Campaigner for equalities receives honorary award

A leading figure in the NHS and education sector who has fought for equal rights for woman has received an honorary degree from Edge Hill University.

Angela Jones, who has 32 years teaching experience, 20 gained at Edge Hill, as well as a number of high profile roles in health and social care, received the award for her services to education and commitment to public services.

Her award was conferred by the University's Chancellor Professor Tanya Byron in a ceremony on the Ormksirk campus during December's graduations.

Upon receiving the award, she said: "It is a huge privilege for me to be given this award. I have been linked to the University for a long time through my roles in education and links with the NHS and it is particularly special for me to have an honorary degree from the University because of its history of being the country's first non-denominational training college for women teachers. I myself have always been passionate about the equality agenda and have fought for equal rights for women for many years, so Edge Hill is a natural home for me."

When Angela first started teaching she felt angry that her male colleagues were being paid more than her. "It completely radicalised me and I joined the union straight away," said Angela.

Her fight for equal rights started there. She was part of a group to campaign for names on the school registers to be in alphabetical order instead of split into gender, which was discriminatory at the time. "It was a small victory when we won and I have continued to champion this cause. It has been a long journey and there is still some way to go regarding inequalities but it is getting better."

Angela's passion to support children and young people has extended into the areas of health and social care, where she has held major leadership roles in the NHS and third sector and supports local charities that help Merseyside's young people. As a result, she has been Chair of Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust since 2001.

As Chair, Angela has steered Alder Hey through challenging times following the Redfern report on organ retention, working tirelessly with families, pressure groups, the legal profession and the media to rebuild reputation and restore trust.

"It was a very difficult time but I'm surrounded by superb staff and it is a fantastic hospital. We have been able to build up its excellent reputation and the Trust is among the top children's healthcare providers in Europe. I'm looking forward to the new developments ahead including the new, iconic children's health park."

Already recognised for her work in health and education when she became Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside in June 2006, Angela was awarded an OBE in the Queen's 81^st Birthday Honours List for services to health in 2007.