Champion of change

Sarah Guerra says her strong understanding of a central government delivery department and a true understanding of the issues make her well placed to be the FDA's newly appointed equalities champion.

The equalities champion of the FDA? Who'd have thought it? A 37-year-old black mother of two who went to a polytechnic!

Why me? Well, I believe that everyone should be able to succeed no matter what their background, and progress should be based on skill, ability and commitment. Everybody should be able to demonstrate this in a way that allows them to be themselves.

So who am I and what do I know about exclusion? Born in London, British but to immigrant parents and so as a West Indian supporter fail the Tebbit test! Average education - narrowly avoided being stereotyped into "something vocational"! Cluelessness about the hierarchy in the university system (well, being the first in my family to go, how would I know?) Finished law school and only got one interview after hundreds of applications. Then the relief of positive responses to graduate scheme applications and in September 1995 I joined the Inland Revenue fast stream. The offer that came through first, which I accepted despite the meeting a Revenue employee at the assessment centre who told me "well you'll be ok - you're not white and you're a woman - they're bound to take you".

And here I am having been a tax inspector, private secretary, policy adviser, and project manager. I've had two stints of maternity leave, got my grade 6 and now work a compressed week having just finished a period of part time working.

So union credentials? As an angry trainee I did a stint on ARC (Association of Revenue and Customs) national committee. Inspired by Michelle Wyer, I was elected to the committee and became a national officer with responsibility for diversity. I have already made a significant difference in the how we do our business.

I joined the FDA Executive Committee in June 2008. Surprising, as at an Annual Delegate Conference (years ago) I overheard a couple of delegates discussing someone "who clearly wasn't Oxbridge". Incensed, I berated the hall for being snobby and exclusive, saying I would never return. I'd like to think the FDA has changed.

So does that convince you that I can be a champion with a true understanding of the issues, whilst being someone who has a strong understanding of a central government delivery department?

So what do I plan to do? I know there are some that are suspicious of the equality agenda and see it as some sort of charter for time wasters and those without merit to bypass the system. It may sound like I am just someone with a big chip on my shoulder. Not much I say here will convince sceptics - only action and delivery will.

I want equality and diversity to be a reality with positive impact, rather than being seen as a separate agenda that is for someone else. Each member should be able to understand and see the relevance to them. I want the FDA to engage with departments, pushing equality much higher up the list of priorities. I also want to ensure that all members understand how the union works, what it can do for them and how they can get involved.

Sarah Guerra is the FDA equalities champion and is also a member of the Executive Committee.