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Meet the Team

Bev Leedham

Bev Leedham

Position: Full time Convenor
Email Address:
Telephone Number: 07807950451

Bio:
Welcome to GMB. My name is Bev Leedham and I am a full time GMB Convenor supporting our members at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council I have worked for Sandwell MBC for 40 years, and during that time I have worked in various departments such as Education, Children’s Services and Adults Services, and from many locations across the Borough. I joined the GMB Union over 30 years ago, when “Compulsory Competitive Tendering” was introduced by Central Government, forcing local authorities to open up contracts for in-house services like Refuse Collection and School Catering & Cleaning Services, to private competition. I could see that GMB were working hard to protect people’s jobs, pay, terms and conditions, and that was the representation I wanted. I have also personally experienced the great support that GMB provides on an individual basis with personal representation on HR matters.  This inspired me to become a GMB Work-place representative. I have been involved in some great campaigns working with GMB and the employer,  such as implementing the “Menstruation to Menopause” Policy raising awareness of menstruation and menopause related issues at work and assisting managers in supporting employees who are, experiencing menstruation and menopause and their associated symptoms. I am also a “Menstruation to Menopause champion”. So, if are already a Sandwell GMB member, and need support or advice just get in touch, we are here to support you, and if you are not a GMB member just yet, let’s have a chat about the benefits of being a GMB member and how we can support you at work.
Darren James

Darren James

Position: Branch Secretary/Convenor
Email Address:
Mobile Number: 07786126530

Bio:
Hi my name is Darren and I have worked within Sandwell council for 30 years. I became a workplace rep 26 years ago and I have been Sandwell's GMB branch secretary for 22 years. In addition to my role within the branch, I currently sit on the NJC Pay committee representing GMB on talks around Government pay and the National Local Government Workers Committee, Regional Committee & Regional Council, I also sits on the regional Local Government activists forum. I am a dedicated member of the branch and happy to help members with any advice and support they may need.  
Donna Spencer

Donna Spencer

Position: Education Convenor
Email Address:
Mobile Number: 07584619293

Bio:
Hi Everyone my name is Donna and I have worked for Sandwell council for 18 years in schools. I trained and became a workplace rep in 2017 after being voted by my colleagues to become the voice of our workplace and then subsequently in 2020 joined the Sandwell Branch as an Education Convenor. After working is schools for many years I understand the issues our members that work in Education and early years settings face on a daily basis.  
GMB Sandwell Workplace Representatives

GMB Sandwell Workplace Representatives

Position: Details of GMB workplace representatives

Bio:
Sandwell Council
Ajaz Ahmad - Neighbourhoods, Roway Lane Annette Greenwood - Adult Services Margaret Garmston-Carr - IPTU Nicola Picken - Adult Services Penniy Picken - Adult Services Ranjit Soomal - Adult Services, systems team, Race Officer
Schools
Julie Birley- Academy Rep Lorraine Thompson - Schools rep Nickie Greensill - Academy rep  
SERCO
Simon Gardner
Sandwell Leisure Trust
Graham Berry Darrin Taggart    
GMB Union Representatives are people who believe in standing up for fairness and helping other members in their work place. They come from a variety of backgrounds and positions in their workplace.
 
GMB Workplace Representatives usually take on the role of both Workplace Organiser (Shop Steward) and Safety Rep. Whatever role you take on, GMB will be here to support and train you.
If you want to find out more about the role please get in touch for an informal chat via branch@gmbs85sandwell.org.uk or call 07786126530
Alternatively you can also complete GMB's online enquiry form
We are keen to ensure that we are as reflective of our membership and welcome enquiries from young workers (those aged 30 or below) and workers from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups.

Ian Cooper

Ian Cooper

Position: Branch President
Email Address:
Telephone Number: 0121 569 5990

Bio:
Hello my name is Ian and I am the Branch President for GMB in Sandwell. I have undertaken my GMB representative training and have previously been selected as the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Halesowen and Rowley Regis for the Labour Party. I am a dedicated community activist. I am on hand to respond to any enquiry relating to branch matters.
Ranjit Soomal

Ranjit Soomal

Position: Race Officer
Email Address:
Telephone Number: 0121 569 5990

Bio:
Hello my name is Ranjit and I completed my initial rep training and became a workplace rep. I have also been elected as Branch Race Officer, I am keen to engage with BaME members and campaign on issues which cause disadvantage. I am always on hand to assist with any enquiries, I am contactable through the branch office.