Who we are: introducing Saranne

Name & role: Saranne Postans, Co-Founder  

How long have you worked in infrastructure/energy?  

I've worked in energy, mostly the nuclear industry, for nearly 20 years. During that time, I've been fortunate enough to have worked in lots of different organisations, from decommissioning old nuclear power stations, to supporting the construction of new ones and working in fusion too!  

What are your special skills? 

I love people and enjoy building strong, trusting relationships with everyone I work with, stakeholders, colleagues and communities alike. More recently I've become a bit of a nerd around the siting of new nuclear in the UK and have enjoyed getting more involved in government policy development, trying to pave the way for the next generation of nuclear. 

Career highlight/favourite type of project: 

Being a key member of the team responsible for the selection of a site for the UK's prototype fusion energy plant was a definite career highlight! We took the process from nominations to shortlist to announcement in less than two years, a real achievement, especially in the public sector, with all the necessary governance and assurance that was required. And, having announced the site, the STEP Fusion programme has been able to build and maintain really strong relationships across its stakeholder groups, an important start for a big infrastructure project.  

Another career highlight comes much earlier in my career, during my time with CORGI, the organisation then responsible for gas safety in the UK. We developed and launched a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning among students. Colin the Skunk was our cuddly character who was given out during freshers' weeks around the country, together with information to support the campaign. He caught the imagination of many journalists at the time (this was before social media!), receiving coverage in several national papers and was even namechecked during a parliamentary debate on gas safety!  

Random fact about you:

I studied Russian and Politics at university, having decided that my French was 'good enough' and wanting to challenge myself! It was an interesting decision but gave me the opportunity to spend time in both Ukraine and Moscow.