29 June 2017
Paul Sony, a security officer for one of Mitie’s major banking clients, has received the ‘Highly Commended’ award for Most Inspirational Individual on Equality in the GMB or at Work.
Paul has been working as a security officer for Mitie for over four years and is a long-standing GMB trade union representative and branch equality officer, as well as the regional equality representative for GMB’s LGBT+ forum, GMB Southern Shout!
Out of the 639,000 GMB trade union members throughout the UK, Paul was presented the award by the GMB President, Mary Turner, at their annual Congress in June, in recognition of his drive, drive, commitment, hard work and achievements on equality issues.
Paul dedicates much of his personal time researching, studying and promoting equal rights, as well as speaking regularly at LGBT events, representing the GMB at regional Pride events, and promoting various national equality and diversity campaigns.
One of Paul’s greatest achievements to date has been pushing through a motion to have a GMB equality forum set up across every region, which was successfully passed last year and is now fully in motion.
Upon receiving his award, Paul said: “Over 15 years ago I came out as a gay man to family, some work colleagues and close friends, and equalities started to play an even bigger role in my life. I’ve been proud and lucky enough to be part of Mitie and the GMB union, who both support me and take the time listen to my views and ideas on how we can drive equality and support others in the workplace. I’m equally grateful for the support I’ve been shown by my manager and client who allow me to take the time to attend various events.”
Gary Elliot, HR Director at Mitie said: “Paul’s passion and commitment to driving equality is truly inspiring and what he has achieved to date is incredible. I look forward to involving Paul in more of Mitie’s work on diversion and inclusion going forward.”
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Notes for editors
About GMB
GMB is a campaigning trade union focused on protecting GMB members in their workplaces.
For more information, please see their website: http://www.gmb.org.uk/about/about-gmb
