A graduate of the University of Wales, Lampeter, Sue Slipman went on to teacher training at the University of London, and began her career as President of the National Union of Students between 1977 and 1978. Since then she has held a wide range of appointments and offices in the public sector and the field of training and education.

In 1993 she was Director of both the National Council for One Parent Families and the London East Training and Enterprise Council . Also a strong voice in women's issues, from 1992 Sue was a member of the Working Group on Women's Issues to the Secretary of State for Employment. She has also written a number of books aimed at improving the situation of women, and single parents, in the workplace.

In 1994 she received an honorary degree of Doctor of Arts from Oxford Brookes University.

She went on to become Director of Social Responsibility for the National Lottery operators, The Camelot Group.