Hi There

My Name is Kath Housley,

I was elected at the last Proud AGM to be the Regional Officer for Yorkshire and Humber. The post was originally a job share with David Eales who suddenly and unfortunately had to stand down so you have just got me now. Below is a little bit about myself for the benefit of those who don’t yet know me.

I work for the DWP at the Employee Shared Services Centre in Sheffield. I have been there for 4 years and became a PCS office rep on day one. I have been quite happy here until April –when I like all my colleagues - was introduced to R.M. a very interesting system as anyone who has to use it will know. We were pushed in at the deep end, no training, no prior pay roll knowledge etc etc..(Does it sound familiar?) lot’s of personal cases meant it was a very busy time, So if anyone out there who uses RM and is waiting for a reply from a service request please be patient and don’t blame the messengers…………..

I am my Branch Equality/Diversity Officer and also on the entertainments committee for Proud. We arrange all the entertainment and fund raising for the annual seminar and any other proud events.

I am a committed trade unionist and a lesbian mother of two grown up children and four grandchildren; I came out quite late in life so, I feel that I can relate to issues members face with coming out at work, to families and with issues regarding lesbian and gay parenting. I have lived with my partner Gail for 7 years now.

I am hoping to get this Region more involved and active not just in campaigning issues but also socially. I want to hear from you, tell me what you want from Proud and what you would like to get involved with. There are many events throughout the year training events and the main seminar which is to be held in November this year and at which I have seen a disappointingly low uptake from our Region so far I would love to change all that. Just keep an aye on this web sight for more details of training events and the seminar.

I hope I haven’t bored you all too much, it’s hard having to talk about oneself so I will close now and look forward to meeting you all.

Bye for now

Kath