Many UCU branches have equality officers who can assist you if you have any concerns on an equality-related issue. Otherwise your UCU departmental rep or other branch officer will be able to help. To find out if there is an equality officer at your branch and how to contact them ask your departmental rep or branch secretary/president. If you don't know how to contact any local UCU representative contact your regional office.

Important dates in the equality calendar

The local contact finder will give you details of the relevant branch officer for your institution.

Building anti-racist workplaces: a short guide for UCU branches

In recent weeks, many institutions have declared support for George Floyd whilst reiterating their anti-racist credentials. While these statements are welcome, it is more important than ever for branches to consider how they can challenge racism at all levels and work to create anti-racist environments. UCU has produced a short guide for branches [288kb].

Oppose plans to shelve reform of the Gender Recognition Act

UCU has a proud history of enabling members to self-identify, including when it comes to their gender. As outlined in our statement on trans inclusion, UCU supports a social model of gender recognition which recognises that gender is not solely defined by the sex assigned at birth. We are champions of equality and welcome the increased visibility and empowerment of trans and non-binary people in our society.

We are therefore concerned by recent reports suggesting the government intends to shelve long-awaited reforms to the Gender Recognition Act. These reforms would make it easier for trans and non-binary people to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate that legally acknowledges their gender identity.

UCU's policy is clear: there should be no delay in reforming the Gender Recognition Act. We're not alone in this view - 70% of the 100,000 responses to the government's consultation supported progressive reform.

We are asking members to help us support trans rights and put pressure on the government by writing to your MP and asking them to push for these much-needed reforms to be taken forward.

UCU - standing proudly against racism

Yet another black person has been killed at the hands of the police in the USA. The events taking place there are the latest bloody chapter of centuries of racism and oppression of black people. The magnitude of his death can be felt across the world by black people who experience the violence of state and other racism every day.

Here in the UK, as in the USA, black communities face structural inequalities resulting in disproportionately high numbers dying as a result of Coronavirus, unprecedented levels of unemployment and ongoing race discrimination in the workplace.

UCU stands in solidarity with George Floyd and we send our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.

UCU stands in solidarity with protestors across the world seeking to address generations of injustice.

UCU stands against racism.

UCU stands on the side of justice.

UCU stands for #blacklivesmatter.

From the Coronavirus pandemic to the economic crisis we are facing, it is evident that inequality and systemic racism is on the rise. You can find a range of tools to challenge all forms of discrimination on the UCU's equality webpage.

How you can help:

Sign: add your name to the Justice for George Floyd petition

add your name to the Justice for George Floyd petition Donate: in the US, a fundraiser has been set up in George Floyd's memory by his brother Philonise Floyd to cover funeral costs and counselling as well as expenses during court proceedings, and the Minnesota Freedom Fund helps to support those in custody who can't afford bail. In the UK, UCU is affiliated to the United Family and Friends Campaign, supporting the families of those who have died in custody, which also welcomes donations.

in the US, a fundraiser has been set up in George Floyd's memory by his brother Philonise Floyd to cover funeral costs and counselling as well as expenses during court proceedings, and the Minnesota Freedom Fund helps to support those in custody who can't afford bail. In the UK, UCU is affiliated to the United Family and Friends Campaign, supporting the families of those who have died in custody, which also welcomes donations. Inform: UCU is encouraging black members to complete this TUC survey on the treatment of BME workers during the Covid crisis.

UCU is encouraging black members to complete this TUC survey on the treatment of BME workers during the Covid crisis. Organise: information on UK based solidarity events can be found here. Please also let us know what is happening in your branch or community.

UCU urges the government to scrap the immigration health surcharge

Following the government's decision to exempt NHS and care workers from the Immigration Health Surcharge, the Migrant Members' Standing Committee has published a statement calling for the government to go further and scrap the charge entirely. The statement outlines how the £400 a year fee is a punitive double tax on migrant staff and calls for it to be abolished alongside other up-front costs for health care as part of a move towards a more humane immigration system.

You can read the full statement here: MMSC statement on IHS May 2020 [262kb]

Read UCU's press statement, including details of a letter to the Home Secretary on this issue, here: Immigration health surcharge should be scrapped, urges UCU

UCU statement on anti-Semitism and academic freedom

UCU has been concerned to learn of a recent incident on social media where a link was made between a Jewish member, Rosa Freedman, and Holocaust denial. UCU condemns this incident and reaffirms its commitment to tackling anti-Semitism and all other forms of discrimination and prejudice.

