Founded in 1970, the Professional Association of Teachers (PAT) became Voice: the union for education professionals in 2008, transferring into Community in 2020.
It is with great sadness that I share with you news of the death of PAT Chairman Emeritus Anne Spencer, who died peacefully on Christmas Day, surrounded by her family.
When I first met Anne, she was a Deputy Head at Morden Primary School in the London Borough of Merton, where she taught the nursery class children for many years.
She loved this work and was well respected by her headteacher and colleagues at the school, and valued throughout the borough for her knowledge, expertise and her excellent people skills.
She was a wholehearted supporter of the Professional Association of Teachers and the values it stood for. She became a Branch Chairman in the early 1980s, and not long after agreed to stand as the Council Member for South London.
Anne served on the Education Committee for many years and worked closely with Deputy General Secretary Jackie Miller on the formation of union policy. One notable example was the subject of violence in children’s television programmes and video games, and their effects on children’s behaviour.
In 1986, Anne was elected National Vice Chairman and became Chairman at the 1987 Conference in Exeter. She remained on Council until 1994, when she stepped down, but continued to undertake Field Officer work across the South London boroughs.
She was an excellent listener and trained counsellor, and supported many members, and indeed friends, through some of the most stressful times of their lives and careers.
She was a very good personal friend and confidante who guided and encouraged me in my early years in PAT. It was she who encouraged me to seek election to CounciI, and for that, and for very many other kindnesses, I will always be grateful to her.
She will be much missed.
If you are a member of Community and need advice or support, please contact our Service Centre at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.
© Community Trade Union 2025
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