This week is Pension Awareness Week, and Loughborough UCU is encouraging members to take a few minutes to check in with their pension arrangements.
For many of us, pension savings can feel like something to think about later. However, understanding what you’re building up now can make a real difference to your long-term financial planning. Because of the way pension benefits accumulate, good early planning can reap significant rewards later.
If you’re a member of USS, this is a good opportunity to:
Understand how your pension works
Check the value of your membership
Review your Annual Benefit Statement
Learn more about the options available for saving towards retirement
A pension is one of the most valuable benefits available to university staff, but it is easy to lose sight of its importance among the day-to-day demands of work. Taking a small amount of time now to review your benefits can help you make informed decisions about your future.
The USS website has a range of guides, tools and support resources available to help members better understand their pension and retirement options.
So, if you haven’t looked at your pension recently, why not use Pension Awareness Week as a reminder to give it some attention?
Find out more and access support through the USS website:
Could You Be Our Next Caseworker?
One of the most important things a union does is support members when they need help. Whether someone is facing a disciplinary process, concerns about workload, redundancy proposals, workplace adjustments, or other employment-related issues, having a trained and knowledgeable colleague by their side can make a real difference.
Like many branches, LUCU relies on members who are willing to step forward and train as caseworkers. Casework can be challenging at times, but it is also one of the most rewarding ways to support colleagues and strengthen our union.
You do not need to be an expert in employment law, HR procedures, or university regulations before getting involved. UCU provides excellent training and support to help members develop the skills and confidence needed to represent colleagues effectively. Experienced branch officers and regional support are also available to provide guidance when required.
Being a caseworker offers the opportunity to:
Support colleagues through difficult workplace situations.
Develop valuable skills in representation, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.
Gain a better understanding of workplace policies and employment procedures.
Play a direct role in protecting members’ rights and improving working conditions.
Strengthen the collective voice of the union within the university.
We are particularly keen to expand our pool of trained caseworkers so that we can continue providing effective support for members across the university. Even if you are simply curious about what the role involves, attending an introductory training course is an excellent first step.
Upcoming UCU Training Opportunities
The following courses are available to members interested in developing their casework knowledge and skills:
Representing Members: An Introduction to Casework
An ideal starting point for anyone considering becoming a caseworker.
Particularly relevant given the pressures facing the higher education sector and useful for anyone involved in supporting members through organisational change.
If you have ever thought about taking a more active role in the union, becoming a caseworker is a great place to start. The training is accessible, the support is there, and the skills you gain can make a genuine difference to colleagues when they need it most.
If you are interested in attending any of these courses or would like an informal conversation about what being a LUCU caseworker involves, please get in touch with the branch. We’d be delighted to hear from you.
Sexual Harassment at Work
UCU considers sexual harassment and the victimisation of those who make complaints about sexual harassment as a labour issue which often arises because of power imbalances at work. Sexual harassment is defined in the Equality Act 2010 as ‘unwanted conduct of a sexual nature which has the purpose or effect of violating someone’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment’. It includes unwelcome advances or physical contact, lewd gestures and derogatory comments.
The University is also committed to making the workplace a safe place and has a reporting process and support services.
If you worried about sexual harassment at work, would like advice about stopping it and/or help and support with reporting, please contact Ruth Kinna or Marco Pino. You can talk to us in confidence, even if you are unsure about making a formal report.
You will by now have noticed the recent changes to charges for parking on campus. Daily rates have increased for our members by around 20% – a stark contrast to the 2% pay increase offered by employers, and at a time when many staff find it more difficult than ever to park close to their workplace.
The changes were discussed with the campus unions before implementation – but as a matter of consultation, rather than negotiation, the University is under no obligation to change its plans. This highlights the importance of the ongoing work to ensure that where we do have negotiation rights, these are understood and respected by management.
When the first Car Parking Management Strategy, and first number plate operated barrier system, were introduced we were given assurances that parking charges were only levied to cover the costs associated with providing parking. This position has apparently changed, and parking charges are now used as a revenue stream by the University. As noted in previous communications, the maintenance fee for the new barrier system goes up by inflation as measured by the Retail Prices Index (RPI) each year. RPI is usually higher than the newer Consumer Prices Index (CPI) and has been higher than sector wage increases for many years.
While it is argued that the “actual” increases are small sums of money this trend, if continued, will see an increasing portion of our wages going back to the University until parking charges match wages. Clearly this is not a sustainable model and the percentages are relevant.
