Rachael Bonner, a PCS Regional Learning Officer for HM Revenue and Customs in Cumbernauld, has been chosen to receive the 2nd annual Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning at the Scottish TUC Annual Congress in Glasgow. The award, presented by the First Minister Jack McConnell MSP, recognises the pivotal role played by trade union activists in the promotion of workplace lifelong learning in memory of Helen Dowie, a trade unionist from Fife who died in 2005 from cancer.
Sponsored by learndirect scotland, trade unions nominated lay activists who have demonstrated a commitment to the trade union movement and excelled in the promotion of lifelong learning. Many worthy nominations were received by the STUC, and the award is a credit to all individuals who do outstanding work in the area of lifelong learning within the trade union movement.
Rachael has been actively involved in the trade union movement for a number of years and has enthusiastically encouraged, supported and nurtured many activists in a difficult industrial climate. First as a Union Learning Representative (ULR), later as a Branch Learning Coordinator and now as a peer-elected Regional Learning Officer, Rachael has been pivotal in assisting PCS Scotland Learning Services in developing a sustainable learning structure within all of the HMRC branches in Scotland. She leads a team of over 60 ULRs, who support and organise learning for 11,000 union members. Rachael also organises attendance of her union’s ULRs to all of the STUC Local Learning Forums in Scotland. She takes her union roles very seriously and gives a great deal of her time over and above working hours to the trade union movement. Her enthusiasm and skill has encouraged branches within HMRC to get involved with the learning agenda . Rachael is an exceptional leader within the trade union-led lifelong learning movement in Scotland.
STUC Deputy General Secretary Grahame Smith said:
“We are delighted to recognise the leading role trade union activists have played in the promotion of lifelong learning in workplaces in all sectors throughout Scotland.
“Rachael Bonner’s skills, knowledge and dedication to the workforce that she represents are an outstanding addition to the trade union-led lifelong learning movement.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, said:
“I’m pleased to be supporting this STUC award as it enters its second year. Skills and lifelong learning are fundamental to the future success of our economy and the work being undertaken by Scottish trade unions to promote skills is making a huge difference for thousands of workers.
“Helen Dowie was a close friend and I know she would have been thrilled to see the hard work of others recognised in such a positive manner. This award is a fitting way to celebrate the achievements of all those gaining news skills and confidence through trade union led lifelong learning.”
ENDS For further information please contact: Jennifer Payne, Marketing Support Officer STUC Skills & Lifelong Learning Team Tel: 0141 337 8100 / Mob: 07702 836 478