Loughborough UCU

Tag: Our Reps

  • 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.

    Your 2026–27 LUCU Committee

    • Chair: David Wilson
    • Vice Chair: Angela Dy
    • Treasurer: Jonathan Causton
    • Branch Secretary: Anthony Kevins
    • Equality Officer: Marco Pino
    • Health, Safety & Environment Officer: Alec Edworthy
    • Green Representative: Marianna Coulentianos
    • 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.

  • Introducing Our New Committee Member

    We are delighted to announce that Ruth Kinna has been co-opted onto the LUCU committee as an ordinary committee member, with immediate effect. Ruth will contribute to the committee’s ongoing work while gaining experience in the role.

    We warmly encourage anyone interested in becoming more involved in the branch to contact our Branch Organiser, Callum Salfield, to explore the opportunities available.

    Ruth introduces herself below:

    Ruth Kinna, Ordinary Committee Member

    “Hi everyone! I’m Ruth Kinna, a political theorist in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. I joined UCU when I started working at Loughborough in 1992. I was Departmental Rep for a couple of years and enjoyed working with my fellow reps in the School. I have since participated in the UCU branch campaigns and workload committees. I’m keen to support the crucial work that the branch does to improve everyone’s work and conditions.”

    Committee members and reps are central to how our branch supports its members. Committee members contribute to a wide range of branch activities, while reps play a key role in resolving local issues, building community, and ensuring members’ voices are heard across the University.

    Whether representing a department or focusing on specific areas such as workload, reps and committee members strengthen our collective ability to make Loughborough a fairer and more supportive place to work. If you’re interested in getting more involved, or would like to find out more about what’s involved, please contact Callum Salfield for an informal chat.

  • Reps Team Update – New Workload Rep in SDCA

    We are very pleased to welcome Jennifer Dranttel as our new Workload Rep for the School of Design & Creative Arts. This role focusses specifically on monitoring and addressing workload issues within departments, supporting colleagues, gathering evidence, and contributing to branch-wide efforts to promote fair and sustainable working practices.

    Jennifer Dranttel, LUCU Workload Rep for SDCA introduces herself below:

    “My name is Jennifer Dranttel and I am a University Teacher in Textile Design at Loughborough University where my role is teaching-focussed, alongside a personal research practice. My work sits at the intersection of textile design, BioDesign, climate justice, and sustainability, with a particular interest in material innovation and culturally situated design methodologies.
    I have been a member of UCU since I joined Loughborough in 2023, and this role is an opportunity to more actively contribute to the collective voice of staff within the university. I have volunteered to focus on workload because of my own experience of feeling not always empowered in conversations around role expectations, capacity, and responsibilities. I am particularly interested in advocating for greater transparency, fairness, and consistency in how workload is allocated and recognised, especially within teaching-intensive roles and practice-based disciplines.
    I am keen to work with colleagues to ensure that workload processes are not only equitable on paper, but meaningful in practice, and that staff feel confident and supported in raising concerns. I look forward to contributing to a stronger, more collective approach to improving working conditions across the university.”

    We are encouraging members across all Schools and Professional Services areas to consider becoming a Workload Rep. If you are interested in taking on this role or would like to find out more, please see here or contact our Branch Organiser, Callum Salfield, for an informal discussion.

    Department Reps

    Department Reps are at the heart of how our branch supports members. They play a vital role in helping to resolve local issues, build community, and ensure that members’ voices are heard across the University. Whether representing a department or focusing on specific issues like workload, Reps strengthen our collective ability to make Loughborough a fairer and more supportive workplace.

    We currently have vacancies for Department Reps in Chemistry (School of Science) & Loughborough Sport. In addition, Student Services and Estates and Facilities Management are being covered by a temporary Rep while we seek volunteers from within those areas to take on the roles permanently.

    Members in any of these areas who are interested in becoming a Department Rep, or would like to find out more about what’s involved, are encouraged to contact Callum Salfield for an informal chat.

  • Reps Team & Committee Update – New Committee Member and New Rep in Wolfson

    We are very pleased to welcome Richard Blanchard as our new Department Rep for the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering. Richard has stepped forward to take on the role after a period without a rep in this area.

    We are also very pleased to announce that Jonathan Causton has been co-opted onto the LUCU committee as an “ordinary committee member”. Jonathan will help the committee continue to build its capacity whilst learning the ropes. We encourage anyone else interested in getting more involved in the branch to get in touch with our Branch Organiser, Callum Salfield, to discuss what opportunities exist.

