Loughborough UCU is pleased to note that the first round of promotion for Specialist and Supporting Academics was launched this summer.
The branch fed into discussions of the process and promotion criteria via consultation with the University, and will continue to consult with management as learnings from this initial round are reviewed this autumn.
Academics who apply for promotion can currently appeal a denial of support from their school. The University intends instead to allow them to submit their application directly to the University-level committee without Dean’s support. While we understand the desire to simplify the process and reduce bureaucracy, we believe this will create a two-tier system at the committee stage and have asked the Provost to consider how to avoid this.
After some delay in this area, we expect HR to provide us with a first draft of policy and process documentation in May. The University is planning to accept applications for SSA promotions in the summer for a one-off autumn promotions panel, after which the timing will be merged with promotions applications for RTE staff, with a panel in the spring.