I’ve worked in HMRC since 2001, and from my very first day I’ve been a proud PCS member. Trade unionism runs through my family, generations of us worked in the Post Office and Royal Mail, many holding positions in the CWU, so standing up for workers’ rights has always been part of who I am. Becoming a rep wasn’t a decision I had to think about; it was a natural continuation of the values I was raised with. I’m proud to be passing those same principles on to my daughter.

I come from a working‑class background and was brought up to believe that everyone is equal, regardless of grade or status. That belief has shaped my entire trade union career. Equality work, disability rights, and challenging ableism are not abstract issues for me, they are personal, and they are central to the way I represent members.

I’ve been a PCS rep for over 20 years, serving at office, branch, group, and national levels. I became a floor rep in 2003 and Office Chair in 2006, and I’ve held roles including ULR, Branch Chair, Health & Safety Rep, and Disability Rep, a role I campaigned to create after seeing the real needs of members and drawing on my own lived experience. Developing and delivering training, including my Invisible Disabilities workshop, has been some of the most meaningful work I’ve done because I’ve seen the direct, positive impact it has had on members’ lives.

I’ve served on the HMRC GEC and the PCS NEC, as well as national committees such as the Group Women’s Advisory Committee and the Disabled Members Advisory Committee. As part of the current NEC, I’ve been proud to help protect the democratic structures of our union and challenge proposals that I believed would have undermined members’ rights. It has been a challenging role, but standing firm for our members has been worth every challenge.

I’m also proud of the work I’ve done as part of LU‑led HMRC GECs in previous years, beating ballot thresholds, delivering targeted action, and securing real gains for members.  I continue to promote LU values and defend members’ rights with the same determination.

As the only Northern Ireland rep on the NEC, I take my responsibility to represent my region seriously. Every part of the UK deserves a voice at national level, and I’m committed to ensuring Northern Ireland members are heard and supported.

Training and developing new reps is something I’m passionate about. I’ve trained dozens of activists in PCS structures, personal casework, motion writing, and conference participation. Younger reps are the future of our movement, and I’m determined to make sure they get the support they need to thrive.

Beyond PCS, I’m an active member of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), representing PCS on the ICTU Women’s Committee and Disability Committee. I’ve had the privilege of attending the ICTU National Women’s Conference and the Council of the Isles, where I’ve campaigned for the advancement of women and disabled members across the trade union movement and wider society.

I’m proud of everything I’ve contributed to LU’s achievements, and I remain committed to fighting for a strong, democratic, inclusive union that stands up for every member.