David Baxter – Area Officer

Joining the EIS family has been a long-held ambition of mine. I’ve always been deeply passionate about representing and supporting the members of this esteemed institution. Prior to my current role, I had the privilege of serving as the Local Association secretary for Dundee for approximately 9½ years. It was both an honour and a challenging decision to transition from representing and supporting my dear friends and colleagues in the city.

Furthermore, I had the honour of being the Convener of Employment Relations for a number of years. This role was close to my heart, as the committee is pivotal in aiding individual members, whether through the benevolence fund or via the remarkable efforts of the Employment Relations Department.

Now, as the Area Officer, I truly relish every moment. My tenure as the local association secretary in Dundee equipped me with valuable experiences, allowing for a smooth transition. It’s been exhilarating working alongside many individuals whom I’ve admired for years. My primary responsibilities encompass supporting local associations and colleges, as well as representing members both individually and collectively. It’s a role that I’m deeply committed to and excited about, each and every day.

Wendy Hearty – National Officer (Organisation)

I started my career in psychology, supporting young people with head injuries into education and work. Over the last 20 years I have worked in various public health roles across the NHS, with a focus on research and public policy development, working with a wide variety of partners including local, Scottish and UK government.

Across the years I have worked on tobacco and alcohol policy, mental health, healthy ageing, and latterly focused on issues relating to poverty and inequality, including leading a national feasibility study on Universal Basic Income.

Alongside my policy roles, I have lectured in both further and higher education, in psychology and public health. For the last 16 years I was a Unison steward in the NHS, directly representing members and contributing to local partnership working. I was delighted to join the EIS as National Officer in AGM week, and have jumped straight in to the new SU4QE campaign planning and delivery, alongside delivery of AGM resolutions. I am delighted to join the EIS and look forward to meeting many more members in the coming months.