STEVE SINNOTT

1951-2008

Your Tributes

How very sad the news made me, especially as there were arguments raging in the staffroom about who would, or would not, take part in the strike. I was feeling very resentful towards my non striking colleagues, but Steve's death put it all into perspective. I will strike partly in his hounour. I am so sorry for his family and would ask that you could pass on my earnest wishes for them. Cath Bennett – East Sussex

I am glad to have had the opportunity to with you on TUC Aid and through Unions 21, and will miss your contribution and involvement. My thoughts are with your family and colleagues. Sue Ferns – Prospect

Truly a sad time for family and all who have taken support from Steve's messages. God Bless. Ivan Lister – Leeds

So sorry to hear the tragic news. Steve was a great fighter for justice and peace, both nationally and internationally, and I hope his legacy will live on. Thoughts are with his family and friends. Adam Hug – The Fostering Network

I was deeply shocked by the news of Steve's death. I met him on several occasions over the years and he always had time for everyone. He was well respected both nationally and internationally and most of all he was a thoroughly decent, genuine human being. All the officers and executive members of Sheffield Division will miss his support and comradeship. My thoughts are with Mary and his family. Steve will be greatly missed but he has left a great legacy for the teaching profession. Linda West – Sheffield

We heard of the news of Steve's sudden death with disbelief and then shock. We first met him when he was Membership Secretary for Lancs, many years back, and then saw him climb onwards to the top of the Union tree. It is especially sad that he should go at a time when he would have been leading the NUT onwards in the cureent action, after a successful Easter conference, but it is the sad and premature passing of a family man that hits us all - for his family will miss him the most. it is to them that we extend our sympathy at this time. James & Pamela Anderson – Burnley District (Lancs)

I met Steve briefly in the context of the NUT's Black/Ethnic Minority Teachers' conference, and was struck by his rock-solid support and commitment to this group within the union, both when he himself was President and in support of Baljeet Ghale at 2007's BME Conference. His death is a terrible tragedy and as incomprehensible as only such a sudden loss can be - Death is such an illogical, irrational concept for our minds to try and process! It is vital we, as members of our union, hold on to what Steve believed in and carry it forward. He has worked relentlessly with his comrades and fought for the rights of our profession to improve our conditions of pay, and we must rise in strength on 24th April if we are to do justice to his fight. My deepest sympathies lie with Steve's wife and children; I marked the 20-year anniversary of my own father's death this April. The passing of time has never lessened the pain of his loss, but it has helped me to learn to live with it. I hope you can take comfort from knowing that there are thousands of people around the world whose thoughts are with you at this terrible time. To Steve's son, also called Steve - hold your head up and bear his name with pride, just as I see my father's features whenever I look at myself. Satwant Bhambra – Spelthorne

We will miss you so much Steve - you were an inspirational leader. My first encounter with Steve was when he was President - trying to get his tongue aound my daughter's name to get me to go to the creche. After that he visited the Rhondda during his campaign for Deputy GS . It is such a short time since I watched Steve laughing at my younger daughter playing at the Welsh Dinner at the Manchester conference. On each occasion he displayed one of his most special qualities, the enjoyment of the moment, the abilty to be at ease and put people at ease. It is no wonder that there are so many tributes to such a special person. Clare Jones – Rhondda Cynon Taf

I am not a member of the NUT but was very shocked to hear of the sudden death of Steve Sinnott. I know that he was a very well respected person in the NUT and beyond and my colleagues who are in the NUT regarded him as an active Secretary who was passionate about the profession both in terms of the well being of teachers but also in the well-being and development of children. He will obviously be greatly missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and especially his family at this very sad time. Keith Wright – Norfolk

After such a successful and enjoyable conference last month it was a great shock to hear of Steve's death. As a colleague and close friend of the family he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts go to Steve's wife, Mary, and his children and hope that they can take some comfort in knowing that NUT members will work hard together to continue to get Steve's visions put into practice. Anna Gill – Derby

I think he set an excellent example to others as he believed in teaching and understood the important role teachers have in children's lives. His passion for teaching will be sadly missed. C.Taylor – North

I had met Steve a couple of times with work regarding the Israeli Teachers Union. After these few limited meetings I immediately developed a high regard and admiration for him. His death came as an upsetting shock and it is credit to a man who influenced me in such a short period of time. He had just the right balance between his energy for domestic issues and international issues. His belief in equality and opprtunity for children was on. He recognised that in some regions children enter and leave education with one arm tied behind their backs, through no fault of their own. His dedication to their futures must never be forgotten. As a union we must continue and win the fight for fair opportunities for children, teachers and international humanity. Failure is not an option! . Matthew Wilson – Barnsley

