Recruiting volunteers willing to share experiences and provide information and advice to their own networks, to help others build confidence in retrofit.
The Local Energy Advice Demonstrator (LEAD) programme trialled innovative approaches for delivering retrofit advice to hard-to-reach groups and hard-to-treat homes. This resource provides a summary of insights into one of the methods trialled by the South West Net Zero Hub within one or several of its six projects.
Community champions: How the method works
Community champions are trusted individuals who promote energy advice and home retrofit through personal or professional networks. They may share their own retrofit experiences via case studies, public events, or informal gatherings like house-warming parties. Champions also contribute to research and may signpost others to relevant services. Often volunteers, they may also support advice provision in paid roles, such as health or social care. When working with existing community groups, flexibility is key – champions should align with the group’s priorities and preferred ways of engaging their community.
Consult the full LEAD method summary on community champions – linked above and below – for information on why the method works and what you’ll need, as well as accompanying case studies and top tips should you wish to use this method. To finish off, there is also a list of additional resources, such as webinars, online courses, and any other tools or guidance relevant to this method.