Nursery World - Interview - Deborah Lawson, former general secretary of Voice Community

Lawson retired from the role earlier this year after 30 years in the early years sector. She previously worked for a local authority in various childcare roles before moving to Voice, then known as the union for education professionals, in 2012. In 2020, Voice joined the Community Union, with Lawson as assistant general secretary.

Deborah Lawson, former general secretary of Voice Community

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EARLY CAREER?

After gaining my NNEB in 1977, I worked in a residential school for children with additional needs. I first worked for Gloucestershire County Council after I married and had children, when I worked as a nursery nurse in a day school for three- to 16-year-olds with additional needs. While I enjoyed the work, I was always keen to progress my career.

After several years I was appointed as a registration officer – with Social Services – who at that time was responsible for the registration and inspection of daycare services for children. I was the first non-social worker to undertake this role in my local authority, and worked with other colleagues to implement the 1989 Children Act, which brought in the regular inspection of all childcare providers.

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