A CHESHIRE Police employee has won a regional award for her work championing equality and diversity.

Kat Stock, positive action human resources advisor, has been named north west Stonewall role model of the year 2017.

The awards celebrate diversity in the workplace and recognise those who have promoted equality and diversity.

Kat was heavily involved in the work which led to Cheshire Constabulary being named as one of the best employers in the country for lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff in January.

The force was ranked 16th out of 439 in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index (WEI) Top 100 Employers for 2017.

After collecting her award on Thursday, Kat said: “I am shocked and delighted.

“From a very young age I have always been passionate about diversity and inclusion in its broadest sense having been discriminated against for being myself.

“While working for Cheshire Police as the LGBT network chair, I have been afforded the opportunity to not only be my authentic self at work but to work alongside the organisation to drive forward and embed the ideals of fairness and inclusivity.

“I wouldn’t consider myself to be a role model, I am simply fortunate enough to be in a position to influence change on behalf of people who identify as being LGBT both within Cheshire Police and the community we serve.

“It is a real honour to have received this award and I’m delighted that the force is being recognised for its work in promoting equality.”

Kat’s achievement has also been recognised by her colleagues.

David Bryan, head of legal services and LGBT champion for Cheshire Constabulary, said: “Kat is a wonderful ambassador for diversity and the constabulary.

“She consistently works above and beyond her job role on LGBT and other diversity issues and I can think of nobody more deserving of the role model award.”