UCU is a staunch defender of academic freedom, and believes the ability to challenge received wisdom and discuss controversial topics is of crucial importance to our education system, our union and our democracy.

At the same time, the union recognises that academic freedom is inextricably bound up with other human rights and civil liberties. Academic freedom offers important protections, but it also comes with the responsibility to respect the democratic rights and freedoms of others.

UCU is committed to championing equality, celebrating diversity and opposing all forms of prejudice, discrimination, harassment and oppression. As outlined in our statement on academic freedom, UCU's rules clearly require all members to refrain at all times from harassment, prejudice and unfair discrimination whether on the grounds of sex, race, ethnic or national origin, religion, colour, class, caring responsibilities, marital status, sexuality, disability, age or other status or personal characteristic.

As a diverse and inclusive union, we are committed to encouraging respectful discussion on important and sometimes controversial issues, while simultaneously working to protect and advance the rights of those who are oppressed and marginalised in our society. UCU will continue to work towards a world where everyone, regardless of their personal characteristics, can live and work without fear of harassment, discrimination or marginalisation.

UCU update on sexual harassment

This year's Heart Unions week has reminded us that sexual harassment is a shamefully widespread problem faced by workers across the UK. Recent statistics show that half of women and two-thirds of LGBT+ people have reported experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment and violence are endemic across society; the trade union movement and the sectors we organise in are unfortunately not exempt.

UCU recognises that those who experience violence and harassment face huge challenges, often including pressure from perpetrators and employers to keep quiet about their experience. This is especially true for those who experience sexual harassment and violence directly, but can also be the case for those who witness harassment or support students and colleagues to speak out about their experiences.

All those who experience or are affected by sexual harassment and violence have a right to be listened to and supported. The union is fully committed to ensuring there are safe, fair and accessible systems in place to provide as much support as possible - both in the workplace and in the union.

That starts with making sure members can be confident about the support UCU will provide if they want to raise a complaint about sexual harassment. We acknowledge that, unfortunately, this hasn't always been the case in the past but we are committed to learning and improving where we can.

To that end, the union is currently undertaking a wide-ranging review of how we support members who have experienced or are impacted by sexual harassment. In the coming months we will be drawing on the expertise of organisations including Acas and the 1752 Group to take forward this work, so we can learn from best practice and ensure our approaches - including the union's own disciplinary procedures - are as accessible and supportive as possible.

We also need to redouble our efforts to tackle sexual harassment in the workplace. UCU has a range of resources and training to support members and branches, but we will also be further developing our work in this area through a new task group on sexual misconduct, harassment and violence. The task group is a new initiative that will draw on the wide experience of members to explore these issues in more depth and consider how we can tackle them effectively. We will be announcing more details about this in the coming weeks.

The union stands in solidarity with all organisations working to tackle sexual harassment, and is supporting the TUC's This Is Not Working campaign for a new duty on employers to take steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. If you haven't already done so, please take a moment to sign the petition calling on the government to act.

If you have been affected by sexual harassment or violence and would like advice or support you can contact your branch, email SHsupport@ucu.org.uk or call UCU's dedicated helpline on 0800 138 8724.

Supporting members to challenge discrimination and harassment

Being subject to discrimination can be incredibly upsetting and undermining. It can feel like a personal attack and those subject to it can feel isolated and vulnerable. It is important that UCU representatives and members work together to identify what treatment is discriminatory and challenge employers where that is the case.

Discrimination takes many forms and people respond differently to how they have been treated in a variety of circumstances.

This toolkit is designed to help you and your UCU representatives identify that what you have experienced amounts to discrimination, how to gather relevant evidence and the practical steps and procedures to be followed through internal processes and, if applicable, to the employment tribunal stage. Not all cases will result in an employment tribunal claim. Many claims of discrimination can be resolved through the internal procedures and this guide will ensure that you and your UCU representatives have put your best case forward.

Challenging discrimination - how to build an effective case: a toolkit for UCU members [705kb]

Trans inclusion

UCU's position on trans inclusion

This document presents UCU's position on trans inclusion. The position is based on policy made at UCU annual congresses and explores key concepts which inform the position such as intersectionality and academic freedom:

UCU's position on Trans inclusion [164kb]

UCU's position on Trans inclusion [69kb]

UCU supports trans workers' rights and, as champions of equality, we welcome the increased visibility and empowerment of transgendered and non-binary people in our society. It is our responsibility to promote equality and ensure the provisions of the Equality Act are implemented and adhered to by our members and in the sectors where we organise. This is also written into our rules. Our rules commit us to ending all forms of discrimination, bigotry and stereotyping.

UCU has a long history of enabling members to self-identify whether that is being black, disabled, LGBT+ or women. At UCU's annual congress and further and higher education conferences, policy on gender identity has been developed over many years.

UCU supports the right of all women (including trans women) to safe spaces and the continuation of monitoring that can help identify discrimination against women, men and those who identify as non-binary. UCU also supports a social, rather than a medical, model of gender recognition that will help challenge repressive gender stereotypes in the workplace and in society.

The fight for women's rights is far from won. For too many women, sexual harassment and domestic violence is a daily reality, alongside unequal pay and other forms of discrimination at work, including maternity pay and leave. UCU will continue to campaign hard to protect the rights of working women.

UCU is aware that the debate around gender identity has in some quarters become bitterly divisive. Our strength is to bring members together and to build bridges rooted in our values of equality. UCU opposes any violence, intimidation, bullying or disrespect towards any group that faces discrimination, and from whichever quarter. Trans people, including students and staff in tertiary education, face physical and verbal abuse, prejudice and discrimination, marginalisation and misrepresentation. UCU is fully committed to providing practical support and policy guidance for reps and trans members in challenging discrimination and harassment.

Latest Equality News

This edition covers a brief outline of various topics including:

Sexual harassment Trans inclusion Disability parliamentary campaign Ethnicity pay reporting Dates for diary

Equality briefing 2019 [136kb] Equality briefing 2019 [179kb]

Many people get a serious illness at some time during their working lives, often returning back following a period off work for treatment and to recuperate. However, for many people, the situation is different if they have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Currently, a person diagnosed with a terminal illness is not classified as having a protected characteristic and therefore may have limited legal protection against employers dismissing them due to an illness.

The TUC's 'dying to work' campaign is calling for additional employment protection for terminally ill workers and to implement a terminal illness policy which would ensure that all employees would not risk losing their job along with the financial security of their families after receiving a terminal diagnosis. In addition, the campaign is calling for terminal illness to be made a 'protected characteristic'.

Read our briefing paper on the campaign here [651kb]

You can order campaign packs by emailing contact@dyingtowork.co.uk

Challenging far right activity - Who are Generation Identity?

Written by UCU activists for Stand up to Racism, this insightful report is vital reading for everyone on the dangers of far right activity on university and college campuses.

Challenging the rise of the far right [694kb]

Challenging the rise of the far right [1mb]

Mental health

Members who may need mental health support or advice will face their own unique challenges and many may need little or no changes to their working environment. However, understanding their needs and being able to advise and support members is paramount to ensuring that the stigma, stereotypes and discrimination associated with mental health are addressed.

Branches are encouraged to work with campus unions (where possible) to adopt the Mental Health Charter which has been endorsed by the Disabled Members' Standing Committee. The charter is a visible demonstration of our continued commitment to provide mental health support to members and reps in the workplace.

Branches are also reminded of UCU resources and training courses on supporting members and reps including:

guidance, briefing and toolkits documents

One in Four - a briefing on mental health at work

supporting members with mental health conditions and issues

mental health awareness training - www.ucu.org.uk/training

advice for reps - members who have feelings of despair

Education Support provides free confidential 24/7 counselling and independent advice for UCU members. Telephone 08000 562 561 or visit their website at www.educationsupport.org.uk.

Mental Health Charter - providing for a healthy workplace [401kb]

Mental Health Charter final Oct 2018 [311kb]

World Mental Health Day 2018 [324kb]

Toolkit - a strategic approach to gender-based violence prevention in Scottish higher education institutions

The University of Strathclyde has produced a toolkit, 'Equally Safe in Higher Education', with support from the Scottish government. This valuable and practical collection of university specific materials provides a free resource for all universities to utilise and apply to their own institutions. It encourages and embeds a strategic approach for the prevention and eradication of all forms of violence against women and girls.

The toolkit (which has been developed by UCU members amongst others), plus other resources, is now available here.

Equality and participation unit

UCU has a national team of staff with expertise and involvement in the whole equality agenda. They implement the policies and priorities determined by members through the democratic lay structures'.

Jenny Sherrard - National Head of Equality, Legal and Participation

Seth Atkin - Equality Support Official with specialism for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality and age equality

Charlotte Nielsen - Equality Support Official with specialism for gender

Chris Nicholas - Equality Support Official with specialism for race and religion or belief

Sharon Russell - Equality Support Official with specialism for disability

Swati Patel - Administrator

If you have a general equality query, or to join one of our equality network mailing lists (LGBT, disabled members, women & black members) contact eqadmin@ucu.org.uk

If you think you might be interested in becoming a UCU equality officer you can find out more about what is involved on the Equality reps page.

About UCU's equality work

There are advice leaflets for members on various types of discrimination, bullying and harassment in the getting support section of this website.



Resources and guidance for UCU equality officers and activists can be found at

Equality advice and guidance

Equality research and policy

Getting involved in events

Equality Events

If you have a general equality query, contact eqadmin@ucu.org.uk

UCU has negotiated national equality agreements in both HE and FE (see pay and conditions section) which branches/LAs strive to get implemented locally. The National Equality and Participation Unit (see above) supports branches/LAs and regional offices on equality issues and work to influence government policy on equality.

The union provides many opportunities for members to become involved in our equality work. UCU organises events specifically for black, disabled, LGBT and women members. We also have email lists for each of these groups which you can join by emailing eqadmin@ucu.org.uk.

Helping out at a local level is a great way to promote equality at your workplace - you don't necessarily need to become an equality officer, just an offer to circulate newsletters or put up posters for example will be appreciated. See How do I get involved? for more information. If you do think you might be interested in becoming a UCU equality officer you can find out more about what is involved on the Equality reps page.

UCU policy on equality is determined democratically by our members,

While our prime concern is to fight for greater equality at work, we also strive to campaign against injustices members face in other areas of their lives, whether on grounds of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, age or any other aspect of identity which can lead to discrimination.

Support

If you are experiencing discrimination or harassment at work see the Equality advice and guidance for advice on getting support.

If you have a problem and need your union's help, your first step should always be to contact your local branch.



Our dealing with problems page offers some basic advice on resolving problems at work. Please be aware that time limits can apply, so please don't delay if you need to raise an issue.

The UCU equality conference is held each year in November/December. The current format is for the conference to include four separate sessions for black members; disabled members, LGBT members and women members. During those sessions, the conference will elect members to the four national equality standing committees. These are:

Black Members Standing Committee (BMSC)

Disabled Members Standing Committee (DMSC)

LGBT Members Standing Committee (LGBTMSC)

Women Members Standing Committee (WMSC)

There are 12 members of the BMSC, DMSC and LGBTMSC and 15 members of the WMSC.

The main objectives of each committee is to advise and make recommendations to the National Executive Committee of the union on issues specific to the members whom they represent.

For example:

the BMSC is advising the NEC on actions and initiatives that will ensure Black members are visible in all aspects of the union's work including establishing regional networks

the DMSC has advised the NEC on reasonable adjustments at work for disabled workers

the LGBTMSC has advised the NEC on the issues for LGBT staff working abroad

the WMSC is advising the NEC on the impact of sexual harassment at work.

The committees also plan the agenda for their conference every year and also participate in the TUC national equality conferences. The committees can also put motions to UCU Congress and the sector conferences which ensures the issues facing equality groups are visible in our core campaigns and policies. Members of the committees are also encouraged to participate in their branches and regions so equality knowledge and expertise is shared across the union.

To be on the committees you must self-identify as belonging to that equality group. For example, to be on the DMSC, you must self-identify as a disabled worker. All levels of experience of being active in the union are welcome as the committees provide support and guidance to all members, working together collectively.

To find out more, please contact a member of the Equality and Participation team who would be happy to speak to you. Please email: eqadmin@ucu.org.uk

The annual young members' conference is open to any member aged 35 or under. The conference does not have decision making powers and is non-resolutionary but aims to bring younger members together and showcase campaign work and resources available. For further information contact campaigns@ucu.org.uk

Find further information on our work for young members here.

UCU via its regional structure has been establishing regional retired members' branches.

National Executive Committee

Women members

There are a minimum number of NEC seats that must be filled by women. The total number of seats a geographical constituency has on the NEC depends on its size, but of these at least one quarter to one third must be filled by women. This quota also applies to the UK-elected HE and FE seats. Of the eleven equality seats on the NEC elected directly by all members, three of these seats are for representatives of women in HE, and two for women in FE.

LGBT members

There are eleven equality seats on the NEC, two of which are for representatives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members, one from further education and one from higher education.

Black members

Of the eleven equality seats on the NEC, two are for representatives of black members, one of which must be a woman.

Disabled members

Of the eleven equality seats on the NEC, two of these are for representatives of disabled members. One must be from further education and one must be from higher education.