Helen Westhead
About Helen Westhead
Helen Westhead is an Associate at Arup in Cardiff, United Kingdom, with extensive experience in renewable energy and environmental management. She leads the Welsh Government’s Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy and is a founding member of HyCymru.
Current Role at Arup
Helen Westhead is an Associate at Arup, a global design, engineering, and consulting firm, based in Cardiff, United Kingdom. She has held this position since 2017. In her current role, she leads Arup's contributions to various renewable energy projects, providing multidisciplinary professional support services to energy developers and public sector bodies in Wales.
Previous Experience at Arup
Prior to her current role, Helen served as a Senior EIA Project Manager at Arup from 2013 to 2017. During this period, she managed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects, contributing significantly to Arup's renewable energy and infrastructure development projects in Cardiff.
Experience at ScottishPower Renewables
Helen Westhead worked at ScottishPower Renewables, serving as a Project Manager from 2010 to 2013 and as an Assistant Project Manager from 2007 to 2010. Her roles involved managing and supporting renewable energy projects, contributing to the development and deployment of sustainable energy solutions.
Educational Background
Helen Westhead has a solid academic foundation in energy and environmental studies. She earned a Master's degree in Energy and Environmental Management from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2007. Prior to that, she studied Geography and received a BA Hons from the University of Liverpool in 2005. Additionally, she achieved a qualification in Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law from the University of Warwick - Warwick Business School in 2016.
Key Initiatives and Leadership Roles
Helen leads the Welsh Government’s Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy and is a founding member of HyCymru, an industry body supporting hydrogen energy in Wales. She has hosted various initiatives, including the launch of HyCymru at Arup in February 2020. Helen also hosts the Virtual Energy Network with RenewableUK Cymru, addressing transport and grid challenges. Her role extends to representing local authorities and renewable energy developers in the consenting process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects in energy generation and grid.
Industry Contributions and Group Involvement
Helen Westhead contributes actively to Arup's Equality Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, participating in initiatives such as ICE Women in Engineering, POWERful women, and the Renewable UK Switch List. She also sponsors the Sustainable Academy Awards with Cynnal Cymru and partners, promoting sustainable practices and recognizing achievements in environmental sustainability.