Laura Evans
CEO
Driven by her passion for addressing social inequalities, Laura is a leader and public speaker with almost two decades’ experience in Operations, Policy, Regulatory Compliance, and Human Resources in the public, private, and charity sectors.
Laura’s career has focussed on helping to remove the barriers people face in society – in education and employment – by supporting organisations to shape inclusive cultures. She founded Glass Ceilings® in 2020 as a progressive people partner supporting organisations to thrive because their people thrive, securing a future in which no individual or group is left behind.
In addition to a commercial focus, Laura has a long-standing commitment to public and voluntary service, with a focus on addressing social inequalities and supporting individuals and institutions to break through barriers. Her experience includes:
- Embedding Macpherson Report recommendations and developing and implementing equalities legislation and policy in her first leadership role (for which she was recommended a Civil Service Diversity Award).
- Serving as Expert Panel Member on Responsible Business for Liverpool Chamber of Commerce.
- Serving on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Expert Advisory group for the Institute of Directors.
- Serving as an Advisory Board member on employment law and policy for Long Covid Support.
- Equality Act 2010 Working Group member for Employment Lawyers Association.
- Thought leadership speaking at conferences and events.
- Transformational change leadership and streamlining operations during 45% cuts whilst avoiding making posts redundant.
- Employment Tribunal cases and complex Employment Relations casework.
- Advising Counsel in cases at the High Court, Court of Appeal, and UK Supreme Court.
- Pro bono coaching for professionals made redundant during the Covid pandemic.
- Sitting on the Federation of Small Business NW Business Advisory Group.
- Mentoring Directors with the Chartered Management Institute.
- Acting a Stonewall Workplace Ally and a Dementia Friend with the Alzheimer’s Society.
- Serving as Vice Chair of Governors at a primary school and an Enterprise Advisor at a secondary school.
- Serving as a non-executive board member and Chair of her local Citizens Advice.
- Chair of a domestic abuse charity.
Laura graduated with Honours in English Language and Literature from Newcastle University in 2005, and later graduated with a Masters degree in Human Resources Management. She also holds postgraduate level qualifications in Directorship and Organisational Design and Development. Laura is currently studying Law part time at the University of Law.
Memberships
- Associate Member, Employment Lawyers Association
- Chartered Manager and Fellow, Chartered Management Institute (UK)
- Fellow, Institute of Managers & Leaders Australia and New Zealand
- Member, Institute of Directors
- Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Amy Lester
Business Manager
Amy plays an integral role in business development, marketing, and operational efficiencies. Amy is responsible for managing Laura’s diary and schedule as well as supporting and co-ordinating online webinars and masterclasses on a monthly basis. In addition, Amy supports with ad-hoc requirements as needed to ensure everything at Glass Ceilings continues to run smoothly! Amy has over 12 years of experience in Business Administration, Operations and Marketing across a variety of industries, making her a valuable asset to the team.
Associates
Lisa Ellis
Senior Associate Consultant
Emily Cook
Associate Consultant
Lisa is an Employment Relations Specialist with over 15 years of experience. She brings a wealth of expertise in HR matters and conflict resolution across diverse public and private sector organisations. Her commitment to improving workplace relationships began spending nine-years at ACAS as a trainer and senior adviser, where she refined her skills and insights into the intricacies of employment law and employment relations.
Key Competencies:
- Training and Development: Qualified to Post-Graduate level in Individual Employment Dispute Resolution and a skilled facilitator, Lisa delivers bespoke training programs that encourage organisations to explore ways of improving working life and navigate employment relations challenges with increased confidence.
- Conflict Resolution: With a proven track record, Lisa excels in resolving workplace conflicts through providing mediation services. She was also a tutor at Acas for their accredited mediation training course, contributing to the professional development of others.
- A Mental Health First Aid instructor, Lisa is passionate about fostering workplace cultures that prioritise and support mental health. She actively contributes to creating environments where mental well-being is a top priority.
Memberships
- Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
- 'Programme of Activities Lead' for the Merseyside and North Cheshire CIPD Branch Committee.
Emily is a dedicated HR professional with a strong foundation in human resource management and a track record of success across diverse sectors. She holds a First-Class Honours degree in Human Resource Management and is CIPD Level 5 qualified, underlining her commitment to best practice and professional development in the field.
Emily began her career at Glass Ceilings®, where she gained valuable experience in HR policy development and implementation. During her time there, she worked closely on initiatives that shaped internal processes, reinforced compliance, and supported inclusive workplace practices.
She later advanced her career at AstraZeneca, where she played a key role in change management within a global HR setting. Her work focused on supporting organisational transformation and aligning HR strategies with evolving business needs across international teams.
Currently, Emily applies her HR knowledge in the engineering industry, where she supports complex organisational structures and contributes to talent development in a highly technical environment. Her role includes managing complex disciplinary and grievance cases, as well as designing and implementing effective appraisal systems that support performance management and employee growth. Her cross-industry experience, analytical mindset, and people-first approach position her as a trusted partner in shaping positive workplace experiences and aligning HR strategy with business goals.
Lilly Collins
Student Associate
Currently entering her final year of her Human Resource management degree, Lilly began her journey towards a career in Human Resources in 2020 with her first work experience placement. Most recently, she completed a summer placement here at Glass Ceilings®, where she gained valuable hands-on experience across a variety of HR projects. Her work included policy research and drafting, contributing to learning and development initiatives- including training courses and overall working on template HR documents as well as culture led change.
During her placement, Lilly deepened her understanding of leadership styles and development, and also had the opportunity to contribute to client projects.
She has a strong interest in employee diversity and inclusion and is passionate about ensuring fair treatment for all. This aligns closely with her growing enthusiasm for policy research and development.