Lighting the Way: Richard Scott’s Mission to Power Change with the Electrical Industries Charity

Since joining the Electrical Industries Charity’s Emerging Professionals Board in November 2023, Richard Scott has quickly become a passionate and proactive volunteer, channelling both personal experience and industry insight into real impact. As a member of the fundraising committee and Kosnic’s official EIC Champion, Richard is on a mission to raise awareness of the charity’s essential services across the electrical sector—particularly among contractors.

Richard’s first encounter with the EIC came through LinkedIn and at industry events like the EDA summer conference. But it was a chance conversation at PowerBall with EIC Managing Director, Jess, that truly lit the spark. Richard recalls. “After PowerBall, I picked up the phone on Monday and got stuck in, I was at the next EP Board meeting without hesitation.”

For Richard, volunteering with EIC is more than a feel-good activity, it’s personal. Just a few years into his career in the electrical industry, Richard and his wife Caroline suffered the tragic stillbirth of a child. At the time, neither of them was aware that the EIC existed, let alone that it could have provided the emotional and financial support they desperately needed. “That experience has stayed with me,” he says. “If we didn’t know about the EIC, how many others don’t either? That’s what drives me—making sure people know help is there.”

It’s this sense of purpose that fuels his vision for the charity’s future. Richard is particularly focused on contractor engagement and believes EIC’s visibility must extend far beyond boardrooms and corporate events. “We need a presence at every trade counter,” he explains. “There are 2,000 across the country and every one is a touchpoint for reaching the people we’re here to help—contractors, suppliers, wholesalers. If I walk into one and there’s no EIC material, I’ll hand them some myself.”

He’s not just talking the talk. Richard is actively facilitating connections with organisations, pushing for joint branding and awareness campaigns that will ensure EIC becomes a household name within the industry. His vision includes branded brochures, event collaborations and digital content—anything that puts EIC in front of the people who need it most.

One of his proudest moments so far has been assembling ‘Team Kosnic’ for the Thames Path Challenge, a fundraising effort aiming to raise £6,000 for the charity. But for Richard, the goal is about more than numbers. “It’s about time, presence and commitment,” he says. “The contractor campaign will demand more of all of those things—and I’m ready for that.”

Richard hopes to take on an even greater strategic role in the years to come. He’s particularly excited about working alongside industry peers like Paul Brookes to build targeted campaigns aimed at contractor engagement and long-term fundraising growth. “EIC is already an incredible force for good—but as more people become aware of what we do, it has the potential to become a real cornerstone of support in our industry.”

As the Electrical Industries Charity marks its 120 year anniversary, Richard is doing more than commemorating a milestone—he’s building a movement. From the Thames Path Challenge to CEF Live and even offering the new visitor centre at Kosnic’s Swindon site as a future collaboration space, his energy is relentless and his focus crystal clear.

And when asked what he’d say to someone thinking about getting involved? His answer is as direct as it is passionate: “Do it. Do it now. And do as much as your time allows.”