Board of Directors

I worked as a Biomedical Scientist at Aberdeen University for more than 40 years, based in laboratories in the Medical School and the Children’s Hospital. On joining the relevant trade union, I became a workplace representative initially, then Regional and National representative on the Higher Education Sector Committees. I was also a staff representative on many of the Aberdeen University Committees and was the first non-academic member to serve on the University Court.

After retiring from laboratory work, I spent a year in the University’s Human Resources Department, introducing a single pay spine for all University staff. In 2005, I was awarded an MBE for “Services to Higher Education & Employee Relations.” I was also a member of Bridge of Don Community Council for around 16 years.

For 3 months, I was interim Senior Equalities Officer at GREC, and although I had been a member for many years I gained a greater insight into the various aspects of the work. I followed this up by applying for Board membership.

I am originally from the Czech Republic, and I have been living in Aberdeen for almost 15 years. I have gained first-hand experience working with communities from my voluntary work at Sunnybank Community Centre, where I have been a chairperson since 2011. This consists of working alongside volunteers from different cultural backgrounds, parents, and young people, and encouraging partnership with other agencies, including GREC. Through this work and my lived experience, I have become passionate about gaining and developing my knowledge and skills on how to support/integrate citizens from ethnic minorities into our society.