What words can be said to speak of our sorrow at the passing of Steve Sinnott? Steve was 'a smashing fella', a true gentleman, a passionate trade unionist, a determined leader ... I remember my last meeting with him - at conference in Manchester this year as Durham Division President hosting our conference meeting for delegates and friends. I apologised to him for talking during his Question and Answer sessions and said I had given members homework and asked them to save him the trouble of designing a new logo (as he said he would do on the Friday after conference!). Now he will not see our efforts. After my speech Steve asked me if I had ever made a conference speech. I told him I had got to the rostrum to have the main question moved just before I was called many years ago. ! Steve said I should make a speech next year at conference. This filled me with pride. Now Steve will not be there to see if I do or not. Remembering Steve with love and pride for a life well lived and so much achieved for 'our children'. Wishing his family strength and peace in the difficult days to come. God bless and Rest in Peace. Dawn Whittaker – Durham

I have always been proud to be a member of the NUT, but never more so than under Steve’s leadership. The fact that the Union is now more united than it has been for decades is no surprise. Steve was a unifier, a trade-unionist of the highest calibre. I liked him enormously and will miss him. My heart-felt sympathies go to his family and friends. I hope the many tributes paid to Steve help them in their grief. Bruce Hogan – Gloucestershire

I always looked up to Steve and admired his style of leadership. I spoke to him at the Manchester Conference and he cracked a good joke. I admired his spontaneous sense of humour. He will be greatly missed by all members of the NUT. Ken Rustidge – Lincolnshire

It was with shock that I learned of Steve's untimely death. Despite not being a member of the NUT, I have sincere respect for Steve's dedication and commitment, and wish all of his family, friends and colleagues many condolences. May he rest in peace. Julian Gilbey – Hertfordshire

So sorry to hear the news. Angela Claydon – Halton

Dear Steve Thank you being such an excellent speaker and leader of our union. Thank you also for coming to one of our annual NUT dinners at Downham Market a few years ago. I so enjoyed your company when I drove you to the function. I remember you liked having a 'tour guide' showing you some of the area while you were with us in Norfolk. We will do our very best to follow in your shoes. Joella Nash – Downham Market and West Norfolk

He had time to listen to everyone.Will be very sadly missed. Sue Walton – Canterbury/ Kent

Steve Sinnott was an evidently decent and sincere man whom it was a honour to have known and to have worked with. His sudden loss will be an immense loss both to the NUT and to the world of education. Andrew Panton – Newham

My thoughts are with Mr Sinnott's family and friends at this sad time. It is clear that Steve had a warm, great dedication to the world of education and a devotion to teaching. A real credit to the profession which many will miss. A Porter – Yorkshire

One of life's good guys - a passionate supporter of state education, of pupils and of teachers, but, additionally, a caring and concerned gentleman. Like all Liverpudlians he had a love of life and a great sense of humour - you have to as an Everton fan! Thanks for your dedicated work for the NUT, Steve. You made your mark and you will be remebered fondly. Nick Shorthouse – Stoke On Trent

I met Steve twice, once at Stoke Rocheford and once at a meeting in Blandford. A very decent, honest and friendly man. Simon Gillett – Dorset

I was sat across from Steve at a less than riveting meeting at the Dunkenhalgh. We were in the conservatory, sat around garden tables on plastic chairs. The legs on my chair cracked and I was pitched forward landing with my face firmly in his lap. As I scrabbled about trying to get to my feet, he didn't miss a beat just informed me that though he was flattered he thought we should wait til the end of the meeting. Teaching has lost a champion and one that had not forgotten how to laugh. I can't get to the funeral but in St Swithin's church in Kalamunda, a small town in the hills of Western Perth I've lit a candle. My deepest condolences to his family. Justine Chadwick – ex headteacher Lancashire

I am so very, very sad to hear of Steve's death and my first thoughts are with his family - Mary, Stephen and Kate. Steve was a great bloke who never lost his connection with the aspirations of ordinary school teachers. His job was not made easier by the government's petulant freezing out of the NUT. It is characteristic that Steve died reviving the action camapign for pay justice. He was a tireless and committed internationalist who fought for education throughout the world. NUT was sister union and had a joint membership scheme with NATFHE. When I became NATFHE general secretary in 1997 and Steve was NUT deputy, he gave me tremendous support. Steve encouraged the merger of NATFHE and AUT into the University and College Union. He would come up to me and say: "I think it's smashing what you're doing with the AUT". Let's hope Steve's legacy will be greater professional unity and a more resolute stand for pay justice for teachers everywhere. Paul Mackney – General Secretary NATFHE/UCU 1997-2007

As members of the Union family, we at Countdown will miss Steve and his warm personality. We send our condolences to his family and colleagues. Kevin Lake – Countdown

