Graduate in Economic History, Nottingham University. Formerly: 16 years leading UK Trades Union Congress including Deputy General Secretary then General Secretary. Member: Council of the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service; Economic and Social Research Council. Seven years as Vice-Chair, Learning and Skills Council; Chairman, UK Co-operative Commission. Since 2003, current position. Chairman, People's History Museum, Manchester, UK. Visiting Professor, University of Manchester.