We believe in UCU democracy for all members and think that UCU's democratic structures can be improved. If you agree with us and want open, transparent decision-making for all UCU members, please read our posts below.
Below is a list of candidates who are standing for election to UCU’s NEC. Some are members of the Campaign for UCU Democracy, some are independents, and some are members of UCU Commons. We believe that these are all people who would make a positive contribution to the work of the union, and that their views broadly align with our own. We strongly encourage you to vote for these candidates, and these candidates alone. We do not recommend voting for any candidates who are not listed here.
You will note that in some elections we are suggesting that you preference specific candidates. In other elections we haven’t done this, but ask that you vote for all of the listed candidates, following your own order of preference.
Voting is by post, and ballots will open on 27 January 2025 and close on 3 March 2025. If you haven’t been sent a ballot paper, please contact UCU’s Democratic Services team.
Trustee (3 seats)
Preference
Dr Angela Roger (University of Dundee)
1
Dr Joanna De Groot (University of York)
2
Adam Ozanne (University of Manchester)
3
Vice president from the higher education sector, becoming president 2027-28
Dyfrig Jones (Bangor University)
Honorary Treasurer
Andrew Feeney (Northumbria University)
Midlands FE (1 seat)
Alison Greaves (Coventry College)
North West HE (2 seats)
Preference
Dr J. Michelle Coghlan (University of Manchester)
1
Dr Matthew Barnard (Manchester Metropolitan University)
2
North West FE (1 seat)
Mr Stuart David Bond (Runshaw College)
President of UCU Scotland (1 seat)
Christopher O’Donnell (University of the West of Scotland)
Honorary Secretary of UCU Scotland (1 seat)
Ann Gow (University of Glasgow)
South HE (4 seats to include at least one woman)
Preference
Denis A Nicole University of Southampton
1
David Bretherton University of Southampton
2
Jackie Grant University of Sussex
3
South FE (1 seat)
Richard Coyle (Mid Kent College)
UK-elected members HE (3 seats)
Preference
Mark Pendleton (University of Sheffield)
1
Adam Hansen (Northumbria University)
2
Sophia Woodman (University of Edinburgh
3
UK-elected members FE (2 seats)
Preference
Josh Spears (Darlington College)
1
Linda Littler (Luminate Education Group – Leeds City College)
2
Representatives of disabled members (1 seat HE)
Bijan Parsia (University of Manchester)
Representatives of LGBT+ members (1 seat HE)
Dr Matilda Fitzmaurice (Lancaster University)
Representatives of Black members (2 seats to include at least one woman)
Pauline Rattery (Novus) [woman]
Dr Victoria Showunmi (University College London) [woman]
Representatives of migrant members (1 seat)
Ariane Bogain (Northumbria University)
Bruno Ferreira (Ealing Hammersmith and West London College)
Representatives of casually employed members (1 seat FE)
The Campaign for UCU Democracy (UCUD) wants the union to take democratic decisions that reflect the views of the broad membership, rather than those of a small group of activists who attend meetings.
2024 is an important election year for the union, where we will have the opportunity to elect a General Secretary (GS), a new Vice President for FE, a new Trustee, and a number of new NEC members.
We want to see UCU develop into an effective fighting force. The decisions taken by the leadership must have the support of a majority of the members, as well as the practical resources to back them. Wishful thinking won’t win any disputes.
If you want to work towards a strong, unified, and pragmatic trade union, then we encourage you to vote for the following candidates in the upcoming elections. Some are members of the Campaign for UCU Democracy, some are members of UCU Commons, and some are independent candidates. Together, we believe that they are the best people to be leading the union into 2024 and beyond.
Candidates are presented in alphabetical order. We encourage you to vote for these candidates, and these candidates alone. Where there are more candidates than seats, we have indicated our preferred candidates.
Trustee
Dr Steve Sangwine
General Secretary
Dr Jo Grady
Vice President from the further education sector
David Hunter
Geographically-elected members of the National Executive Committee
Campaign for UCU Democracy 