It is difficult to add to the many compliments paid to Steve in this book of condolence so far but one can only agree with all of them. I first met Steve at Conference in his Presidential Year. It was the first conference I attended and his conduct of conference made me want to return. He conducted that conference with enthusiasm, politeness and good nature and I think he continued to bring those qualities to everything he did subsequently in the union. He certainly brought those qualities to play in moving the union forward in a more united way over the last four years. He has worked tirelessly over recent months to spread the message to members that the day of action on the 24th April was going to be the chance for NUT members to send a strong message to the government that 'enough is enough' and teachers must be treated with respect in both terms of pay and workload. It is a very sad thought that Steve will miss the day he worked so hard for. We will all miss you. Alan Rutter – Cumbria Division Secretary and Executive Member for Area 1

I can not adequately put into words how profoundly shocked and saddened I was by the tragic news of Steve's death. I felt I must pass on the sincere condolences of all at College Hill Press at this sad time. He was a good friend to this company, always treating us with a generosity of spirit which will never be forgotten. Tim Higgins – College Hill Press

The Anti Academies Alliance would like to offer its deepest sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Steve Sinnott. Steve played a decisive role in the work of the Anti Academies Alliance. He met and spoke with us regularly. He was always willing to listen, eager to suggest ideas and always resolute in his commitment. He spoke at our meetings, conferences and local campaigns. And his words were always backed by action. Without Steve’s direct support the AAA would barely exist today. His commitment to comprehensive education and his willingness to work with others was one of the driving forces behind the alliance. Steve recognised that the AAA campaign was a long term commitment, that academies threatened to undermine our education service and that, whilst campaigning against academies, we should keep our eye on the real prize; a good local school for every child. Thanks Steve, for the inspiration. Alasdair Smith – Anti Academies Alliance

We will always remember Steve for his friendly open approach to all teachers. He was always ready to help in a time of crisis,a man for all and every teacher. Our deepest sympathy and prayers for mary and the family at this tragic time. Ena & Howard Douglas - Blackburn with Darwen

Things just don't feel right without Steve. He was a 'one-off'who exuded goodness. A dreadful loss to his adored family and the teaching profession. Bella, Betty & Hugo miss their 'Uncle' Steve. We'll never forget you. Diana Katz - British Medical Association

Unlike many people who have contributed to this book of condolences, I only met Steve on one occasion at one of our Liverpool General Meetings. He came across as a true and passionate leader believing in a good education system for all, raising standards not just for the students we teach but for all those connected with education. A man we will all miss. M. Flannery and NUT members of Siant Margaret's C of E High School, Liverpool. Mark Flannery - Liverpool

Steve Sinnott’s sudden death is a great loss and a huge shock. All of us at Teacher Support Network are thinking of his family. We are also thinking of his friends, colleagues and staff at the National Union of Teachers, many of whom are our friends and colleagues as well. Steve was passionate about his work for teachers and for children’s education here in the UK and internationally. Education worldwide has lost an inspirational leader and Teacher Support Network has lost one of its greatest advocates – he strongly believed in our work and was forever giving his support and offering guidance. On a personal level I have lost a good friend. Over the last ten years, Steve was a man I regularly confided in, shared good times with and admired and trusted to a very high degree. Patrick Nash - Teacher Support Network

Our loss is heaven's gain. On behalf of all NUT members at Queen Mary's High School, Walsall, sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Steve's Wife children and immediate family. Steve worked tirelessly for what he believed in. We are grateful for all he did for education in our country. Ladi Merriman - Johnson - Walsall LEA

A pragmatist and so very worthy to represent the 1000s of teachers who voted him into office. The teacher's teacher. General Secretary of the most effective teaching union ever. Thanks for being a change agent - much appreciated. God bless and good rest Steve. x Sue Bryer - Wandsworth

On behalf of all members and local officers of the Calderdale Division, we would like to offer our deepest sympathy to his wife and family. His death was a tragedy for the NUT, he brought people together and was devoted kind hardworking trade unionist. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten. Sue McMahon - Calderdale

Those of us in the Global Campaign for Education who had the privilege of working with Steve in recent years will remember him as a dedicated campaigner for education for all, a dependable and committed supporter of the GCE, and a charismatic and eloquent speaker. Above all, he was a lovely man, and I count myself lucky to have known him. I still can't really believe that he is gone. My condolences and deepest sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues. Roger Elbourne - Global Campaign for Education and Oxfam

I first remember Steve, over twenty years ago, as a member of what I considered the ‘opposition’ in the NUT. He was a very forceful speaker and was always the one who was relied upon when the ‘Broad Left’ needed to be sure of having the best chance of winning or, alternately, defeating a motion at Conference. He was some-one you wanted to be on ‘your side’. He always impressed. He was who I chose to be the leader of our union. I think he grew into the job; the title, General Secretary, which he was so proud to hold. I was particularly impressed by the work he did for persecuted teachers abroad and was always proud to tell my colleagues at school of his international work. He made me prouder than I already was to be a member of the NUT. Latterly, since he lived in Watfor! d too, I would bump into him and his wife, Mary, in the local supermarket. I will, and the union will, miss him massively. He was a passionate and compassionate leader and a doughty fighter. We will miss so much having him on ‘our side’. My thoughts go out to his wife, Mary and their son and daughter. Pete Chadwick - Hertfordshire

