PAT Scotland welcomes new officer

19 September 2007

PAT Scotland has appointed Maureen Laing as Senior Professional Officer (Scotland). She takes over from Jim O'Neill who retires at the end of September.

After reading History at Aberdeen University, Maureen Laing trained as a teacher at the Northern College of Education before starting her teaching career at the Multimedia Centre in Kennoway, Fife. She then taught at Kirkland High School, Methil, and Glenwood High School in Glenrothes before joining the PAT staff.

Maureen became a PAT member in 1975 and has served the Association as Fife Federation Chairman, as a Field Officer for Fife and as Chairman of the Scottish Executive Committee (SEC) twice.

She has represented PAT Scotland on the National Qualifications Steering Group and the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) and at meetings with the Scottish Executive. She has also been an individual member of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)  Advisory Council.

Maureen Laing said: "I have been heavily involved with PAT as a member and activist for many years and this new challenge is an opportunity for me to carry forward and develop the work I have previously undertaken on a voluntary basis.

"I am looking forward to the variety of tasks my new role will bring - both helping members and representing the Association - and to meeting members from all sectors of education and childcare in Scotland."