The Death of Professor Jason Arday
Like you, we are profoundly saddened to learn of the untimely death of Professor Jason Arday following a sustained campaign of racist media harassment. We think of his family and friends, and express condolences to them, and solidarity with our Black and neurodivergent colleagues and students, at this terrible and tragic time. His life’s work, to make higher education more accessible and equitable, is what we choose to remember.
More than ever, we need to resist and organise against the increasing attacks on Black people in the public sphere. The brutal, concerted, syndicated campaign to discredit Prof. Arday and attack his integrity is unwarranted and wholly unacceptable.
What happened to Prof Arday, and the impact of his death, has reverberated throughout the whole sector, so please look after yourself if it has affected you. We would like to remind staff that the University compassionate leave policy allows for time off due to trauma connected to protected characteristics.
Black Equity Organisation (BEO): National advocacy group tackling systemic racial injustice. https://blackequityorg.com/
In solidarity
LUCU Committee
Struggling with workload? Join this free CPD session on working safely
With workload pressures continuing to affect staff across the University, Working Safely: Building Collective Strength provides a practical opportunity to explore the impact of work on our wellbeing, understand employers’ responsibilities, and develop confidence in raising workplace concerns.
Note: Attendance is open to all Loughborough University staff and is not restricted to UCU members.
The way we work has changed significantly in recent years, but concerns about workload, stress and wellbeing remain. This interactive session will explore the impact that work can have on our physical and mental health, and look at the responsibilities employers have to ensure staff can work safely and sustainably.
The workshop will also help participants understand the language and legal framework around health and safety, giving staff greater confidence to raise concerns and advocate for themselves and colleagues when workplace issues arise.
During the session, participants will:
explore some of the challenges affecting safe working today
consider the impact of workload, stress and mental health
gain a better understanding of employers’ health and safety responsibilities
build confidence in discussing workplace concerns
learn about the support available through UCU
Although workload pressures can often feel like an individual problem, they are frequently the result of wider workplace issues. This session looks at how we can respond collectively, support one another and help create healthier working environments for everyone.
Whether you’re feeling the effects of workload right now or simply want a better understanding of your rights and the support available, this free CPD session is open to all staff and provides a useful opportunity to reflect, learn and share experiences.
Reminder: Two Opportunities to Help Shape Our Work
Over recent weeks, we have been asking staff to share their views on two important issues affecting colleagues across the University: commuting and parking, and workload and working practices.
Thank you to everyone who has already taken part and to those who are still planning to contribute – there is still time to make your voice heard.
Please also encourage your colleagues and teammates to do the same. Every response helps us build a stronger evidence base and a stronger collective voice when raising issues with the University.
Commuter Travel & Car Parking Survey
Our Commuter Travel & Car Parking Survey is helping us better understand staff experiences and identify the solutions that have the strongest support across the University.
The findings will directly inform the discussions we have with the University and help shape our wider campaign on parking and commuting issues.
If you have not yet completed the survey, please take a few minutes to do so. The survey is open to all staff, regardless of union membership.
Department Representatives have also been contacting colleagues to gather views on workload and working practices.
We are keen to hear from staff across the University about:
What aspects of your workload have the biggest impact on you and your stress levels, and how these have changed over time.
What changes to ways of working would have the biggest positive impact for you, and what barriers stand in the way of those improvements.
Whether you are a UCU member or not, we would welcome your thoughts.
Please send your responses to ucu@lboro.ac.uk.
Introducing Our New Committee Members
Following our recent branch elections, we are pleased to introduce the 2026–27 LUCU Committee and to welcome Anaïs Carlton-Parada and Andy Woodhouse, who are joining the committee, from 1st August, as Ordinary Committee Members.
While there have been some role changes following the election, Anaïs and Andy are the only new additions to the committee this year. Their appointment strengthens the breadth of experience represented within the branch and reflects the importance of continuing to bring new voices into our union’s work.
Anaïs will continue in her role as Department Rep for Loughborough London alongside her committee position. Andy is also taking on a second new union role, becoming Department Rep for Loughborough Law from 1st August, succeeding Mairead Enright, whom we would like to thank for her service and commitment as Department Rep.
Anaïs introduces herself below:
“I am a researcher and teaching fellow at Loughborough University London in the Institute for Creative Futures. My research centres on both grassroots organising and othered onto-epistemologies, especially witchcraft. I joined LUCU as a union rep for the London campus, a role I’m still taking on, but have been involved in union actions since my start at LUL. As a rep, I’ve enjoyed contributing to an environment where more of my peers feel heard and supported, but I’m excited to engage with the union in my new capacity as an ordinary committee member. I hope in taking on this role I’ll be able to work at multiple scales and better advocate for the Loughborough community. I am particularly passionate about workload practices and employment rights, especially supporting minoritized staff. I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with the committee to strengthen our collective power.”
