I work in Efra and this is my first time standing for the NEC. I am a member of PCS Democrats and loyal Democracy Alliance supporter.  I come from a family of proud miners and steel workers in South Yorkshire.  In both those industries being in the union was vital, and it was a key part of my formative years that helped shape my values.  

I have worked for various private sector enterprises and have always carried with me the value of being in a union.  I bring a wealth of experience and transferable skills from outside industry.  I am tenacious and do not give up when obstacles are placed before me.  I have negotiated pay settlements for staff who without my intervention would have left employment with nothing.  I negotiated my own terms of severance when an employer sought to dismiss me without process or compensation, during a period of absence as I recovered from a life-threatening illness.  So I have learned through direct experience and will bring that to the table if elected.

I am passionate about being a voice for the voiceless and equally passionate about arming others to fight as part of a collective.  I am standing as I was inspired by what I have seen the Democracy Alliance achieve during the time I have been employed as a civil servant.  The National pay campaign showcased a carefully thought through strategy which organised and included every single member of the union.  The fantastic result being that for many they saw the biggest wage increase in over a decade.  

There is much more to achieve and if elected I will work towards winning for members in an ever changing landscape of industrial relations.  Pay, pensions and Job Security are 3 of the biggest causes of concern for PCS members and are a major part of my priorities if elected.

I am proud too that under the guidance of the Democracy Alliance PCS acted swiftly to ensure no member was morally compromised by the Governments Rwanda plan for refugees.  I am honoured that as a member I have been a part of this ground-breaking achievement.  I believe PCS has a part to play on the international arena and can see we must be alert to the rise of the far right in Europe and the impacts that could have here.  I will ensure this important work continues and raise the profile of the work PCS does on the international front.

Members must decide the path the union takes over the next 12 months.  I believe that by having open engagement, by listening and with honest communication our strategy for a strong successful union will form the bedrock of our leadership.