British Gas Energy Trust Welcomes New Chair

British Gas Energy Trust announced today that Arvinda Gohil will be taking over as its new Chair from 18th June 2024. 

Arvinda joins the Trust in its 20th year following the announcement that the Trust will be investing over £30m to fight poverty. Since being founded, the Trust has helped millions of people in fuel debt with community-based money and energy advice, energy debt grants and emergency fuel vouchers, with a total investment of £200m*.  

Arvinda brings experience of working in the housing, homelessness, charity, and social enterprise sectors.

Arvinda Gohil, incoming Chair, has said:

“The immediate and long-term holistic support the Trust provides for people in and at risk of poverty is vital during these challenging times, when 6 million people are in fuel poverty and the fuel poverty gap is at its largest since 2010.  

“As the Trust continues to work to deliver better outcomes for people affected by the impact of fuel poverty, I look forward to working with colleagues on the Board and the Executive to continue to support those households most affected by the detrimental impact of poverty. 

 “The upcoming 20th Anniversary Roundtables will inform and influence our thinking as we respond to a new UK Government, the Ofgem consultation on the Warm Home Discount Scheme in 2025, and the development a new strategy in 2025.” 

 Jessica Taplin, CEO has said:

“We are delighted Arvinda has been appointed Chair of the British Gas Energy Trust Board and are confident that her approach and knowledge of the sector and the challenges facing communities, will ensure that we continue to develop our approach to achieve the most positive outcomes for those we serve.  As well as welcoming Arvinda, I would like to thank the current Chair, Helen Charlton, for her contribution to the Trust over the past five years.” 

 Chris O’Shea, Chief Executive of Centrica, said:

“We are extremely proud of the work of the British Gas Energy Trust, and I would like to welcome Arvinda, as well as thank Helen for her time as Chair. We know that many people across the UK are still struggling with the cost of living and need support with their energy bills, and we want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to help. That’s why this year we have committed £20 million to enable the Trust to continue to support people in financial hardship – through grants, energy and advice services.”  

Helen Charlton, current Chair of the Trust, said in welcoming Arvinda:

“The Trust has increased its fuel poverty support from 21,000 beneficiaries to 67,000 today, this has been achieved during serious socio-economic challenges. I am very grateful to the Trust’s CEO Jessica Taplin and staff, service providers and partners, and to my fellow Trustees, for their hard work in rising to the challenges and changes during my tenure as Chair, and to British Gas for its most generous funding and support. “ 

Arvinda Gohil biography:  

Arvinda has forty-one years of experience across multiple sectors including housing, charity, and social enterprises. In addition to the Executive roles, Arvinda has held several Chair, Non-Executive  and Trustee roles including in Housing Associations, refugee organisations, a university, and a social investment charity. She currently Chairs the Future Economy Alliance, is a member of the Sanctuary Housing Group Board and Chair of its subsidiary Swan Housing and Co-convenor of the Better Way Network.