Andy introduces himself below:
“Hi, I’m Andy Woodhouse. I joined the new law department in Loughborough in October 2025. My research and teaching focuses on climate law, drawing on perspectives from Marxist political economy.
I’ve been a longtime member of UCU, first getting involved during the 2018 USS strikes. Before joining Loughborough, I was departmental rep and committee member at University of Liverpool UCU, where the Project Shape dispute gave me a direct sense of what well-organised trade union members can achieve together.”
We are delighted that both Anaïs and Andy have chosen to become more involved in the branch. New committee members bring fresh perspectives and ideas, helping to ensure that LUCU continues to represent members effectively across the University.
Ordinary Committee Members: David Saal, Ruth Kinna, Scott Fernie, Anaïs Carlton-Parada and Andy Woodhouse
Committee members and Department Reps are at the heart of our branch’s work. They help support members, raise and address local issues, contribute to campaigns, and ensure that members’ voices are represented across the University. Whether taking on an elected role, becoming a rep, contributing to casework, or supporting specific campaigns and activities, member involvement is what makes our branch effective.
If you are interested in getting more involved in LUCU or would like to find out more about the different ways you can contribute, please contact our Branch Organiser, Callum Salfield, for an informal conversation.
UCU Congratulates Andrew Dix on University Medal
Loughborough UCU is delighted to congratulate Dr Andrew Dix on receiving a University Medal in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the University community over more than 25 years.
Many colleagues will know Andrew through his work in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, where he is widely respected as a teacher, mentor and colleague. Across the University, he has built a reputation for generosity, integrity and an unfailing willingness to support others. The award is richly deserved.
For UCU members, however, Andrew’s contribution extends far beyond his academic role. Over many years, he has been one of the branch’s most dedicated and trusted representatives, serving as a caseworker and, for several years, as our Casework Co-ordinator.
In that time, Andrew has supported hundreds of members facing some of the most difficult moments of their working lives. Whether dealing with workplace disputes, grievance and disciplinary procedures, health concerns, redundancy consultations or other complex personal circumstances, he has always approached his casework with care, compassion and meticulous attention to detail.
Much of this work is necessarily confidential and therefore largely invisible to the wider University community. Yet countless colleagues have benefited from Andrew’s knowledge, judgement and reassurance. His understanding of University policies and procedures is exceptional, but what truly distinguishes him is the humanity he brings to every case. He listens carefully, treats people with dignity, and works tirelessly to ensure that colleagues are treated fairly and respectfully.
Andrew’s contribution has also helped to sustain a positive culture of partnership across the University. Through his thoughtful and constructive approach, he has earned the respect of members, managers and senior leaders alike. His work has not only supported individual colleagues, but also helped uphold principles of fairness and collegiality that benefit the whole institution.
Those who have worked alongside Andrew know that he would never seek recognition for any of this. He has always seen supporting colleagues as simply the right thing to do. That quiet commitment to service is precisely why this award feels so fitting.
Angela Martinez Dy, interim Personal Casework Co-ordinator and incoming Vice Chair, stated: “This award is richly deserved. LUCU has benefited for years from Andrew’s patient wisdom and unwavering commitment to members, which has resulted in a culture of dedication to casework that is one of our Branch’s great strengths. We are delighted to see him honoured in this way.”
On behalf of Loughborough UCU, we offer Andrew our warmest congratulations and our sincere thanks for everything he has done for members and for the wider University community over the past quarter century. His kindness, wisdom and unwavering commitment to others have made a lasting difference to countless colleagues, and we are delighted to see his contribution recognised with a University Medal.
LUCU Annual General Meeting 2026
The LUCU Annual General Meeting took place on Wednesday 1st July 2026, immediately following our branch social event, where members and branch officers enjoyed Indian street food and the opportunity to spend time together in an informal setting. It was great to see members coming together socially before turning to the formal business of the branch.
The AGM began with a presentation from Professor Lopa Leach, President of the University of Nottingham UCU branch. Professor Leach spoke about the challenges currently facing colleagues at the University of Nottingham and outlined how their branch has responded to those issues. Members then had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the similarities and differences between the experiences of staff at both institutions.
In the Chair’s report, members heard reflections on the broader challenges facing higher education and trade unions, alongside an overview of local issues affecting staff at Loughborough University. Particular attention was given to recent restructuring activity, redundancy processes, collective bargaining matters, and the branch’s work supporting members through a period of significant change. The report also highlighted the branch’s contribution to national UCU policy discussions, engagement with issues surrounding artificial intelligence and sustainability, and the importance of solidarity and collective action.
