As the Autumn of 2024 closes in, UCU is gearing up for another crucial round of elections to fill several seats on our National Executive Committee (NEC). These elections represent a vital opportunity for members to have a direct say in the direction of our union and to ensure it remains representative of its diverse membership. While the elections themselves won’t take place until February 2025, the window for submitting nominations is closing rapidly, with papers having to be submitted before the 11^th of November. If you have ever wanted to take a more active role in UCU’s decision-making, now could be an opportunity to make a real difference. The Campaign for UCU Democracy want to encourage more members to stand for election, to increase the choice of candidates, and to try and ensure that our democratic structures better represent the views of the membership. 

The Importance of Contested Elections

While we have seen some fiercely contested elections recently, there have been years where relatively few – if any – candidates have put their names forward in some seats. A few members of NEC have been elected unopposed, while others have won elections that are barely competitive – five candidates competing for four seats, for example. This isn’t a sign of a healthy internal democracy.

A number of UCU members came together a few years ago to establish the Campaign for UCU Democracy because we’re frustrated that our democratic structures do a poor job of reflecting the views of our membership. The hard left – in the form of UCU Left and their allies – has dominated the union for a number of years now. We could engage in a long, drawn-out analysis of why this is the case, but too often they form the majority simply because they field more candidates than everyone else. We need more candidates from the mainstream left, to provide members with a meaningful choice at election time.

Properly contested elections foster accountability, engagement, and transparency—ensuring that those in leadership positions command the support of their members. For the UCU to be its strongest, it needs representatives who have been elected through a competitive democratic process which present members with a meaningful choice between different candidates.

The Campaign for UCU Democracy is particularly keen to encourage members to stand for election in the English regions, as these seats have historically seen less competitive elections. This time, members from the North West, the Midlands and the South of England will be electing representatives to the NEC –  so if you’re an UCU member in one of these regions, then please consider putting yourself forward for election. 

(If you’re not sure which region you’re in, please see the table at the bottom of the page)

Why You Should Stand

The NEC plays a critical role in shaping the union’s strategies and policies on everything from pay negotiations and pensions to academic freedom and working conditions. By standing for the NEC, you have the chance to make a real difference to the lives of union members across the country.

Some members may be hesitant to stand, worrying that the role will be too time-consuming or burdensome. However, being on the NEC is more manageable than you might think. Meetings take place approximately every eight weeks and are conducted in a hybrid format, allowing you to attend either in person or remotely. This flexibility helps ensure that NEC service can fit around your other professional and personal commitments.

We’re Here to Support You

If you’re considering standing but are unsure of what the role entails or whether it’s the right fit for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. The Campaign for UCU Democracy is more than happy to facilitate conversations with current NEC members, who can share their experiences and offer advice. Whether you’re curious about the workload, the nature of the discussions, or the overall impact you can make as an NEC member, there are people willing to help you understand the role more fully.

Take the Leap!

At the heart of a healthy, vibrant union is the involvement and engagement of its members. If you’re even slightly tempted to stand for election, now is the time to act. Whether you have years of experience in union activism or are relatively new to the scene, the UCU needs a broad and diverse range of voices on its NEC. By standing for election, you can help ensure that our union remains democratic, representative, and strong in the face of the challenges ahead.

So, if you’ve been considering it, or even if the thought has just crossed your mind—go for it! Stand for election, and help shape the future of our union.