Regional Support Official

University and College Union have an exciting opportunity for a Regional Support Official to join the team in the South West.

Job Ref: RSO2

Location: Exeter (Responsible for the Southwestern Region)

Salary: £61,899 per annum

Job Type: Full time, Permanent

Close Date: 13 June at 10am

About Us:

The University and College Union (UCU) represents over 120,000 academics, lecturers, trainers, instructors, researchers, managers, administrators, computer staff, librarians and postgraduates in universities, colleges, prisons, adult education and training organisations across the UK.

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.

Regional Support Official – The Role:

The Bargaining, Organising, Representation & Operations department, at UCU, is seeking a Regional Support Official to join the South West Region team, based in Exeter. Reporting to the Regional Official, you will ensure the consistent implementation of UCU’s bargaining, campaigning, and organising objectives.

Regional Support Official – Key Responsibilities:

- Assisting with securing and maintaining recognition of UCU in the designated area

- Conducting and supporting negotiations with employing institutions in accordance with nationally and locally agreed bargaining objectives

- Contributing to the organisation and effective delivery of regional training in accordance with the national training programme

- Engaging in and organising regional and local campaigning activities in accordance with national/regional campaigning objectives

- Deputising for the Regional Official as necessary

Regional Support Official – You:

- Educated to GCSE level (inc. maths & English) or equivalent

- Experience of a similar working environment and/or understanding of working for a trade union or other not-for-profit organisation

- Good knowledge of the post-compulsory education sector; a working knowledge and understanding of employment law, as well as trade union organising experience

- Excellent interpersonal skills, you will be able to advocate on behalf of members and represent individuals in disciplinary and grievance cases

- You will be required to travel across the region

Regional Support Official– Benefits:

We offer a number of financial and welfare benefits to support our employees,

highlights include:

- Supportive Family Policies: Embrace family life with enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, and Shared Parental Leave schemes

- Health and Well-being Support: Access to confidential counselling 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme; advice and face-to-face intervention via our Physiotherapy Advice Line; healthcare assessment

- Flexible Working: Take advantage of our Flexitime scheme, allowing you to tailor your work hours within our Work Life Balance policy

- Financial Assistance: Benefit from being enrolled in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), childcare support, interest-free season ticket loans, and assistance with the cost of eyesight testing and glasses for DSE use

- Training and Development: Elevate your skills with tailored training, developmental support, and over 300 eLearning modules available through our online training room.

Application Process:

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.

We welcome applications from any candidate but are particularly keen to receive applications from women and Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently underrepresented at this grade in UCU. If this is you, and you are interested in the post, we invite you to join an online briefing about the post and what it’s like to work at the Union, at 1pm to 2pm on Thursday 6 June, which will also be an opportunity to ask the recruiting manager questions. If you’d like to attend the briefing, please see the advert on the vacancies page of our website for details of how to apply and let us know no later than 12 noon on Wednesday 5 June. You do not need to attend the briefing session to apply.

Closing date for applications is 13 June 2024 at 10 am.

Interviews will be held 4 July 2024.

To submit your application for this exciting Regional Support Official opportunity, click ‘Apply’ now.