Academia is a traditionally hierarchical social institution in which structural inequalities are systemic and deeply entrenched. Through our Equality work, LUCU highlights and challenges the ways in which such inequalities shape workplace experiences in general, and at Loughborough University and LU London in particular.
We understand these inequalities and their interpersonal manifestations to emerge from broader historical structures of inclusion and exclusion, which produce complex experiences of oppression and privilege. Therefore, in line with national UCU, the LUCU Equality Officer, with the committee, focuses on learning from, supporting and advocating for historically marginalised groups, including:
- Disabled members
- Black and racially minoritised members
- Migrant members
- Women, nonbinary and gender non-conforming members
- LGBTQ+ members
UCU members of these groups are invited, at UCU’s expense, to convene annually at the Equality Groups Conference. See UCU’s website for more equality info and resources.
The Equality Act 2010 is a key framework for our efforts. Through this, we understand the range of protected characteristics, and how people with these characteristics can and should expect to be treated in the workplace.
Furthermore, while socio-economic class is not a protected characteristic, and there are no age or career-stage related UCU membership groups, we recognise that these and other dimensions of experience not directly addressed in the Equality Act 2010 can and do affect workplace dynamics. Where relevant, we take them into account in our Equality work.
To address and reduce inequalities, we must consider and contest them at both individual and structural levels, in their multiple forms: opportunity, access, representation, power, knowledges, and outcomes. Through targeted support, advocacy, and education, we aim to:
- Collate and amplify the experiences of marginalised members
- Provide practical support through dedicated casework
- Create meaningful pathways for progression and success through liaising with members and management
- Promote inter- and intra-group and inter-union understanding and solidarity
A note on terminology: in the past, we raised a motion to change UCU’s “Equality Officer” title to “Equity Officer” in line with changing terminology at Loughborough University. It became clear that that the process to amend the terminology was too complex and time-consuming to be worthwhile, so we decided instead to focus our energy on directly addressing the many equity and equality related issues instead.
A note on resources: LUCU Committee has only one Equality Officer, and as with other committee roles, this is a discretionary undertaking on top of other workload, so practical capacity to tackle newly arising issues may be limited. However, members are invited to raise equity and equality-related motions to be debated within the branch, and to convene working groups, with the Equality Officer serving in an advisory role.
We are committed to continuous learning and improvement in our equity and equality efforts. Please contact us at ucu@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk with any questions or comments for the Equality Officer.