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UCU has put equality at the heart of its activities on behalf of its members. Some UCU branches/local associations (LAs) have equality officers who can assist you if you have any concerns on an equality-related issue. Otherwise your UCU departmental rep or other branch/LA officer will be able to help. To find out if there is an equality officer at your branch and how to contact them ask your departmental rep or branch/LA secretary/president. If you don't know how to contact any local UCU representative contact your regional office. The local contact finder will tell you the relevant regional office for your institution. Equality unit UCU has a national team of staff with expertise and involvement in the whole equality agenda. They implement the policies and priorities determined by members through the democratic lay structures'. - Helen Carr - National Head of Equality
hcarr@ucu.org.uk | Tel: 020 7756 2537 | Fax: 020 7756 2501 - Seth Atkin - Equality Support Official with specialism for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality and age equality
satkin@ucu.org.uk | Tel: 020 7756 2535 | Fax: 020 7756 2501 - Charlotte Nielsen - Equality Support Official with specialism for gender
cnielsen@ucu.org.uk | Tel: 020 7756 2534 | Fax: 020 7756 2501 - Chris Nicholas - Equality Support Official with specialism for race and religion or belief
cnicholas@ucu.org.uk | Tel: 020 7756 2536 | Fax: 020 7756 2501 - Sharon Russell - Equality Officer
srussell@ucu.org.uk| Tel: 020 7756 2538 | Fax: 020 7756 2501 - James Taylor - Equality Administrator
jtaylor@ucu.org.uk | Tel: 020 7756 2539 | Fax: 020 7756 2501
If you have a general equality query, or to join one of our Equality network mailing lists (LGBT, Disabled Members, Women & Black Members) contact eqadmin@ucu.org.uk If you think you might be interested in becoming a UCU equality officer you can find out more about what is involved on the Being a rep page. Latest Equality NewsSave the Public Sector Equality Duty In keeping up the momentum, you are encouraged to sign and share the following e-petition to save the Public Sector Equality Duty. Race on the Agenda (ROTA) is asking for you to sign and support their petition calling on the Government to Keep the Public Sector Equality Duty. This is a vital issue - if the Government gets away with watering down this duty we will all lose one of the only ways in which we can ensure that people across the whole range of equality areas, receive appropriate services. The Public Sector Equality Duty is the only law designed to tackle institutional discrimination and make sure public services meet everyone's needs. It's a legacy of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry which found institutional racism in the police was to blame for the botched murder investigation. The Equality Duty makes sense. We all pay for public services and should all be able to benefit from them, and services that actually meet people's needs are sound economic sense. But within one year of the Equality Duty coming in to force the Government is reviewing it. We could lose the only law that challenges institutional discrimination and makes public bodies deliver services that meet everyone's needs. You can sign the petition here It's time to make a change - we had success in saving Section 3: The General Duty of the Equality Act 2006 and with your help, can achieve success again!
Equality and Austerity in Multicultural Britain Conference In response to Congress Resolutions 18 'Austerity and Equality' and 19 'Defend multiculturalism oppose Islamophobia and racism. Stop the EDL' passed at UCU Congress in 2012, a conference was held on Friday 17 May 2013 combining both resolutions. The conference entitled 'Austerity and Equality in Multicultural Britain' discussed the impact of the Government's cuts and the increase in racism and Islamophobia very often seen during periods of austerity. To support the conference, UCU produced an Equality Campaign Pack 'Austerity and Equality in Multicultural Britain - Equality Campaign Pack' designed to help strengthen individuals, branches and local associations in campaigning, bargaining and negotiating for equality at work and the wider society. Below you can download the campaign pack handed out to delegates, the report from the conference, and the presentations from Gargi Bhattacharyya of UCU and Dr. Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Senior Research Analyst, Runnymede Trust.  Austerity and Equality In Multicultural Britain Campaign Pack (.pdf) [2.9Mb]
Austerity and Equality in Multicultural Britain (.pdf) [307kb]
 Defending multiculturalism (.ppt) [37kb]
Defending Multiculturalism at a time of Austerity (.pdf) [826kb]
Equality News - Congress 2013 Edition The latest edition of Equality News is now available for download below!  Equality News Congress 2013 (.doc) [1.0Mb]
International Women's Day 2013 Friday March 8th 2013 is International Women's Day. Please check the website for information about the significance of the day and for details of any events being held near you. UCU has produced a wallchart to commemorate the day, which you can download below, or order a hard copy of from the following address: eqadmin@ucu.org.uk UCU International Women's Day Wall Chart (.pdf) [5.3Mb]
New Guidance on Pre-Employment Health Questions and Sickness & Disability Absence
Two new pieces of guidance on disability at work have been published by the EHRC and the TUC. Pre-Employment Health Questions is an EHRC publication that gives guidance to job applicants on section 60 of the Equality Act. Section 60 makes it generally unlawful for an employer to ask questions relating to a potential employees health in advance of making a job offer. You can download the publication here Employers' guidance is available here And the research report is available here Sickness absence and Disability Discrimination is an updated publication from the TUC. It is a useul toolkit for trade union negotiators on the issues and the law surrounding sickness and disability absence, covering areas such as when and what should be counted as disability leave, reasonable adjustments, disclosure and includes model agreements. You can download the document from our website here: Sickness Absence and Disability Discrimination - TUC Tade Union Negotiator's Guide (.pdf) [151kb]
