Chris Boardman CBE
National active travel commissioner
Chris Boardman CBE was appointed as national active travel commissioner in June 2022 by the transport secretary. Before this, Chris was transport commissioner for Greater Manchester and the first ever Greater Manchester cycling and walking commissioner.
A former professional cyclist, Chris won a gold medal in the individual pursuit at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Chris launched his own range of bikes, Boardman Bikes, in 2007 and is the company’s chairman. Chris is also chair of Sport England and a prominent broadcaster for the BBC and ITV.
Kate Bell
Assistant general secretary, TUC
Kate Bell is assistant general secretary of the TUC and supports Paul Nowak in leading the organisation. Kate works with external stakeholders on behalf of the TUC and is responsible for inter-union relations; she also leads on internal TUC matters. She represents the TUC on the government’s Industrial Strategy Advisory Council and was formerly a member of the Low Pay Commission.
Kate joined the TUC in 2016 as its head of economics, international and employment rights department, where she worked on the furlough scheme, the TUC’s campaign for a £15 minimum wage, and stronger worker bargaining rights. Before joining the TUC, Kate worked as head of policy and public affairs for a local authority, for the Labour Party, and for the charities Child Poverty Action Group and Gingerbread.
Kudsia Batool
TUC director of equalities, TUC (Kudsia will be speaking at the Officials’ Conference)
Kudsia Batool has a wealth of experience in leadership and negotiation, with a great record of winning for working people. Her mission, and that of the TUC, remains making sure all people can work with dignity, respect, and a fair share of the wealth they create.
Kudsia takes on leadership of the TUC Equality, International and Governance team at a challenging time. The far right is on the rise, putting us all at risk from their agenda of division and hate. Her work focuses on making sure workplaces draw on the talents of all, with nobody held back by prejudice or discrimination. Our economy, democracy and communities are all stronger when everyone’s talents and voices are included, shaping the decisions that affect them.