An English teacher with more than thirty years’ experience, I am a passionate believer in the role of trade unions in protecting and advancing the interests of members in the workplace. I really believe that we are stronger together and have campaigned on issues ranging from ending casualisation to protecting pensions; from controlling workloads to preventing cuts in F.E. funding. I represent the union on the college’s JNCC (through which senior management consults on issues relating to contracts, policies and procedures). I also represent the Joint Trade Unions on the college’s Security Committee and deal with case work, advising and representing colleagues who, for one reason or another, find themselves in need of union support. I have worked (not very successfully) as a festival stall-holder, a caterer and a bank teller. Outside of work, I enjoy painting and people-watching.