Holocaust Memorial Day Holocaust Memorial Day 2013 • Communities Together: Build a Bridge UCU mark Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) which is observed annually on 27 January. On HMD we share the memory of the millions who have been murdered in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur in order to challenge hatred and persecution in the UK today. The theme for 2013 'Communities Together: Build a Bridge' is asking you to honour those communities which were destroyed in the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur as well as the atrocities in Armenia. Read more and watch our commemorative video here: Holocaust Memorial Day 2013
LRD/TUC survey: Public Sector Equality Duty As part of the Red Tape Challenge (a website set up by the coalition Government in April 2011) to "reduce the unnecessary bureaucracy where it exists and consider alternatives to legislation", it is gathering evidence on how the PSED and the former race, disability and gender equality duties have operated in practice and what impact they have had on the public sector and public service delivery. This campaign is in line with Congress Motion 17: Campaign against Government Cuts to Equality Legislation - you can read the full text of the motion hereand we are asking all branches / local associations to let the LRD/TUC know of your experiences of using the PSED and its predecessor equality duties by completing a brief survey (www.lrd.org.uk/surveys/psed) The TUC is keen to gather as many examples as possible from public service unions and their members which is why it is important that as many of you take part in this survey - we are currently seeing the steady erosion of equality and employment rights for our members. This evidence supplied will assist the TUC and UCU in campaigning for the PSED to remain as they are. The Government is repealing from the Equality Act, the following provisions: · Employment tribunals' power to make wider recommendations in discrimination cases · Equality questionnaires
· Third party harassment The Equality and Human Rights Commission, the UKs only independent body responsible for enforcing equality legislation and compliance with the Human Rights Act is also under threat as part of the Government's austerity measures. To find out more about changes to equality legislation and the concerns for UCU, please visit our equality web page The TUC will use the information provided by this survey to submit evidence to the government. This will not name survey respondents, but we would like to be able to name specific employers. However, if you prefer us not to provide the employer's name, please indicate in the place provided in the survey questionnaire. Please provide as much detail as possible, and also to forward the survey on to other reps or officials who negotiate with public sector employers and may have further examples. The TUC hopes to provide a strong case for maintenance of this provision which not only monitors employers commitment to equality but a tool to advance and progress equality in our workplaces.
Equality Matters - New Pamphlet The Equality Unit has produced a new printable pamphlet "Equality Matter". It highlights the challenges and attacks on equality, and how members can campaign and organise to resist these attacks and continue to promote equality. You can download the leaflet here: Equality Matters (.pdf) [125kb]
Black Members' Survival Guide UCU has published the Black Members' Survival Guide. It provides vital information, advice and support for black members to defend their rights at work, progress in their careers and combat discrimination and racism in the workplace. It contains information on union structures, what to do if you are being discriminated against, the law, as well as guidance on applying for jobs and promotion and progression.
You can download the pamphlet below, or contact eqadmin@ucu.org.uk for a hard copy. Black Members' Survival Guide (.pdf) [1.4Mb] Equality News #23, November 2012 November's edition of Equality News is now available. You can download issue 21 below. In this edition: 1. Welcome back Sharon Russell
2. Equality Update
3. New joint national FE agreement
4. Regional Equality Networks Survey
5. Disability History Month
6. Government's announcement on flexible parental leave
7. Sustainable Working Lives
9. Experiences of LGBT members working internationally
10. Cuts to courses & support for disabled staff & students
11. National Holocaust Memorial Day 2013
12. Stephen Lawrence Fund
13. Model Policies - Your feedback
14. Equality Reps training dates 2012 - 2013 Equality News 23, November 2012 (.pdf) [641kb] Equality News 23, November 2012 (.doc) [4.7Mb] Equality News 23, November 2012 LARGE PRINT (.doc) [4.7Mb]
Equality Update October 2012 The Equality Unit has produced an up to date briefing for branches on Government plans to repeal sections of equality legislation and make severe cuts to the Equality and Human Rights Commission. There is also a downloadable leaflet, 'Save the Equality and Human Rights Commission' that branches can use to raise awareness of the campaign. Repealing of Sections of the Equality Act - October 2012Save the Equality and Human Rights Commission
New Joint National FE Equality Agreement UCU has launched this briefing for FE branches in England on asking your employer to adopt the new jointly agreed equality agreement Branches are urged to : - raise the new agreement with their employer through their local consultation and negotiating arrangement
- persuade the employer to adopt the model agreement and agree to develop their own equality policies
- agree mechanisms for implementation and review involving the trade unions
- keep your regional office informed so UCU can monitor progress and support branches effectively.