    Richard and Jonathan introduce themselves below:

    Richard Blanchard, LUCU Department Rep for Wolfson

    “Hi, I am Richard Blanchard, Reader in Renewable Energy based in CREST.  I’ve been at the university for 23 years and am passionate about teaching and researching how renewable energy can open energy access to people in less developed countries to improve social and ecological resilience. I am the new rep for Wolfson.”

    Jonathan Causton, LUCU Ordinary Committee Member

    “Hello everyone. I am Jonathan Causton, Centre Manager in the Department of Mathematics Education within the School of Science. I have been at the University since 2019 and have been a member of UNISON during my local government career prior to moving to the Higher Education sector and I joined LUCU in 2024. I joined the LUCU committee in February 2026 and I hope I can contribute to the excellent work the committee does in supporting UCU members at the University and working with university senior management to make Loughborough University one of the best places to work at! By profession I am an accountant with significant finance experience of how the HE sector works but also bring a broad range of experience ranging from Research Management, HR, Health and Safety and events management knowledge to the LUCU committee. I am genuinely very excited about being involved with LUCU and to make a difference.”

    Reps and committee members are at the heart of how our branch supports members. Reps play a vital role in helping to resolve local issues, build community, and ensure that members’ voices are heard across the University. Whether representing a department or focusing on specific issues like workload, Reps strengthen our collective ability to make Loughborough a fairer and more supportive workplace.

    We currently have vacancies for Department Reps in:

    • Chemistry (School of Science)
    • Loughborough Sport

    In addition, Student Services and Estates and Facilities Management are currently covered by a temporary Rep while we seek volunteers from within those areas to take on the roles permanently.

    Members in any of these areas who are interested in becoming a Department Rep, or would like to find out more about what’s involved, are also encouraged to contact Callum Salfield for an informal chat.

    We are also encouraging members across all Schools and Professional Services areas to consider becoming a Workload Rep. If you are interested in taking on this role or would like to find out more, please contact our Branch Organiser, Callum Salfield, for an informal discussion.

  • Reps Team Update – New Reps in Comms & Media and Geography

    We are very pleased to welcome Azmeary Ferdoush as our new Department Rep for Geography & Environment in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Azmeary takes over from Sarah Mills, who has recently stepped down from the role. We extend our sincere thanks to Sarah for her time representing members in Geography.

    We are also very pleased to announce that, after a short period without a Department Rep, we now welcome two new Reps in Comms & Media in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Lise Jaillant and Jessica Robles have now taken on this role.

    Our new reps introduce themselves below.

    Jessica Robles, LUCU Department Rep for Comms & Media – SSH

    “My name is Jessica Robles and I started working at Loughborough ten years ago. I participated in union events long before officially joining and some of you may have seen me hanging out in meetings. My research is on morality in social interactions and recently I’ve been focusing on mental health.”

    Lise Jaillant, LUCU Department Rep for Comms & Media – SSH

    “My name is Lise Jaillant, and I joined Loughborough ten years ago, in February 2016. My research is broadly in the area of Digital Humanities and Digital Heritage. I have been a UCU member for many years. I am the rep for Communication and Media, sharing the role with Jessica Robles. ”

    Azmeary Ferdoush, LUCU Department Rep for Geography & Environment – SSH

    “Hi, I am Azmeary. I am fairly new to Loughborough University but have been a UCU member since the first day. As a political geographer, I am particularly interested in questions related to state, sovereignty, borders, migration, and (non)citizenship. I look forward to supporting others in my role as a GYE representative and working collectively with the rest of the team.”

    Reps are at the heart of how our branch supports members. They play a vital role in helping to resolve local issues, build community, and ensure that members’ voices are heard across the University. Whether representing a department or focusing on specific issues like workload, Reps strengthen our collective ability to make Loughborough a fairer and more supportive workplace.

    We currently have vacancies for Department Reps in:

    • Chemistry (School of Science)
    • Loughborough Sport

    In addition, Student Services and Estates and Facilities Management are currently covered by a temporary Rep while we seek volunteers from within those areas to take on the roles permanently.

    Members in any of these areas who are interested in becoming a Department Rep—or would like to find out more about what’s involved—are also encouraged to contact Callum Salfield for an informal chat.

    We are also encouraging members across all Schools and Professional Services areas to consider becoming a Workload Rep. If you are interested in taking on this role or would like to find out more, please contact our Branch Organiser, Callum Salfield, for an informal discussion.

  • New Geography Rep and Our First Workload Rep

    We are very pleased to welcome Sarah Mills as our new Department Rep for Geography in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Sarah takes over from Sophie Cranston, who has recently stepped down from the role. We extend our sincere thanks to Sophie for her time and commitment in representing members in Geography.

