I was a teacher and lecturer between 1973 and 2001, but have started a second career involved with health. I was a coopted member of the Durham County Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee I became a Lay Member of the Commissioning Group in 2012 I have served for .I have been appointed Vice Chair of the CCG and Chair of Primary Care Committee.. Member of NHS Clinical Commissioners Lay members Group..I worked for the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health between 2003 and 2008, ending up doing their policy work. I subsequently did some research for the NHS on public involvement in commissioning.If you want a copy please e-mail me.I served as a Director of East Durham Homes - Chair of Finance Chair of the Board until last year. I served as a councillor from 1988 to 2009 when my local authority was abolished by my own side (!). I was a member of the National Policy Forum of the Labour party and have been a member of the REgional Board. I organise the northern Branch of the Socialist Health Association.I like mountaineering. I whave climbed Mont Blanc twice .I want to climb the highest peak in every Balkan country Last year my brother Peter and I climbed Marmolada in the Dolomitem and in 2014Mount Toubkal in Morocco. In 2015 we were in Bulgaria This year we go to Albania.Now Chair of Scrutiny for North East Combined Authority. I am happily married to Maureen who has always guided me in the right direction. She is the rock on which my life is builtI write regularly for the journal and have published two books. I am also a member of the church of England and help where I can.My skills are in Governance and writing.