Rep of the Year 2008, Kate Linker, flanked by Zena Mitton, president of the Society, and Tom Jones of Thompsons Solicitors, sponsor of the awards.

The winner of the Society’s first UK Representative of the Year competition is Kate Linker, an industrial relations rep at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

According to the nomination from the Northern Region, “In a relatively short time Kate has won a series of successful negotiations on behalf of her members as well as represented colleagues in disciplinary procedures, showing selflessness and empathy for those in stressful situations.

“She is quiet, thoughtful but determined to succeed in battles with management. Her commitment to the ethos and aims of trade unionism is high on her list of priorities.”

A total of seven regions put forward nominations for the Rep of the Year title, which is sponsored by Thompsons Solicitors. The other regional winners were:

London Jonathan Harper
A rep at St Mary’s Hospital, Jonathan contributes to Society work at a regional and national level. He helps members facing disciplinary proceedings, or suffering injustice. He is easy to approach and works hard to achieve the best outcome.

Midlands Sue Cunliffe
Very active in negotiations for Agenda for Change, Sue is rep in the x-ray department at Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham. She is in demand in the wider trust for her work on the staff side. The Midlands regional committee have described Sue as being “The valiant, varied, valid, valued, vivacious, veracious, voluptuous, versatile, votary, vital , vocal, vociferous, vehement…Sue Cunliffe.”

North West Kelly Fidoe-White
A rep at the Royal Oldham, Kelly’s nomination is unusual because it describes her support for one Society member involved in a three year long dispute. Her dedication, commitment and sheer stamina have won respect and gratitude from her members.

South East Michael Fell
His colleagues (at Milton Keynes General) are particularly grateful for his constant support over Agenda for Change. Michael never fails to offer valid and consistent advice and support to all staff members. He encourages all non-SoR members to join and extols the benefits of membership.

South West Paulo Zanoni
A rep at United Bristol Hospitals Trust, he has recently led a successful negotiation surrounding superintendent roles, reorganisation and reductions in numbers of posts. He was nominated for his “excellent communication skills, which have made him a dextrous negotiator and a perceptive listener.”

Yorkshire and North Trent Sandra Wood
The Society rep in x-ray at Bradford Royal Infirmary, Sandra has dealt with numerous disciplinary processes in a efficient and professional manner, whilst remaining caring and thoughtful. Sandra always puts others first and always gives her all. She is a dedicated trade unionist who never fails to demonstrate empathy for her members and enthusiasm in furthering their health and well being at work.

Posted: 16/04/2008