Rochdale resident appointed as Deputy Lieutenant

A Rochdale resident has been appointed as a new Deputy Lieutenant to the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Sir Warren Smith KCVO JP.

Deputy Lieutenants are appointed for their endeavours over many years working to enhance the fabric of Greater Manchester.

David Catterall, who lives in Rochdale with his partner of 20 years and two dogs, has been appointed to the position.

He said: "I’m really pleased to be able to serve the community which will allow me to champion the many wonderful organisations and charities that operate in Greater Manchester.

"I’m also very much looking forward to being involved with the Citizenship Ceremony, welcoming new British citizens on behalf of the Lieutenancy and Her Majesty the Queen."

Initially starting a career in 1994 in hospitality and catering, which included working internationally and nationally, David moved into local government, working for Bury Council in 2009.

Starting at Bury Council as a civic venue manager, David has built a successful career and is now head of commercial services. 

Whilst working for Bury Council, David’s passion for people, inclusion and diversity was ignited when he joined the council’s LGBT Employee group and was made a Stonewall role model and equality ally in 2010.

Since then, David has focused on ensuring that equality, inclusion, and diversity is in the heart of everything he does. 

He has been instrumental in driving and leading Bury Pride to become the UK’s best small pride event in 2021.  He is involved in supporting the LGBTQI+ community in Bury and Greater Manchester as well as co-founding the Bury LGBTQI+ Forum, a charity which supports and assists LGBTQI+ people to access services successfully as well as supporting organisations to be LGBTQI+ inclusive. 

He is also a member of Bury Council’s Inclusion group which supports policy change within the council to promote equality and inclusion for the workforce as well as Bury residents.

David is passionate about raising the profile of local charities and community groups and has been involved with many fundraising activities ranging from 10k runs to learning how to ballroom dance for Bury Hospice. 

He has been awarded the Greater Manchester Chief Constable’s Citizen Commendation for Partnership working as well as being awarded multiple awards for volunteering and inclusion.

Being interested in the arts and music, David is on the board of directors for the Met, a theatre in Bury, as a trustee, focusing on dynamism and programming.