The meeting formally recognised the work of branch representatives, committee members and caseworkers who have supported members throughout the year. Special thanks were given to Alec Edworthy for his long-standing service and contribution to the branch.
The Treasurer presented the branch’s annual accounts and answered questions from members. The financial report was received by the meeting.
The AGM also confirmed the branch committee for the 2026–27 academic year. The following members were elected unopposed and will take up office on 1st August 2026:
Ordinary Committee Members: David Saal, Ruth Kinna, Scott Fernie, Anaïs Carlton-Parada and Andy Woodhouse
Several officer positions remain vacant, and members interested in becoming more involved in the branch are encouraged to speak with a committee member or the Branch Organiser.
Members also received an update on the Professional Services Restructure. During the discussion, there was support for sharing as much information as possible with members regarding proposals and responses, subject to any restrictions on what can be released.
With no further business raised, the meeting was closed.
Members who would like a copy of the official AGM minutes can request them by emailing the branch.
Tax Wealth Not Work – Watch Gary Stevenson’s New Documentary
Gary Stevenson, of Gary’s Economics and author of the bestseller “The Trading Game”, has just released a documentary, available on All 4, explaining his case for the introduction of a UK wealth tax to begin to tackle accelerating wealth inequality. This is an issue LUCU has highlighted at recent meetings, with direct implications for the existence of the welfare state, public services such as Universities, and whether our children and grandchildren will live comfortably or in Dickensian poverty. Our motion supporting a wealth tax, along with other tax reforms, was overwhelmingly supported at the recent UCU Congress.
We encourage members to watch and share the documentary to spread understanding of this issue. This is also crucial to tackling the rise of the far right by undermining the false premise that immigration is to blame for falling living standards, and providing an alternative explanation – that wealth is being transferred from the majority and the state to the already-wealthy.
Expanding Palestine Solidarity Working Group to Demilitarisation Working Group
Written by LUCU Palestine Solidarity Working Group
Based on a branch motion passed in Oct 2024, LUCU has run a Palestine Solidarity Working Group that includes members from both campuses as well as committee members. We have made a strong effort to raise awareness about the ongoing genocide and occupation and crucially, to make it possible to speak about and organise in support of Palestine without fear of reprisals at Loughborough University.
Since then, the working group has done the following:
Repeatedly pushed the University to re-assess its projects with potential links to breaches of international law, war crimes and genocide against the Palestinians, as it did with links to Russia following its invasion of Ukraine
Sought clarity from the University that students would not be penalised for boycotting “mandatory” careers fairs with military presence
Advocated for the rights of students to protest and to protect their identities, given concerns around political targeting of migrants
Offered to mediate a meeting between University leaders and members of the REACH network and Loughborough Action for Palestine
Held a Demilitarise Education hybrid workshop at the London campus on 13th November 2024 [I can ask for the dED slides if we can link here]
Held two talks by Prof Ali Bilgic: ‘Contextualising the Conflict: A Brief History of the Middle East’ 8 July 2026 & ‘When The World Looked Away’ 3 March 2026
Screened Maha Haj’s 2024 Upshot and Mohammed Bakri’s Jenin Jenin (2002) for Palestine Cinema Day 2025 at LUL – 4th November 2025,in collaboration with Filmlab Palestine / Palestine Cinema Days 2025
Working group members agree that they have fulfilled, to the extent possible, the aims of the initial motion in creating solidarity for Palestine among staff and students and supporting student rights to free speech and protest. We feel that the appropriate next step is to expand the remit of the working group to broader efforts against university militarisation. Key aims/actions would be to:
Review Loughborough’s relationship to the UK and any foreign military entities, whether through research, funding, or teaching
Request information on Loughborough’s plans to try and join the Defence Universities Alliance
Work against further defence/military alliances and work to de-militarise the university’s existing relationships
Create resources for education on the relationship between militarisation in education and capitalist interests within the UK that affect staff and students
Explore, and make visible, contradictions between Loughborough’s ethical standards in academic research, and commitment to sustainability, with militarisation
Ensure all forms of military aggression are reviewed on an equitable basis (e.g. breaking ties with Russia vs. with Israel)
Invite Demilitarise Education (dED) for a workshop available to LUCU members and non-members
We remain committed to taking action in support of Palestine when our members identify relevant opportunities to do so. We will continue to work to transform the culture of silence around the occupation and genocide and keep Palestine on the agenda at Loughborough.
If you would like to get involved in this work, please contact the branch via ucu@lboro.ac.uk
