy schemes, including what could become Europe’s only community-owned mine water heat network. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact by embedding community ownership at the heart of the energy transition in East Durham. Role Purpose The Community Organiser will:
- Build relationships with local residents to ensure all voices are heard, especially those from marginalised or vulnerable backgrounds.
- Support the development of an accessible and inclusive community-owned governance structure (such as a Community Benefit Society or Community Land Trust).
- Facilitate local involvement in major community energy opportunities, ensuring decision making is rooted in resident priorities.
- Ensure the community of Horden has ownership of and benefits from current and future renewable energy infrastructure.
- Help secure the legacy of the project, ensuring community energy revenues are reinvested into tackling fuel poverty and supporting local households.
For more information, please contact info@eastdurhamtrust.org.uk