One of the highlights of The MJ Awards each year is the Rising Star Award, which showcases the bright future of local government.
Line managers are invited to put forward staff who ‘show exceptional ability, dedication and promise'.
Last year's prize went to Liz Atherton, programme manager of Stockport MBC's Climate Action Now strategy.
As a finalist in the category, Liz attended June's awards ceremony at the Park Plaza hotel in central London in the company of Stockport's council leader and corporate leadership team, who also went home with a trophy on the day.
Liz said winning the award came a something of a surprise: ‘I was absolutely gobsmacked. I couldn't believe what was happening – I felt honoured!
‘It was a really lovely atmosphere. It's a bit of validation of what we are doing.'
Liz first joined the council three years ago, her first foray in local government, having previously worked in the third sector.
She admitted: ‘I was nervous about what it would be like but I was really welcomed – all my fears were put to rest.'
Her role is instrumental in helping Stockport to meet the challenge of reaching carbon neutrality by 2038, requiring engagement with the community, businesses and council employees. Liz said: ‘We had autonomy to develop our approach as it was something new for Stockport.
‘It was in its infancy, so there were big conversations around the part the council plays and raising awareness of how it relates to every job role. The council had to get on top of its own greenhouse emissions.
‘We have been working with all parts of the council to embed the strategy, so I get to meet a broad cross-section of people and make connections. People are now talking to us at the start of the process, when building train stations, for example.'
Outside of the council, Liz has been reaching out to the wider community to enlist their help in tackling climate change. This has resulted in the establishment of Stockport Climate Action Business Forum, which connects 87 local firms and Stockport's Green Network, involving 62 community groups. The programme has also held its inaugural summit, which was attended by 160 people.
Liz said: ‘People look to their local councillors, so they are well-placed to lead on this, but we don't have all the resources or powers. We create spaces where people can engage with their local authority – perhaps for the first time – to build partnerships and enable things to happen, not telling people what to do.
‘The community can get involved and work together to take climate action – it's not just about emissions. It's often also good for our health or saves money, too.'
The team has also established a Schools Climate Assembly providing resources and leading lessons for young people. She said: ‘Children learn about what climate change is, but not what they can do about it. They wanted to be part of the solution.
More than 850 young people have taken part in the programme, putting forward 130 climate change ideas. These are debated by the youngsters, who then have the chance to speak to councillors and vote on which ideas to progress, with the council then putting them into action.
Projects so far have included introducing eco-friendly period products in schools, uniform swap shops and establishing community gardens to grow produce. The council is also working on a district heating network powered by renewable energy.
Like all of The MJ Awards finalists, Liz was invited to talk with a panel of sector experts, including category sponsors Tile Hill, who acted as judges. They said: ‘A skilled and confident community engagement and climate strategy professional with an eagerness for improvement and an innovative approach, Liz uses her political acumen and relationship-building skills to deliver successful climate action programs and events.'
Liz said: ‘The interview was a really good experience, getting to speak to experienced professionals and getting feedback. It was really useful to get their input.'
Since winning the award, Liz revealed the recognition has continued, with news spreading fast throughout the sector.
‘Lots of people were sharing it on social media, sending messages and reaching out to introduce themselves.'
Rising Star
Winner: Liz Atherton, Stockport MBC
Sponsored by: Tile Hill
Begin your 2025 MJ Awards nomination today! Visit www.mjawards.co.uk
