We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Denise Coles. Having made a fantastic contribution to the branch since last summer, especially through our negotiations at JNCC and ARSNC, Denise is now stepping down from her committee role to manage her time and workload. We are very grateful for everything Denise has put in and we will continue to work closely with her on EDI matters.
As one committee member leaves another joins, and we are very happy to announce that Marianna Coulentianos has been co-opted to the branch committee as an ordinary member. Marianna has joined the committee to lead on Environmental/Green issues. A rule change motion will be going to our AGM in July to add the position of Green Rep so we can officially recognise this role from August.
In addition to our new committee member, we are also very pleased to announce that we now have a new Department Rep in the School of Sports, Exercise and Health Science. Louise Kenyon will join Jamie Kenyon as an additional Department Rep for this School. Jamie will continue to be the main contact for Academic members in the School and Louise will be the lead for Professional Services members in SSEHS. We know Louise will join Jamie in doing a great job representing members in SSEHS.
Louise and Marianna have written brief introductions below:
Louise Kenyon, LUCU Department Rep for School of Sports, Exercise and Health Science
“I’ve been at Loughborough University for almost 17 years in various roles within professional services, most of which have been based in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, where I am currently a Student Support Team Manager. I became a Union member in 2020 in the midst of the Four Fights dispute, and have actively participated in the subsequent periods of industrial action, as well as currently serving as a member on the LUCU recruitment sub-committee. Having seen the positive impact that Union action has had on enacting change in the University, I am pleased to have the opportunity to give back to LUCU by becoming a rep and supporting our members.”
Marianna Coulentianos, School of Design and Creative Arts, LUCU Committee Member
“My name is Marianna Coulentianos and I’m a lecturer in Responsible Design at Loughborough University. I’ve recently joined the branch committee to raise awareness and ensure that green issues are included in the negotiating or bargaining agenda at work, bringing experience from university-wide sustainability events, research projects, and student-led initiatives. I’ve been active in communities of practice across the institution and am committed to supporting a just and sustainable transition—within our university and beyond. I’m keen to explore how the union can play a meaningful role in this transition and look forward to contributing to the national movement to make 2025–26 the Trade Union Year of Action on Climate Change”.
We currently have vacancies for Reps in Computer Science, Lboro Sport, Chemistry, Student Services, Lboro Law & Wolfson. Interested members from those areas are encouraged to get in touch with our Branch Organiser, Callum Salfield, for more information or a chat about the role.