In the next instalment of our Route to Renewables series we spoke to Communications and Engagement Officer, Charlotte Darbyshire, about her journey into the renewables sector.
What did you want to do when you were younger?
As a child, there were only two career options for me: becoming a princess or an author. While one of those turned out to be less realistic, the dream of being a writer stayed with me as I grew up, and it’s still a huge part of who I am today.
What route did you take to get to your current role?
My career journey hasn’t been a straight line. Although I loved school, I wasn’t certain what to study at university. I initially accepted a place to study Geology, but I deferred for a year and started working in a bookshop back home in the Isle of Man. I quickly fell in love with the environment and the passionate people around me, and ended up staying much longer than planned. During that time, I began running the shop’s social media and community engagement, which sparked my interest in communications.
I later returned to education and began studying for a Nursing degree. While I valued the experience, I realised how much I missed being creative and decided to pursue that passion.
I spent some time exploring different opportunities, while also writing for the local newspaper and running a Mental Health Awareness blog that gained a lot of traction during the pandemic.
Eventually, I took a leap into communications full-time and joined my local police service as a Communications and Public Engagement Officer, working on social media management and national campaigns. That led me to Edinburgh, where I worked on Police Scotland’s national news desk, before deciding to transition into the renewables industry, bringing together my passion for communication and my desire to support positive environmental change.
What parts of your job do you enjoy most, and why?
I love the variety my role offers, from working with local charities to getting involved in activities with young people that encourage them to consider a future in STEM. I also enjoy the creative side of communications and exploring new ways to tell our story. At the heart of it all is writing, which has always been one of my biggest passions and remains one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
Figure 1: Charlotte at the launch of Red Rock’s new Semple Street office.
Figure 2: Charlotte at Benbrack Wind Farm
What’s something about your role that would surprise people outside the renewables industry?
The sheer variety of roles available. There’s a common misconception that you need to be an engineer to work in renewables, when in reality the sector relies on people from all kinds of backgrounds such as communications, finance, health and safety, and so much more.
What’s a big lesson you’ve learned in your career journey so far?
You don’t need to have everything figured out from the start. It’s okay to try things, change direction, and explore different paths. Every step, even the unexpected ones, can lead you somewhere valuable.
You also don’t need to go to university to have a great career. I have been fortunate enough to be supported with further education by my employers past and present and don’t feel at a disadvantage at all!
How would you describe the working culture at Red Rock?
What stands out most is the genuine passion people have for the environment and for their work. It’s a place where people care, about the planet, about doing things well, and about supporting each other. That sense of purpose and community truly sets it apart.
What advice would you give someone thinking about a career in renewable energy?
Be open-minded about the opportunities available. You don’t need a technical background to make an impact: curiosity, passion, and a willingness to learn go a long way. If you’re drawn to work that contributes to a more sustainable future, it’s an incredibly rewarding sector to be part of.