    We would also like to thank Magnus Hamann, who has stepped down as Department Rep for Communication and Media, for his valuable contributions to the Reps Team and the branch.

    Alongside our regular Department and School Reps, we are delighted to introduce a new branch initiative: the creation of Workload Reps. These roles focus specifically on monitoring and addressing workload issues within departments—supporting colleagues, gathering evidence, and contributing to branch-wide efforts to promote fair and sustainable working practices.

    Our first Workload Rep is Nikos Argyris, based in Loughborough Business School.

    Nikos Argyris, LUCU Workload Rep for Loughborough Business School

    “My name is Nikos Argyris and I am a Senior Lecturer in Operational Research at Loughborough Business School, which I joined in 2015. My research is broadly in the area of Decision Analysis with a particular interest in accounting for the social good and incorporating distributional fairness in both public and private sector decision making. Although I have been a member of UCU since my first academic post, this is my first union role. I have volunteered to be a workload rep to help promote fair and sustainable workload practices in my school and to contribute to the union’s broader efforts across the university. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues to support positive change and strengthen our collective voice.”

    We are now encouraging members across all Schools and Professional Services areas to consider becoming a Workload Rep. If you are interested in taking on this role or would like to find out more, please contact our Branch Organiser, Callum Salfield, for an informal discussion.

    Reps are at the heart of how our branch supports members. They play a vital role in helping to resolve local issues, build community, and ensure that members’ voices are heard across the University. Whether representing a department or focusing on specific issues like workload, Reps strengthen our collective ability to make Loughborough a fairer and more supportive workplace.

    We currently have vacancies for Department Reps in:

    • Chemistry (School of Science)
    • Communication and Media (School of Social Sciences and Humanities)
    • Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
    • Loughborough Sport

    In addition, Student Services and Estates and Facilities Management are currently covered by a temporary Rep while we seek volunteers from within those areas to take on the role permanently.

    Members in any of these areas who are interested in becoming a Department Rep—or would like to find out more about what’s involved—are also encouraged to contact Callum Salfield for an informal chat.

  • A New Rep for a New Department

    We are very pleased to announce that we have a new Department Rep in the School of Social Sciences & Humanities. Máiréad Enright will be our first UCU Rep for the new Loughborough Law Department. We know Máiréad will do a great job representing members in Loughborough Law.

    Máiréad has written a brief introduction below:

    Máiréad Enright, LUCU Department Rep for Loughborough Law in the School of Social Sciences & Humanities

    “My name is Máiréad Enright, and I joined Loughborough in the summer of 2025. My research is broadly in the area of gender and the law and reproductive justice. I was fairly active with UCU at my last employer, including in contributing to equalities campaigns and case work. I am the rep for the (brand) new Law department.”

    We currently have vacancies for Reps in Computer Science, Lboro Sport, Chemistry, Student Services & 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.

  • Changes to the LUCU Committee and Department Reps Teams

    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.

  • New Reps in ONCampus & London and Appointment of Branch Membership Secretary

    We are very pleased to announce that we now have two department reps in Lboro London. Matt Vidal has stepped back into the role following a short break and will work alongside our new London Rep, Anaïs Carlton-Parada. We are also delighted to announce we now have a department rep in Lboro ONCampus where Pedro Nunes has recently taken on the role. We know all three of these reps will do a great job representing members in London and ONCampus.

    In addition to our new reps, we also are also very happy to announce that Eleanor Roberts, who joined the branch committee in the summer as an ordinary member, has been appointed as the branch Membership Secretary. Eleanor will take a lead in the important areas of recruitment and organising in the branch.

    Anaïs Carlton-Parada, LUCU Rep for Loughborough London.

    “I’m Dr Anaïs Carlton-Parada and I’ve been a researcher and teaching fellow at Loughborough University London for four years in the Institute for Creative Futures. Prior to working at Loughborough, I was a graduate student at the University of South Carolina, U.S., in Anthropology. This is my first union role, although I have been involved in union actions since my start at Loughborough. My research and personal interests align through actionable care and moving toward equity in significant, tangible ways, so I’m looking forward to supporting as a rep and being a first point of contact for our union members.”

    Matt Vidal, LUCU Rep for Loughborough London.

    “I joined Loughborough London in 2017 as Reader in Sociology and Political Economy. I was deeply involved in union activism during my PhD programme at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I was an Organizing Committee and Executive Board member, Teaching Assistants’ Association, AFT #3220. I took some years off from formal union activism work after I got my first academic job at King’s College London, though was always active in following and supporting UCU and all other unions. I first started as department rep at Loughborough London in 2022.”

    Pedro Nunes, LUCU Rep for ONCampus.

