New voice for education and childcare
3rd March 2008
PAT, PANN and PAtT emerge as Voice
The Professional Association of Teachers (PAT) – and its sections Professional Association of Nursery Nurses (PANN) and Professionals Allied to Teaching (PAtT) – have become Voice: the union for education professionals
Voice: the union for education professionals will present one, united name and image and reflect the fact that the Professional Association of Teachers has grown and developed to represent the whole team of professionals working in education, early years and childcare settings, from nursery to tertiary.
Voice will be an independent trade union representing education and childcare professionals in the public and private sectors, including teachers, head teachers, lecturers in further and higher education; teaching assistants, technicians, administrators and support staff, nursery nurses, nannies and other childcarers and early years specialists.
General Secretary, Philip Parkin, says: ‘We chose the name Voice because dialogue is a core value for our union – it’s how we resolve issues, rather than by taking industrial action.
‘This is not a decision that’s been taken lightly, but it is the culmination of a gradual process of transformation. PAT has been using a total of eight logos – including ones for independent schools and further & higher education – and three names – PAT, PANN and PAtT – depending on the type of member involved. This was sometimes confusing for new and potential members and for the media and other organisations we communicate with. We wanted to bring all sections together to create a seamless, integrated union that represents every professional in education and early years.
‘The new Voice image is prominent and bold and uses fresh, modern colours. Choosing a name like Voice clearly represents what our union stands for and differentiates us from the many acronyms that exist in education and childcare.
‘Members will still receive the high-quality, personal service that we pride ourselves on, but they will notice the new name when they contact us and will receive new-look literature and publications, including a new members’ journal, Your Voice.’
