Interview with the Midlands TUC Organiser of the Year 2023
It hasn’t been an easy road for Hannah, who in 2021 suffered a life-threatening illness which completely changed her life, but getting back to being a PCS rep with one of the largest HMRC branches has given her focus and motivation and that passion for her members helped her to lift the 2023 Midlands TUC Organiser of the Year award.
When asked if she was surprised to receive the accolade Hannah simply said “I was shocked”, pausing a moment and then saying “shocked” again. “In 2021 I had a life threatening illness which resulted in me being in hospital for a number of months, but after I got back to work in 2022 I just wanted to get back to being a rep.”
“I have a real passion for what I do, but there’s a lot of work involved. I needed to get back to doing the role to help aid my recovery and I’ve had great support from the other reps in the branch.” As well as being responsible for a lot of the branch administration, Hannah takes on dozens of personal cases, representing members in meetings with HR and local management.
Hannah has been a rep since the age of 19, and credits the late Ronnie Needham for taking her under his wing in those formative days. First as the young members' rep, and later progressing to branch secretary, Hannah now finds herself as a lay tutor, helping to bring new reps on-board. She also highlights Wendy Turner as a strong influence on her role as a rep.
“I think it’s really important that reps from underrepresented groups get involved; those cases can be some of the more difficult ones, and now with a disability myself I find that I have a greater understanding and appreciation for what those members face through my own lived experience.”
“It’s important that those voices are heard, and that others are willing and able to advocate. It’s coming up to the AGM now and I’ll be sending out emails urging anyone who thinks that they would be capable to get involved and lend a hand.”