    “I joined UCU during my time as an FE teacher, after coming into contact with the “Respect FE” campaign. Around a year and a half ago, I was employed by ONCampus at Loughborough University, right after the opening of the new pre-programme centre for international students. Previously, I took precarious teaching positions both at Durham and Leicester Universities. These experiences gave me insights into some of the most pernicious dynamics currently affecting the sector, and how unions are one of the main drivers of positive change. Consequently, it is fundamental for unions to stand by policies that empower our members and strengthen our collective voice.”

    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.

  • A New Rep Joins the Team

    We are very pleased to announce that a new department rep has been added to the branch team. In the School of Social Sciences and Humanities Amy Cortvriend has recently taken over the role of department rep for Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy. Many thanks go to Nathan Ritchie for his work in the role over the last few years. We know Amy will do a great job representing members in CSSP.

    Amy Cortvriend, LUCU Rep for Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy, School of Social Sciences and Humanities.

    “I’m Amy Cortvriend and I joined Loughborough as Lecturer in Criminology just over a year ago. I moved from another university where I was the migrant members representative on the branch committee so already have some union experience and am looking forward to supporting our members again.“

    We currently have vacancies for Reps in London, Computer Science, Lboro Sport, Chemistry, Student Services, OnCampus & 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.

  • An Addition to our Reps Team

    We are very pleased to announce that a new department rep has been added to the branch team. In the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Brian Jarvis has returned to his previous role of department rep for English. Many thanks go to Siân Adiseshiah for her work in the role over the last year. We know Brian will do a great job representing members in English.

    Brian Jarvis, LUCU Rep for English, School of Social Sciences and Humanities.

    “I started working in the English Department at Loughborough in 1991 and joined what was then the AUT. I’ve seen a lot of changes at Loughborough and throughout the UK university system over the past decades. All of the problematic developments have been actively resisted by the Union whilst Union pressure has contributed to most of the positive changes. I’ve been a Union representative in the past and am looking forward to taking up the role again.”

    We will also soon be saying a fond farewell to our Rep in Wolfson, Tony Sutton, and wish to send our gratitude for his many years of supporting our members in the school. If any Wolfson members would be interested in taking on the Wolfson Rep position from 1st October, please get in touch with our Branch Organiser, Callum Salfield, for more information or a chat about the role.

    We also have vacancies for Reps in London, Computer Science, Lboro Sport, Chemistry, Student Services & OnCampus. 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.

  • Reps’ Team – Two new Reps and a returning Rep

    We are very pleased to announce two new department reps and welcome back a former department rep to the branch team. Mark Leaper has taken on the role of department rep for Chemical Engineering and Materials in the School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering.

    In the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Siân Adiseshiah has returned to her previous role of department rep for English on a temporary basis, and we welcome members to come forward as a permanent rep for English from the start of August. Many thanks go to Barbara Cooke for her work in the role over the last year.

    We are also delighted to welcome Hilary Robinson to the role of department rep in International Relations, Politics and History. Thanks go to Magnus Hamann for covering the role while the department was without a rep. We know these reps will do a great job in representing members in their departments.

    Dr Mark Leaper (Rep for Chemical Engineering & Materials Departments in the School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering)

    I’m Dr Mark Leaper and I’ve been a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering/AACME for 8 years at Loughborough, having seen quite a few changes to the University. I have been invited become the rep for Chemical Engineering and Materials for Loughborough UCU and hope that this will allow my colleagues to experience the full benefits of union membership.

    Professor Hilary Robinson (Rep for International Relations, Politics and History in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities)

    I joined Loughborough 2017 as Professor of Feminism, Art and History, in the old School of Arts, English and Drama; since its split, I’ve been in International Relations, Politics and History, in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. I and describe myself as a recovering Dean, positions I held at Carnegie Mellon (USA), and at Middlesex. Before those posts I worked at U. Ulster; and before that in a number of precarious positions at different places. I was first involved in Union work in the 1970s, helping set up a branch of the T&GW at a bookshop where I worked for 18 months before being the first in my family to go to university. I am interested in all forms of real, intersectional, access and equity; and hold that this does not mean trying to get people to assimilate into institutions, but shifting the structures of power that kept some people out in the first place.

    A few vacancies remain in our reps’ team!  At the time of writing and in addition to the role in English, our two other vacant roles are both in the School of Science, in the departments of Computer Science and Chemistry. If you have any interest in taking one of the vacant roles, please get in touch with our Branch Organiser, Callum Salfield, for an informal chat about what’s involved and how you can support members in your area. For an up-to-date list of our reps, please see this page of our website.