Happy New Year and welcome to our first newsletter of 2026!
In this edition, we’re sharing news of recent solar installations, upcoming work on retrofit, potential partnerships and events DCE has been involved in. We’re also currently recruiting for a Freelance Secretary/Administrator to support our growing work, so please read on, or share with anyone who may be interested.
I’m also excited to introduce myself, Huda, as the new Communications and Engagement Coordinator at DCE. I’ll be sharing updates on projects, events and opportunities to get involved.
We’re Hiring: Freelance Secretary / Administrator
We are currently seeking freelance administrative support to assist with the day-to-day running of the organisation and to provide flexible, reliable secretarial and financial administration services. This role is well suited to someone who is organised, self-motivated and comfortable working independently on a freelance basis.
- Freelance, self-employed role
- £22/hour (with annual increments in line with CPI)
About You:
- Experience in administration and basic finance
- Good IT skills; own computer and MS Office access
- Able to work independently with reliable internet access
- Flexibility with working hours, occasional evenings and weekends
How to Apply:
- Please send a CV and covering letter to Dr. Tim Crabtree, Chair of Dorset Community Energy: tim@dorsetcommunityenergy.org.uk
- Deadline: 6 February 2026
- Interviews: Week commencing 9 February 2026
Recent Installations
We’re pleased to share two of the most recent solar installations completed last year:
Bridport Youth & Community Centre
The Swanage School (Gym/Sport’s Centre)
New Dorset Retrofit Hub: Supporting Communities to Retrofit
DCE is working in partnership with Wessex Community Assets and Ridgewater Energy to set up a new Dorset Retrofit Hub as a Community Interest Company. The Hub will offer independent, community-focused support and advice to help organisations and households across Dorset and BCP reduce energy use, cut carbon emissions and create warmer, healthier buildings.
As a first step, DCE is keen to work with community organisations that have buildings in need of retrofit. Support may include:
- Understanding building performance and retrofit options
- Grants from the DCE Community Fund
- Installation by DCE of solar PV, and potentially battery storage and heat pumps.
We aim to develop a partnership programme of practical workshops, using community buildings as “classrooms” where building users, volunteers and local residents can learn about retrofit in a hands-on way. After retrofitting a community building, we would identify common local housing types, develop simple retrofit guides, and support residents to plan improvements to their homes.
DCE would welcome conversations about:
- Developing joint funding bids, either working with individual organisations, or
- Forming a partnership of 6–8 community organisations with buildings, with the aim of submitting a larger collaborative funding application.
The overall aim is to build local skills, confidence and capacity, placing communities at the heart of Dorset’s transition to low-carbon, affordable and resilient buildings.
If you are involved with a community building and would like to discuss possible joint working – or receive details of the Community Fund – please contact our Communications and Engagement Coordinator, Huda Javed, at: huda@dorsetcommunityenergy.org.uk
Dorset Community Energy & BCP Council
Dorset Community Energy has been working closely with BCP Council to support the delivery of its solar rollout across the region. These discussions have been productive, focusing on potential sites and the development of a clear, repeatable partnership model to enable long-term renewable energy delivery, rather than a short term specific site approach.
We have presented the role of community energy at the region’s Climate Stakeholders’ quarterly meetings and continue to attend regularly, strengthening relationships across the region and identifying further opportunities for collaboration.
Become a Member of Dorset Community Energy!
We are proud to offer our community the opportunity to become a member of DCE by purchasing membership shares. Ownership of shares gives you member status and voting rights – helping to shape the future of DCE. We currently have over 200 members who have invested over £1.1M, financing the installation of solar panels on 28 community buildings, schools and healthcare sites across Dorset.
This is a great opportunity to get involved in local climate action and to support your local community.
Stay Connected
Thank you for your continued support of Dorset Community Energy. If you’d like to get involved, learn more about our projects, or have any questions please visit our website and contact us via the website contact form or email us at: info@dorsetcommunityenergy.org.uk
Best wishes,
The Dorset Community Energy Team