2025 Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning

The recipient of the 2025 Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning was Steven Black of the Unite the Union. The award celebrates the achievements of Scotland’s Union Learning Representatives, promoting union-led workforce development opportunities across the trade union movement.

Sponsored by TUC Education in Scotland, the award was presented by First Minister John Swinney and STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer at the 2025 STUC Congress in Dundee on 28^th April. 

Steven, who is the Unite the Union representative for Stagecoach Bluebird in Aberdeen, was nominated following his work in building inclusive workplaces, such as ensuring adaptations for dyslexic workers. He further worked with the Stagecoach Bluebird training team to develop good working solutions to modify mentoring techniques for neurodivergent colleagues.

Commenting, award recipient Steven Black said, “It is an honour to be presented with the Helen Dowie Award by the STUC. I never set out to get something like this, all I wanted to do was share my experience and highlight the challenges a dyslexic thinker like me faces on a day-to-day basis.

“I hope that by receiving this, I have been able to encourage others who are neurodivergent that anything is possible and not be afraid to speak up and share their challenges with their employer and colleagues. I would also like to thank everyone who has helped me achieve this position, which has enabled me to receive this award.”

Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said, “I pass on my warmest wishes to Steven and thank him sincerely for his work to our movement. He’s a shining light amongst our workplace reps who do so much to provide inclusive, welcoming and safe workplaces for all workers to thrive.

“It’s clear that, without his work, neurodivergent and dyslexic colleagues would not be able to reach their potential. Steven has ensured that the workplace is for everyone, regardless of barriers or backgrounds and it is only fitting that he has been recognised by the First Minister and our entire trade union movement for his dedication to his fellow workers.”

Commenting, Wendy Burton, Director of Scottish Union Learning, said, “We congratulate Steven on receiving this Award. Steven has excelled as a Union Learning Rep, using his own experience of dyslexia to build an inclusive work environment for neurodivergent colleagues.

“Steven has improved employer-led training and mentoring, in addition to ensuring that training programmes provided by his union are accessible. His strong commitment to the union movement is unparalleled and he is a very worthy recipient of the Helen Dowie Award. We thank him and give him all best wishes for the future.” 

Commenting, Nuala Ashe, Regional Learning Organiser, Unite the Union said, “The Learn with Unite team is immensely proud of Steven’s accomplishment in gaining this top accolade from the STUC. 

“Through his volunteer roles as a Workplace and Learning Rep and Chair of the Aberdeen Branch of Dyslexia Scotland, Steven uses his lived experience to champion neurodiversity within the workplace, the union movement, and the Aberdeen community, paving the way for a more inclusive Scotland. Well done, Steven.”

Watch Steven’s story in the Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning short film here: