Work for us

The University and College Union (UCU) is the largest trade union and professional association for lecturers, learning support staff, academic related staff, trainers, researchers and managers working in further & higher education in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our 120,000 members are employed mainly in colleges, universities and in adult, prison and land-based education. We also have members in the private sector, for example in private training agencies and language schools, as well as members working on a freelance basis. Students training to teach in post-school education also belong to UCU.

Current vacancies

• Caseworker - Southern (part time, 0.4)

Caseworker - Southern (part time, 0.4)

Caseworker - the role

We are seeking a part time Caseworker for our Southern team to provide advice and representation to UCU members in personal casework matters. This exciting role is based in our Southampton office, and reports to the Regional Official, Southern Region. Main duties will include:

• advising members with problems and disputes arising from their employment
• representing members at internal grievance and disciplinary hearings
• representing and/or assisting members at external bodies, such as ACAS, employment tribunals and formal and informal mediations 
• maintaining effective relationships with branch officers carrying out member casework and providing them with advice and support and, on occasion, training
• managing own caseload, effective administration of and progress of casework, under the Regional Official's supervision.

The ideal candidate must be educated to GCSE level or equivalent (inc. maths & English) and the role would suit those with experience of a similar working environment and/or understanding of working for a trade union or other not-for-profit organisation. With excellent communication skills, you will need three plus years' experience of handling personal casework matters and a knowledge of UK employment and equality law. You will also have advocacy and representation experience and be familiar with the practice and procedure of employment tribunals.

You will be expected to work two full days per week, to be agreed on appointment.  Some travel throughout the region will be required.

To apply, please download an application pack below or email recruitment@ucu.org.uk quoting job reference CW1
Application pack: Caseworker – Southern [288kb]

Closing date for applications: 29 July 2025 at 10:00am

Interview date: 14 August 2025

Returning your application

Please note that applicants should apply using the application form and CVs will not be considered. Completed application forms must be received by us by 10am on the closing date. Late applications will not be considered. Applications to be emailed to recruitment@ucu.org.uk

We are happy to accept applications in alternative formats from applicants who, for reasons of disability, may find it difficult to fill in our standard form. Please contact the People and Development Team by e-mail at recruitment@ucu.org.uk or telephone 020 7756 2558 for further details.

Diversity & inclusion monitoring

We need your support to make sure our employees come from a variety of backgrounds, so we especially welcome applications from disadvantaged communities. Even if you are not selected, it would be really helpful if you could complete the diversity & inclusion data when you apply for this role, because we can make sure we are encouraging a diverse mixture of candidates to apply. Thank you very much.

Equal opportunities

UCU is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Benefits of working for the University and College Union

Benefits to support your well-being:

• generous holiday entitlement of 35 days' annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, and 8 closure days with a pro-rata entitlement for part time staff
• disability leave arrangements
• special leave arrangements
• a range of family friendly policies and procedures with enhanced maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental leave schemes
• an Employee Assistance Programme that provides access to 24-hour confidential counselling
• access to advice and face-to-face intervention from a senior chartered physiotherapist through the award-winning Physiotherapy Advice Line service
• flexitime scheme available by agreement where employees can vary their start and finish times or lunch breaks within the set parameters of the work-life balance policy.

Benefits to support you financially:

• all employees are contractually enrolled into the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) where currently the employee contribution is approximately 6.1% of salary and the employer contribution is approximately 14.5% of salary
• we will pay 50% of the net cost of childcare provision for children. The scheme is currently available to employees up to and including Grade G
• interest free season ticket loans to cover the cost of a second-class season ticket between home and the office
• UCU will assist with the cost of an eyesight test and the purchase of a basic pair of glasses, where these are required for DSE use.

Benefits to support your training and development:

• training and developmental support
• access to over 300 eLearning modules through UCU's online training room.