Steve was a good friend to Thurrock, giving us every support when required. We always looked forward to meeting him and Mary at the Essex Reception at annual Conference each year. He was absolutely the right man for General Secretary and has worked wonders in the short time he was in office. He will be greatly missed. My condolences are extended to his family. Peter Bunyan - Thurrock

Fond memories of working alonside Steve in his early days in NUT Lancashire. A great guy who will be sadly missed. Alistair Morwood - Lancashire

Ruth Fogg , NAYCEO Chairperson said” We are shocked by Steve’s loss. Our sympathy and best wishes are extended to his wife and family. Steve was a great champion of young people and the people who work with them”

David Churchill said “ I became a member of the Soulbury Committee in the mid 1990's representing the interests of NAYCEO members and Youth and Community Service Officers paid under Soulbury. Steve Sinnott was the leader of the Officer's side at this time and up until 2004 when he became General Secretary of the NUT.”

“It was always a pleasure to work with Steve. Meetings were well organised and Steve provided strong leadership, sometimes controversially but always with the best interests of the workforce at heart. He didn't shy away from any battle with the employers and it was through his vision and determination that Soulbury developed the Structured Professional Assessment (SPA Points) which have enhanced the salaries of most people paid under Soulbury.”

“He was an extremely good negotiator and cared passionately about improving the education of our children and young people by providing a workforce which was well motivated and had high standard of living through improved salaries and excellent conditions of service, not only teachers but all involved in the education sector.”

“There was always humour in the meetings when Steve was around, he occasionally became agitated with other members of the group but like any good leader endeavoured to reach a compromise that suited all parties on the officers side. Seldom did we get through a meeting without some mention of Everton Football Club, his home team. We mainly met on a Monday and if Everton had won at the weekend Steve was really buzzing but this only enhanced what was always a professional and business like approach to his role.”

“I always found Steve to be personable, friendly, interested and caring. He will be sadly missed by, not only the NUT, but all people involved in education. He is a hard act to follow” Ruth Fogg - NAYCEO Chairperson

I worked at the Teacher Support Network for many years and would like to add my condolences. Steve was such a nice person who would always make the time to stop and say hello. He will be sadly missed by many people. Nicola Elliott - London

Deeply regretted - a loss to education. Tony Carlin - INTO

I was deeply saddened to hear of Steve Sinnott’s untimely death and would like to add my condolences to the many others you will have received from the countless people who have benefited from being touched by his life. Steve achieved greatness through his humanity and humility. No human drama was too small for him, as I know from the attention he devoted to a crisis affecting a friend of my that erupted as we travelled back to London after he had delivered the inspirational 2007 Gaitskell Lecture that was referred to in the Guardian obituary. That he was prepared to take an interest in someone who he did not know and who was not even in the teaching profession (although connected with it) was, in my experience absolutely typical. I first met Steve when we were appointed to the steering group for the research project that led indirectly to the protocol for the recruitment of teachers across the Commonwealth, to which reference is also made. I would be proud to aspire to the sentences you quote from his Nottingham lecture. They should be an inspiration to all who work in and around education. David Jobbins Head of Education Candlestar Professor of Comparative Education, UCCER, University of Nottingham Former International Editor, Times Higher Education Supplement

Steve was an excellent leader at the top of his game.He was an excellent speaker and got his point across in a friendly way. His legacy is a strong, united union, he will be missed. Mike Thompson – Cumbria

On behalf of everyone at Gladstone Road Infant School in Scarborough,our deepest sympathy for such a tragic loss. I never had the chance to meet Steve but his leadership of the Union and dedication to education has been a massive inspiration to us all. Gavin Dyer – North Yorkshire

I had the pleasure of knowing Steve, not as a teacher or union leader, but as a good friend and neighbor for the three years that I lived in England while stationed there with the US Navy. He knocked on my door the day that I moved in and, upon seeing that I had yet to have my household goods delivered, immediately went back to his house and returned with an inflatable mattress, a blanket, and a pillow, so that I would not have to sleep on the floor. My wife and I spent many a wonderful hour with Steve, Mary, Kate and Steven, discussing everything from gardening to world affairs, and we will always cherish those moments. Steve even tried to explain cricket to me, though even his background in teaching was not sufficient to make me understand it. Our hearts go out to Mary, Kate, Steven, and all of you who were blessed to have had Steve in your lives. Michael Mitchell

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