For a democratic, united, and organised UCU  

I am running as an independent candidate in the upcoming General Secretary election. I have been an active UCU member since joining in 2009, serving in elected roles at every level of the union from casualised branch rep to UK President. 

I’ve experienced the highs and lows of our work over the last 14 years. Standing on picket lines, organising action, taking on casework and being actively involved in UK level and local negotiations have all given me a strong sense of what needs to change to make our union work better for all of us.

I know our union, and recognise where a General Secretary must deliver to strengthen it so we can shape our cause to meet the needs of the future.  

We need a union built by and for our members, with a strong focus on organising to achieve meaningful and sustainable impact in our workplaces. 

As General Secretary I will:  

  • Be accountable to members and the National Executive Committee alike 
  • Respect and value democracy 
  • Ensure UCU decision making structures, processes, and finances are transparent and accessible to members 
  • Foster collaboration and productive debate, not damaging infighting 
  • Actively support the development and implementation of clear plans for effective industrial action  
  • Communicate in a clear, effective manner across all areas of our union 
  • Work to include, engage and empower every member in their union and workplace 
  • Invest in branches and regions to drive local wins and effective sectoral bargaining  
  • Ensure officers and reps on the ground are heard and proactively supported 
  • Support UCU staff through excellent, secure, and fair employment practices 
  • Rebuild our capacity to form and develop credible political policy and lobbying
  • Back our members and our organising with well-resourced, detailed research
  • Be proactive in listening to and supporting equality standing committees who are vital in supporting our most marginalised members

Our union is founded on principles of democracy and equality, and our shared belief in the power of education to transform lives. I am committed to restoring confidence in our ability to work together by reaching beyond factional divisions to live our values. I am equally serious about repairing the industrial relations between UCU and the recognised trade union representing our staff.  

We urgently need a change in approach to move beyond cycles of division and disillusionment. As UCU General Secretary I will tirelessly work to represent and advocate for all members, and to restore our union as the strong and effective force our members need in workplaces across post-16 education.

Over the coming weeks I will release the six sections of my manifesto as a live document inviting feedback and discussion:

1) Union Democracy, Accountability, and Transparency
2) Organising and Recruitment 
3) Industrial Strategy
4) Equality, Health and Safety in our workplaces 
5) Job security
6) Influencing policy and the political landscape


Note: The General Secretary election opens alongside elections for the next UCU Vice President (FE), trustees, and members of the NEC on 25 January and closes 1 March 2024. By law this election will be by postal ballot.