Biography

I am married with two sons. I've worked in Local Government for 24 years in which time I've been an active trade unionist within NUPE and UNISON serving as a shop steward. I have represented Rawmarsh as a local Labour Councillor for eight years.

During this time my priorities have been to: help regenerate our borough - to make it a vibrant, prosperous place with equality of opportunity for all, and to ensure that Rotherham children get the best possible start in life.

To this end I have chaired reviews within the Council and worked with colleagues to help shape policy and target resources more effectively.

Additionally, I serve as a member of the Local Government Association Children's Board; working to reshape and improve the provision of services to children and young people. I am also a school governor at Rawmarsh primary and secondary schools working to ensure that local children receive a good education.

Also, as the Yorkshire & Humber Chairman and National Vice-Chairman of 'The Alliance' a group of councils from across England, Scotland & Wales, I work to lobby government to provide more resources for our area. And as a Trustee of the national 'Coalfields Regeneration Trust', I help to ensure that funding is targeted to many of the most deprived communities throughout the country. I also serve as a Director and Vice-Chairman of 'Groundwork Dearne Valley Trust', helping to deliver many environmental & landscape improvements across Rotherham and South Yorkshire.

In addition to my borough, regional and national work, I support a number of Rawmarsh community groups and I am Chairman of the Rawmarsh & Parkgate Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, which is delivering millions of pounds of investment to help regenerate Rawmarsh & Parkgate, through improvements to our community infrastructure, environment and better provision of housing.

If ever you require any assistance my Labour colleagues and I hold weekly surgeries at Rawmarsh Library. Additional surgeries take place at Turner Close & Arcon Place community centres.

Current committees/organisations that I serve include:

• Chairman of Rotherham Children's Board
• Member of RMBC Corporate Improvement Board
• Member of RMBC/Trade Unions Joint Consultative Committee
• Member of RMBC/Education Unions Joint Consultative Committee
• Member of RMBC International Links Committee
• Member of Wentworth South Area Assembly
• Member of Clifton Park Restoration Project Board
• Yorkshire & Humber Chairman and National Vice-Chairman of 'The Alliance' Local Authorities Trustee on the national 'Coalfields Regeneration Trust'
• Representative on European Association of Coalfield Communities 'EURACOM'
• Member Local Government Association Children's Board
• Director & Vice-Chairman of 'Groundwork Dearne Valley Trust'
• Chairman of the Rawmarsh & Parkgate Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder
• Member of Rawmarsh Secondary School & Monkwood Junior School Governing Boards