A former Longbridge Councillor has died after a long battle with cancer, it has been announced by the charity organisation which she worked for.
Jane Slowey sadly passed away on Saturday (8th October), surrounded by her close family and friends.
Jane was well known across the city of Birmingham.
Politics
Jane was a councillor for the Labour Party in Brandwood in the 80s, before standing in the general election in Hall Green in 1992, coming 2nd in the race.
She was elected as a councillor in Longbridge in 1994, serving the community for 4 years. During her term, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she battled bravely.
Work & public service
Jane went on to become the Chief Executive of Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) until 2004 when she became Chief Executive of the Foyer Federation, a national charity which provides accommodation and development opportunities to young people who are homeless or at risk.
Over the years, Jane lent her skills to many, many roles which influenced the public sector, locally and nationally, including: Chair of ‘Skills – Third Sector’, Vice Chair of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Vice Chair of the West Midlands Regional Assembly, Birmingham and Solihull Training and Enterprise Council (TEC), Learning and Skills Council (LSC), national ‘Working Together’ Advisory Group., helping develop the Third Sector National Learning Alliance (TSNLA).
Honours
Jane was awarded the CBE for services to disadvantaged young people in the 2009 Queen’s Birthday Honours list. In the same year, she was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (UoL) by Newman University in Bartley Green, for her distinguished contribution to the third sector and charitable works.
In 2014, she was honoured with a Doctor of the University award from the University of Birmingham: “Jane Slowey is a passionate campaigner against social injustice and has consistently sought out opportunities to represent and be an advocate for change.”
The Foyer Federation’s CEO Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa said: “Jane was a true change agent and led the Foyer Federation over a 13-year period with real vigour. During this period the organisation grew in influence and reputation in benefiting young people and supporting them to thrive in society. Our staff team and board of trustees will dearly miss Jane. Our thoughts and condolences are with Jane’s family at this challenging time.”
Personal
In recent years, Jane made London her full time home, but Birmingham remained in her heart.
She loved her family, friends, travel and singing – and she continued to take pleasure in all after retiring from the Foyer Federation earlier this year.
[Cover photo: Jane in her beloved Mini in Longbridge]
Jane has positively impacted the lives of many, through both her work and personal life. Her smile, wit, sensitivity and vitality will be missed by all those who knew her.
We were privileged to have known Jane and our thoughts go out to her daughters, son, grandchildren and her many, many friends.