Lucy is North West Stonewall Ally of the Year

A Bury Council employee has been honoured by lobbying group Stonewall who have chosen her as their North West Ally of the Year.

Lucy Morris works in organisational development, where her role includes co-ordinating the council’s Backing Young Bury initiative – creating opportunities for young people through apprenticeships and work experience.

But it’s her work on promoting equality and employee engagement that came to the attention of Stonewall. The council is number 51, the fourth best council in the country, in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers list, which showcases the best employers for lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff.

She has encourage staff to become Equality Allies, organised training, promoted the national #NoBystanders campaign, and worked with LGBT groups to raise awareness of sexual orientation and gender identity and promote fairness, tolerance and understanding in the workplace.

Lucy (aged 27), who lives in Rochdale, has worked for the council since September 2013.

“I was really surprised to even be shortlisted for the award, never mind win it,” she said. “I’m very proud and it’s great to see the council being recognised for all the work it does in promoting equality. I’m looking forward to continue building our Equality Allies scheme and hope that more people will sign up to become Allies.”

Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, said: “My heartiest congratulations go to Lucy, who has done tremendous work on behalf of the council. It’s a very well deserved award, and I’m absolutely delighted she has been recognised in this way.

“We’ve been in Stonewall’s list since 2009, and are committed to eradicating discrimination in all areas. I’m very pleased that our efforts are being recognised regionally and nationally.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 13 March 2017.

Picture: Lucy Morris, Stonewall North West Ally of the Year.