I have been very honoured to be PCS National Vice President over the last 6 years, and, as a Democrat proud both of the Democracy Alliance and of the successful results this Alliance has achieved for our members.

I am deeply rooted in the working class, with a mother who served as a shop assistant and a father who toiled as a welder in a family of travellers.  With a rich history as an experienced trade union representative, I’ve held various union positions, recognizing the paramount importance of engaging ordinary members.  It is through this engagement that we grasp the pulse of the issues that truly matter, shaping policies to enhance the lives of working-class people.

In the Ministry of Justice, both as President and Vice President, I am a key negotiator and have worked tirelessly to ensure the best for members.  I regularly engage face to face with members and this helps shape my understanding of their concerns and allows me to provide them with the tools to foster change.  I’ve championed the cause of OCS security members, who have recently successfully campaigned for improved pay and conditions.  I am unwavering in my commitment to resist privatisation and I will continue to advocate for in-house services with robust evidence- based argument underscoring the practicality and fiscal responsibility of maintaining services within our departments.

To succeed I believe it is vital to engage with members and that they feel part of the positive change I seek to bring about.  I am dedicated to supporting individual union members and to ensuring collective listening which is the cornerstone of effective leadership.

My first hand experience with discrimination and inequality fuelled my commitment to fostering change.  As Chair of the National Women’s Forum and Elected PCS woman rep on TUC women’s committee, I am keen that we hear women’s voices in every workplace.  I have promoted the policies of PCS at the TUC and have been successful in raising the plight of our members who are carers – much of whose work is unpaid and is made to fit in around their paid employment.  This now will form part of the upcoming Women’s TUC agenda.  I will continue to use the opportunity PCS members have given me, to promote diversity and inclusion.  Our unity and strength is amplified when we champion diversity and equality both in the union and the workplace.   

As we navigate the challenges in our workforce, my priorities are not limited to, but include building on the achievements of the national pay campaign and tirelessly advocating to ensure our hard-earned pensions are safeguarded.  As AI looms ever closer we must have safeguards to ensure job security: this is not just a promise it’s a commitment.  I will do all I can for both current and future members,  to protect jobs which is essential for fostering economic growth.  I am committed to the concerns of our time particularly in the realm of climate change.  Our responsibility extends beyond the workplace, and I will continue to actively contribute to shaping a greener workplace and a more environmentally conscious society. 

The Democracy Alliance is a fully committed, fully united alliance amplifying the voices of every union member.  We have proven track record of basing our policies on members views, and working collaboratively, as can be seen by the pay campaign and recently by our policy on Rwanda.  Together we can secure a brighter future for members. Together this Alliance ensures that every member, regardless of background, feels included and empowered.