News

I am honoured to share the news that I have been Highly Commended in the Inspirational Person Category at the UK’s national Flood and Coast Excellence Awards 2022.

I have been recognised for my work leading a national membership group of 57 councils (covering 60% of England’s coast and 16 million people), for championing coastal adaptation and climate resilience – including nature-positive policy and practice – and for founding and fostering collaborations to deliver a brighter future for England’s coast and its communities.

A big thank you to the excellent Chair of the LGA Coastal SIG, Cllr Ernest Gibson, my amazing boss Laura Turvey for her mentorship and support, my brilliant team Beccy MacDonald-Lofts and Bethany Handson and all the Councillors, council officers and partner organisations I have had the pleasure of working with and learning from over the past 2 and a half years.

My time leading this group has come to an end as I’m starting a new professional adventure, but this recognition was the perfect way to close a significant chapter in my life.

Emily was thrilled to receive her Rising Star Award at an (online) ceremony yesterday, Thursday 15 July 2021.

Emily won this award for her work for England’s coast and its communities, notably her work to make the ocean and its stewardship a part of more people’s lives.

Read more about the category winners at Rising Star Awards Charity & Not-For-Profit Winners 2021 (wearethecity.com)

Emily has won a national Rising Star Award for her work for England’s coast and its communities.

Read more at: Rising Star Awards Charity & Not-For-Profit Winners 2021 (wearethecity.com)

The awards were entered by over 1,000 individuals and were judged by a panel of 51
independent judges. Over 40,000 public votes of support were received for the 200
shortlisted nominees from across 115 countries.

The 2021 winners, judges, sponsors and supporters will be invited to a prestigious ceremony,
with more details to be announced at a later date.

The WeAreTheCity Rising Stars Awards are the first to focus on the achievements of women below Senior Management or Director level – representing the female talent pipeline and the next generation of future leaders.

Emily is one of 10 nominees shortlisted in the Charity and Not-for-Profit category.

You can read Emily’s shortlisting here: Emily Cunningham | South Tyneside Council (wearethecity.com).

*Voting closed*

Emily was honoured to be asked to be an opening speaker at the We Are Ocean Summit 2021, an international gathering of people working to accelerate ocean literacy.

Held on 29 January 2021, it was an inspiring event and wonderful to hear so many perspectives on what action needs to happen NOW to engage people in ocean recovery efforts.

You can listen to Emily’s talk on Emily Cunningham – YouTube