Ms Beatrix E Groves

Membership Grade: Member
Current Position: Part Time Tutor
Reserved Seats: Gender/North East England

I am a transgendered person who has worked as a contractual ‘part-time tutor’ in adult, further and higher education for twenty-five years. I have long been committed to the welfare and support of groups within the education profession who find themselves marginalised and voiceless. This includes transgendered and gender-dysphoric people, but also all part-timer teachers – no matter what their gender or situation.

I believe that one of the most vital things within the post-compulsory sector is to recognise diversity in all its forms, and to create a culture where those who are at the ‘chalk face’ of learning get a strong voice within its organisational and decision-making systems. I feel I am that voice.

I am a trade unionist (member of (UCU), the founder (in 1995) and general secretary of the Association of Part-Time Tutors,and an ‘out’ transwoman who has a very thorough experiential knowledge of the educational process and its needs. I have taught in almost every aspect of the post-compulsory sector, and have a very strong knowledge of educational process,philosophy and theory.

If I were elected to the Advisory Council I would:

  1. Insure that the Council is more than just a ‘talking shop’   
  2. Raise the profile of transgender people and their needs within the post-compulsory sector, gaining awareness and acceptance whenever possible.   
  3. Make sure that the training and career development of part-time tutors (or lecturers) is relevant and primarily in their interests   
  4. Work towards greater security and recognition for part-timers.   
  5. Be a strong voice for those who are unheard within the profession.

Thank you – and I look forward to your support.