David Pownall on Connection, Change, and the Future of the EIC
With over two decades of experience in the electrical sector, David Pownall, Vice President of Power Systems for Schneider Electric UK & Ireland, has seen first-hand how vital community, innovation, and compassion are to the industry’s success. As a trustee for the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC), he’s committed to helping the charity stay relevant and resilient as it enters its next era of support.
A Longstanding Awareness, A Growing Involvement
David had known about the EIC for much of his career but became more involved after joining Schneider Electric six years ago.
“I’d known about the charity for years,” he says, “but it was really through Schneider that I began to understand the scale and impact of the EIC’s work.”
Through Schneider’s wellbeing initiatives and the EIC’s mental health and training support, David saw the charity’s work in action. “It just connected,” he says. “What Schneider stands for and what the EIC delivers overlap in a really meaningful way.”
Building a More Connected Industry
For David, one of the most powerful aspects of the EIC’s work is how it brings together such a wide and varied industry.
“This industry is incredibly diverse,” he explains. “If you look at utilities or generation, you’ve got more structure, but then you move into this network of independent contractors, self-employed people, and small firms – thousands and thousands of them. What the EIC does is create a sense of connection across all of that in a way that hasn’t happened before.”
He believes this sense of unity is essential for the future. “If we’re going to do more to look after each other and build something that’s more than just a trade, then that’s where I see the EIC as being really important.”
Celebrating Milestones and Raising Awareness
To celebrate 120 years of the EIC, David has been helping to raise awareness within Schneider Electric and across the wider industry. From promoting the anniversary across internal communications to taking part in fundraising events, his enthusiasm for the cause is clear.
“Jess put me in prison for a day,” he laughs. “It was absolutely freezing, and she didn’t let me out until I’d raised enough money to secure my bail. But it was great fun and a brilliant way to start the year, and we raised a fantastic amount for the charity.”
Looking Ahead: Keeping the EIC Relevant
As a trustee, David’s focus is firmly on the future.
“For me, the question is: how do we make sure the EIC is still relevant in another 20 years – and in another 120 years?” he says. “The world is changing. It’s digitising, electrifying, and moving away from fossil fuels. That’s creating new opportunities but also challenges for people in our industry. Jobs are shifting, new skills are needed, and we’ve got to make sure the charity keeps adapting to that.”
David is particularly passionate about engaging younger generations and supporting apprentices as they enter the sector.
“There’s a huge number of people who’ll retire in the next decade,” he explains. “We’ve got to make sure we’re attracting the next set of people who’ll carry the EIC forward. Unless people understand the value of charity and are prepared to invest their time, our future isn’t secure. That’s why I love the work around apprentices and the Emerging Professionals Board. It’s about planting that seed early and showing people why this matters.”
A Collaborative Vision
One of the aspects David enjoys most about being a trustee is the opportunity to work with peers from across the sector.
“You spend your life in your own bubble. I live in the Schneider bubble, others are in their own,” he says. “But when you come together as trustees, you get this mix of perspectives from every corner of the industry. Everyone’s looking at the same issues through a different lens. It’s fascinating, and I’ve learned a lot from it.”
A Call to Get Involved
When asked what advice he’d give to anyone considering getting involved with the EIC, David is clear: “Just come along. Attend an event, talk to a trustee, ask questions. There’s a role for everyone, whether that’s fundraising, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.”
And as the EIC celebrates 120 years of support, David’s focus remains on the future.
“If we can make a difference to even one person, that’s a job well done,” he says. “The EIC has been there for generations, and our job now is to make sure it continues to be there for generations to come.”
If you’d like to learn more about how you can get involved—whether as a volunteer, supporter, or committee member—click here to find out more about the ways you can make a difference.
