I’m privileged to have been a PCS Rep for many years and have carried out roles at all levels of the union. I see myself first and foremost as a representative of members’ views – here to listen to what you have to say and then use those views to lead and shape PCS policy. 

That’s why for me the way those in the so-called NEC majority have behaved this year is shocking. I recognise we won’t always agree, but from the very first meeting they completely disregarded the fact that there are many members who do not agree with their views on the National Campaign, particularly about the levy. Given they only have a majority of 3 on a body of 35 people, they have been unwilling to compromise and therefore failed to recognise the views of thousands of members who elected Democracy Alliance NEC candidates, our National President and our General Secretary. 

OUR PRIORITIES:

During the next 12 months PCS must keep up the pressure on Government to stop the levelling down of members standard of living as costs keep on rising. 

We must address differing pay levels across the area’s in which we organise, whether that be in the public or private sector. In Redgrave Court where I work in Bootle rates of pay vary by hundreds of pounds, yet the roles are all graded using the same job evaluation system. 

Other terms and conditions like annual leave also vary across departments. That’s why we must carry out an urgent mapping exercise and use the information to support a return to national bargaining. And we must tackle the shocking levels of low pay thousands of our members face as wages struggle to keep up with the national living wage. 

Preparing for a potential 2025 national dispute should however be our key priority. We must consult members now, confirm what their top issues are, and organise to have maximum leverage should it become necessary to take industrial action.  Building the strength of our union ultimately increases our leverage in negotiation, and we need to ensure everyone can play an active part in PCS through our digital tools. 

Specifically, regarding the national levy, we do need a fighting fund so we can support action taken in any national campaign. However, as no action has taken place since last year the levy should have been paused. I believe it is simply wrong that the members of the NEC majority point blank refused to do that at every opportunity. I advocate for a full review of how we raise funds in the future at our national conference this year, and in the meantime stop taking money from members who are often hard pressed to find it in the first place. 

ABOUT ME:

I started work in Southport Job Centre but have worked in HSE for many years. Whilst I am widely known for my H&S campaigning and knowledge, I have a wealth of experience representing members individually and collectively, both with my employer HSE, and at Cabinet Office level as an NEC member of national negotiating teams. I have also represented PCS at the TUC. I have focused on terms and conditions of employment, but also on how we address the increased use of AI tools in our workplaces. 

In 2024 I was elected as Vice President of the Public Sector Group of PCS, an area that covers multiple employers and national branches.  Members here sometimes feel overshadowed by the larger PCS Groups so I have made sure to speak up for them whenever I can at PCS events. 

I’ve supported hundreds of members during my time as National Branch Chair for the HSE & ONR National Branch when dealing with individual casework.  I have also been the lead lay negotiator with our employer for more than 20 years and like to think I have developed a reputation as someone trusted by members. 

In negotiation I have covered all area’s including pay; T&C’s; learning & development; equality in the workplace and health & safety. 

I’m seeking re-election because I am passionate about fairness and defending members interests, I believe I have the skills and experience to do that. 

To deliver on these aims it is vital that we have a strong united leadership and do not end up hamstrung as we have been since last June.  The Democracy Alliance previously raised the profile of our union to an all-time high engaging with members in all branches, regions and home nations.  We seek consensus, believing that is the only way we can win for members. 

I ask for your continued support of the Democracy Alliance candidates.  We are committed to building a progressive union that works together around our shared values.