Work for us

The University and College Union (UCU) is the largest trade union and professional association for lecturers, learning support staff, academic related staff, trainers, researchers and managers working in further & higher education in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our 110,000 members are employed mainly in colleges, universities and in adult, prison and land-based education. We also have members in the private sector, for example in private training agencies and language schools, as well as members working on a freelance basis. Students training to teach in post-school education also belong to UCU.

Current vacancies

Democratic Services Officer

About the role

UCU’s Democratic Services team is seeking a Democratic Services Officer to join them on a permanent/full time basis. In this exciting role, and reporting to the Head of Democratic Services, your main duties will be:

• administering and advising on UCU’s NEC and other elections within UCU
• issuing notices and communications relating to multi-employer industrial action ballots and industrial action
• attending UCU’s annual Congress (a 4-day commitment, outside London), NEC meetings and other meetings as required
• supporting the business committee of UCU’s annual Congress, under the direction of the Head of Democratic Services
• responsibility for the systems of recording Congress and conference decisions
• supporting the other work of the team, as necessary.

We are looking for someone who is educated to GCSE level or equivalent (inc. maths & English); with experience of a similar working environment and/or understanding of working for a trade union or other not-for-profit organisation. Other requirements of the role include:

• experience of applying rules-based systems of administration (e.g., election administration) and advising others on such systems
• experience of using database systems and Microsoft® applications to an appropriate level for the role
• sound administrative skills, including the ability to identify and structure appropriate systems for the organisation of information
• formal minute-taking skills
• strong interpersonal skills, including the communication of complex information
• a commitment and ability to apply the principles of equality and inclusion.

To apply, please download an application pack below or email recruitment@ucu.org.uk quoting job reference DSO1:

Application pack: Democratic Services Officer [290kb]

Closing date for applications: 23 July 2024 at 10.00am

Interview date: 6 August 2024

Regional Administrator Scotland (0.4)

About the role

UCU is seeking a Regional Administrator to join its Scotland team on a permanent/part time basis. In this exciting role, based in our Glasgow office and reporting to the Scotland Official, your main duties will be:

• providing factual information to members and branch officers
• organising the production and distribution of devolved nation communications to branches, activists and members
• taking minutes of meetings
• dealing with incoming phone calls and handling incoming and outgoing emails
• arranging meetings and booking travel arrangements
• setting up files, filing and photocopying.

The ideal candidate must be educated to GCSE level or equivalent experience (inc. maths & English). The role would suit those with experience of a similar working environment and/or understanding of working for a trade union or other not-for-profit organisation.  Other requirements to include:

• strong IT skills
• good communication skills (both verbal and written)
• being able to work on your own initiative and plan and organise your workload.

It is requested that Wednesday be one of your working days.

To apply, please download an application pack below or email recruitment@ucu.org.uk quoting job reference RA1:

Application pack: Regional Administrator Scotland (0.4) [291kb]

Closing date for applications: 30 July 2024 at 10.00am

Interview date: 19 August 2024

Returning your application

Please note that applicants should apply using the application form and CVs will not be considered. Completed application forms must be received by us by 10am on the closing date. Late applications will not be considered. Applications to be emailed to recruitment@ucu.org.uk

We are happy to accept applications in alternative formats from applicants who, for reasons of disability, may find it difficult to fill in our standard form. Please contact the People and Development Team by e-mail at recruitment@ucu.org.uk or telephone 020 7756 2558 for further details.

Diversity & inclusion monitoring

We need your support to make sure our employees come from a variety of backgrounds, so we especially welcome applications from disadvantaged communities. Even if you are not selected, it would be really helpful if you could complete the diversity & inclusion data when you apply for this role, because we can make sure we are encouraging a diverse mixture of candidates to apply. Thank you very much.

Equal opportunities

UCU is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Benefits of working for the University and College Union

Benefits to support your well-being:

• generous holiday entitlement of 35 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, and 8 closure days with a pro-rata entitlement for part time staff
• disability leave arrangements
• special leave arrangements
• a range of family friendly policies and procedures with enhanced maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental leave schemes
• an Employee Assistance Programme that provides access to 24-hour confidential counselling
• access to advice and face-to-face intervention from a senior chartered physiotherapist through the award-winning Physiotherapy Advice Line service
• flexitime scheme available by agreement where employees can vary their start and finish times or lunch breaks within the set parameters of the work-life balance policy.

Benefits to support you financially:

• all employees are contractually enrolled into the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) where currently the employee contribution is approximately 6.1% of salary and the employer contribution is approximately 14.5% of salary
• we will pay 50% of the net cost of childcare provision for children. The scheme is currently available to employees up to and including Grade G
• interest free season ticket loans to cover the cost of a second-class season ticket between home and the office
• UCU will assist with the cost of an eyesight test and the purchase of a basic pair of glasses, where these are required for DSE use.

Benefits to support your training and development:

• training and developmental support
• access to over 300 eLearning modules through UCU’s online training room.