JO JOHNSON - Business Solutions Manager

Jo Johnson is the Business Solutions Manager at Certi-fi Schemes, a role she describes as “certainly one with many hats.”
Based in Chorley, Lancashire, Jo works at the heart of accreditation and compliance within the renewable energy sector.
Certi-fi Schemes is the scheme owner of both Flexi-Orb and EPVS, and is dedicated to supporting quality, safety, and consumer confidence across the industry.

“At the heart of my role is protecting the integrity of our accreditation,” Jo explains. “Every process and decision made within the scheme has to stand up to scrutiny from UKAS and regulators.”

Beyond safeguarding standards, Jo builds long-term partnerships with clients, supports senior leadership, and works closely with operations to deliver value-driven solutions. A key part of her role involves guiding new Certification Bodies (CABs) and installers through onboarding, ensuring compliance with the Quality Management System, and staying up to date with ongoing changes in standards and legislation.

After spending more than 20 years working in the insurance and legal sector, Jo reached a point where she wanted more from her career.  “I wanted a change that aligned with my values and contributed to a more sustainable future,” she says. “Moving into the green sector felt like a chance to be part of something genuinely meaningful, an industry that’s shaping long-term environmental change.”

Jo entered the renewable energy sector without previous technical experience, bringing instead a strong set of transferable skills and a genuine passion for sustainability.  “Certi-fi took a chance on me,” she says. “…and I’m incredibly grateful that they did.”

Jo’s early career formed a strong foundation for her current work. Years in insurance and law developed her analytical thinking, attention to detail, and ability to operate in complex regulatory environments — all skills that now play a vital role in accreditation and governance. Despite this, Jo describes her move into the green sector as very much self-driven.  “I chose to step into something completely new and learn from the ground up,” she explains. “Even now, around 15 months in, I am still learning every day.”

A typical day for Jo is a balance of accreditation oversight, stakeholder engagement, and hands-on support across the business. Acting as the “guardian of scheme integrity,” she reviews processes to ensure operations remain fully aligned with the Quality Management System. Alongside this, she uses her leadership, customer service, and coaching skills to strengthen the service the business delivers.

Jo spends dedicated time supporting the operations team through one-to-one guidance, mentoring, and problem-solving. Whether she’s helping a colleague through a challenge, guiding a CAB or installer through onboarding, or working with senior leaders to improve processes, her focus remains the same: adding value and empowering others.  “It’s that combination of technical responsibility, people-focused leadership, and continuous learning that I really enjoy,” she says.

One of Jo’s biggest career turning points came with a realisation that she wanted greater purpose from her work. Leaving behind a long-established career to start again in a completely new industry was a major decision, but one she does not regret. Ongoing encouragement from Certi-fi to take on new responsibilities, pursue formal qualifications, and grow in confidence has further strengthened her journey.  “This is a second career for me,” she says, “and it has already been incredibly rewarding.”

Strong communication and relationship-building sit at the core of Jo’s role. She works closely with clients, partners, and stakeholders, relying on adaptability, analytical thinking, and problem-solving to identify issues and shape solutions that add real value. Entering such a highly technical sector without a renewable energy background brought its challenges.  “There was, and still is so much to learn,” she admits. “…but the support from the team has made a huge difference.”

What Jo finds most rewarding is knowing her work directly contributes to raising industry standards, safer installations, and increased consumer trust in renewable technologies.  “Being part of a mission-driven sector where quality and integrity really matter makes every day feel purposeful,” she says.

Looking ahead, Jo is clear about the rapid growth of the sector. Demand for renewable energy solutions continues to rise, and with it the need for stronger governance, accreditation, and consumer protection. She expects more innovation, more regulation, and a stronger emphasis on quality and accountability. She is particularly excited by the potential of smart technologies and more integrated renewable systems to make sustainability more accessible and effective for consumers.

While she believes representation of women in the sector is improving, Jo acknowledges there is still a noticeable imbalance, particularly in technical and leadership roles. For her, the answer lies in visibility.  “Showcasing women who are already thriving in green careers can inspire others to follow,” she says. “Many women already have the capabilities, they just need the confidence and the opportunity.”

Jo is clear about who has inspired her most along the way: the people she works with every day. Their support, encouragement, and belief in her potential have helped her grow both professionally and personally. What she loves most about her role is being part of a mission-driven industry where integrity, quality, and purpose genuinely matter.

Jo’s advice to anyone considering a similar career move is both practical and encouraging:  “Don’t be afraid to start fresh. You don’t need a traditional renewable energy background; transferable skills are incredibly valuable. Stay curious, be willing to learn, and surround yourself with people who will support your development.”

And when it comes to staying motivated and hopeful, Jo returns to what has driven her journey from the very start, growth, resilience, and purpose.  “There have been times where I’ve felt a little out of my depth,” she reflects. “But the support around me has carried me through. And knowing that my work contributes to a more sustainable future keeps me focused and optimistic.”