2026 Helen Dowie Award: Union Learning Rep of the Year

The recipient of the Helen Dowie Award: Union Learning Rep of the Year  2026 is Liz Russell, Union Learning Rep (ULR) with EIS. 

Liz is a secondary teacher of English employed by Glasgow City Council, an active member of EIS Glasgow’s Local Association, and an EIS Learning Representative. In her role as a teacher in Glasgow’s virtual school and hospital education service, Liz is faced with limited facility time. However, she strives to ensure EIS members in the Glasgow Local Association have meaningful union-led opportunities to develop their professional learning. 

Liz has played a pivotal role in supporting teachers with their professional learning needs, particularly in the context of Additional Support for Learning (ASL) and has delivered sessions for local members on meeting diverse classroom needs. This provision of support links directly to the EIS Stand Up for Quality Education campaign which highlights the impact of the under-resourcing of ASL on teachers and on learners. 

Liz recognised that the demand amongst members to focus their professional learning on ASL reflected the EIS Stand Up for Quality Education campaign. This ensured members were aware of the campaign, understood the need for collective action and how they could get active within the Local Association. 

Liz has become a well-respected and inspiring member of the EIS Learning Rep Network. As an active member of the network, Liz supports both new and experienced reps, sharing her knowledge, skills and experience. 

Liz’s enthusiasm and drive to support members’ learning and make a difference has increased the profile of professional learning within the union and the local authority, to the extent that other Learning Reps in the area have received increased facility time. 

Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said, “I warmly congratulate Liz on receiving the Helen Dowie Award for Union Learning Rep of the Year. This recognition is richly deserved and reflects the passion, commitment and leadership she has shown in championing lifelong learning, supporting her colleagues and strengthening her union. 

“Liz’s work demonstrates the transformative power of union learning. By creating opportunities for educators to develop their knowledge and skills – particularly in supporting children and young people with additional support needs – she has empowered not only learners, but the teachers and education professionals who make inclusive education a reality every day. 

“Trade unions have always understood that learning is a lifelong journey. Union Learning Representatives like Liz play a vital role in ensuring workers can continue to grow professionally, share expertise and build the confidence to improve workplaces and public services.  

“On behalf of Scotland’s trade union movement, we collectively celebrate Liz and, once again, offer her our congratulations for her outstanding work.

This year, the award was sponsored by TUC Education in Scotland. 

Watch Liz’s story in the 2026 Helen Dowie Award: Union Learning Rep of the Year short film here: