The Swansea University branch of UCU is organised by a committee of annually elected volunteers (see HOME page ), supported by a network of departmental representatives.

CAMPAIGNS AND REPRESENTATION

We represent our members at Swansea University by campaigning for improvement in working conditions in a wide range of areas including:

• Workload
• Job security
• Extensions and making permanent of fixed-term contracts
• Equality / discrimination (e.g. gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation)

We carry out this work:

• By engaging with our members in branch and, if necessary, departmental meetings
• By regular meetings with the University where we seek to represent and further our members’ interests by discussion and negotiation with management and by participation in joint working groups on issues such as workload agreements, fixed-term contracts and digital infrastructure
• By informing members of this activity and engaging with them via regular emails, this website and general (branch) meetings

We are also involved in the wider activity that UCU engages in nationally, in areas including

• Pay and conditions of work
• Pensions
• Higher education funding
• Gender equality

This may involve local committee members attending regional or national meetings for training, information and consultation purposes or helping to organise any ballots or action decided upon by the national membership

CASEWORK

Casework in an important part of the branch’s activity. We have a team of local volunteers to advice, assist and, if necessary, represent members on work-related issues such as:

• Probation
• Promotion
• Contractual matters
• Complaints and grievances
• Bullying, harassment or unfair treatment
• Work reorganisation
• Workload

We meet with members confidentially, give advice and, if necessary and with their consent, communicate with the University on their behalf or accompany and represent them at meetings. In an average year we support 40-50 members who come to us for help. To obtain such help, members can contact the address on the CONTACT US page ( info@swanseaucu.org ) or write to one of the officers or committee members listed on the HOME page.

ADVICE

We offer confidential advice to members on matters such as pensions, taxation, flexible working, sickness absence, redeployment and voluntary severance. In the first instance members should contact the address on the CONTACT US page (info@swanseaucu.org) or one of the officers or committee members listed on the HOME page.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION

UCU has a legal scheme for members and, where appropriate, we offer free confidential legal advice and representation on matters associated with your employment. For further details, you should contact the address on the CONTACT US page (info@swanseaucu.org).

LOCAL RULES

Rules for Swansea University branch of UCU, together with standing orders for the conduct of business at local General Meetings, can be found at: