Alison Greaves (Coventry College)

Alison Greaves (Coventry College) 

Election address 

I am deeply passionate about further education, as I am a product of it. I have seen how it transforms lives by providing students with the skills needed for the workforce or further study. However, further education is often overlooked and undervalued in the broader education system. This is especially evident in the insufficient government funding for further education institutions and the pay disparity between further education staff and their counterparts in schools. These inequalities hinder the growth and development of this essential sector, which plays a key role in shaping the future of individuals and society.   

If elected to the Midlands FE position on the NEC, my priority will be improving pay and conditions, key issues affecting staff. Many in the sector face financial pressures and increasing workloads, which negatively impact on their well-being and job satisfaction. Over the years, I've witnessed experienced staff become demoralised by these challenges, leading to burnout and their departure from the sector. This loss of expertise makes it even harder to maintain high-quality education and support for learners. By addressing these issues, I aim to create a sustainable and supportive environment for staff, ensuring they are valued and can continue to thrive in their roles.   

My teaching career has spanned 24 years, starting at Henley College Coventry and Coventry Adult Education. Over the past 19 years, I've worked at Henley College, City College Coventry, and, after their merger, Coventry College. I am currently a teacher in health and social care at Coventry College. In these institutions, I have been part of the Health and Social Care Department, helping students pursue careers in these vital fields. These experiences have fueled my passion for teaching and allowed me to adapt to the ever-changing education landscape.   

For the past 16 years, I have been an active union member, taking on significant roles to support colleagues. At Henley College, I served as Branch Secretary, increasing membership and strengthening the union's presence. After the merger of the colleges, I continued representing members at Coventry College, gaining experience in redundancy consultations, investigations, appeals, disciplinary hearings, and grievance. I also served as the Regional Chair for the West Midlands, enhancing my leadership and advocacy skills while working to improve conditions for members across the region.   

I will be voting for Dyfrig Jones as Vice President and Andrew Feeney as Honorary Treasurer and would encourage you to do the same. Please offer your 1 and 2 votes to Josh Spears and Linda Littler in the UK-elected FE positions.   

I believe that the success of further education depends on the well-being of its staff. With the right support, we can enhance the sector's impact, ensuring that it continues to transform lives.