- Check UCU's website for further advice and guidance on progressing equality.
Please download the briefing and the agreement here: Briefing: National FE equality agreement (.doc) [147kb] Briefing - National FE Equality Agreement (.pdf) [279kb] FE Joint Agreement on Guidance on Equality in Employment (.docx) [116kb] FE Joint Agreement on Guidance on Equality in Employment (.pdf) [520kb]
Equality Briefing - September 2012 The Equality Unit has produced this update for branches on equality issues, including current plans to repeal or reform equality legislation. Download it below. Equality update September 2012 (.doc) [104kb] Equality update September 2012 (.pdf) [437kb]
Equality update September 2012 Large Print (.doc) [110kb]
Runnymede Equality Survey**UPDATE** The deadline for responding to the Runnymede Equality Survey has now been extended to Friday 16 November 2012. Please ensure that your branch responds to this survey if it has not yet done so. Britain's largest independent race equality think-tank Runnymede has been commissioned by UCU, TUC, Unison, Unite, NASUWT, and PCS, to run a survey that gathers information on the impact that public service reform is having on equality in the workforce. It aims to provide a snapshot of the makeup of the public sector workforce in 2010 and in 2012. Emerging research suggests that the cuts will not affect all public sector workers equally. It is crucial that we are aware of, and gather information relating to how the cuts are affecting workers from marginalised groups. We are asking branch representatives to monitor how the cuts are affecting people in their institution, and to share the information through the online survey that Runnymede have set up at the following location: www.runnymedetrust.org/in-this-together In order to fill out the survey, you will need to obtain the monitoring information that your employer holds on the makeup of the workforce in 2010 and 2012 You can use the following model letter to request information: Letter to employers Online Guide (.docx) Your employer may not have all the information listed in the categories above but try to collect as much information as possible. If your employer does not have data from the months in the years that we have identified, please use data from any period in 2010 and the most recent data that you can find to fill out the survey. Until recently public authorities were required to undertake equality monitoring and publish the information annually so it is likely that your employer has the information you need to complete the survey. Formally request the data from your employer through your Joint Negotiating and consultation body. Explain why you want the information, what it will be used for and set a reasonable deadline for receiving the information. Follow up this request in writing to the Head of Human Resources or the manager who has responsibility for workforce data. Once you have all the information on your workforce from 2010 and 2012, fill in the survey at http://rminsight.co.uk/surveys/runnymede/ If you wish to discuss further please contact Helen Hcarr@ucu.org.uk or James jtaylor@ucu.org.uk Download a printable flyer here: In this together? (.pdf) [251kb]
Equality News July 2012
The latest Equality News is available for download below. In this issue: 1. Equality conferences
2. Runnymede equality survey 3. Remploy closures
4. Stephen Lawrence fund 5. Maternity action campaign 6. Equality law campaign
7. Hate crime on the increase 8. New briefings on disability leave and reasonable adjustments 9. Reparations Conference
Stephen Lawrence fund
The TUC is calling on trade unions and trade unionists to help protect the legacy of Stephen Lawrence by giving generously to the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust fund raising appeal to ensure that the vital work of the Trust continues and that Stephen's legacy lives on. The work of the Trust is threatened by the lack of funds for voluntary organisations that has resulted from public spending cuts and the recession. Now more than ever, the Stephen Lawrence Trust that does support young people and to combat social injustice, by promoting equality of opportunity, must not be allowed to fail for lack of funding. You can donate online by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/TUCslct or by text message. Text TUCS99 followed by the £ symbol, then the amount to 70070.
They receive a text message receipt, and the chance to add Gift Aid (by filling in a web form or by text message). JustTextGiving is free for you the sponsor and the charity you're supporting. You can use the following model motion at your branch meeting to agree to send funds to the trust: TUC STEPHEN LAWRENCE FUNDRAISING APPEAL Model Motion
This branch notes that the struggle to bring to justice the killers of Stephen Lawrence who was murdered 18 years ago has left an enduring legacy and awareness in the wider community about the evils of institutional racism and racial injustice in the UK. A vital part of that legacy is the work of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust which was set up to be a lasting legacy for Stephen and who had dreams of becoming an architect. This branch notes that the work of the Trust is threatened by the lack of funds for voluntary organisations that has resulted from public spending cuts and the recession. Now more than ever, the Stephen Lawrence Trust that does support young people and to combat social injustice, by promoting equality of opportunity must not be allowed to fail for lack of funding. The branch resolves to help protect the legacy of Stephen Lawrence by: 1) Donating £......... to the TUC Stephen Lawrence Fundraising Appeal. 2) Publicising and promoting the appeal amongst branch members 3) Calling on members to make individual donations through the appeal page on the TUC website. Proposed ....................................... Seconded ...................................... Download a printable promotional poster here: Stephen Lawrence (.pdf) [6.2Mb]
UK Uncapped
UK Uncapped is a broad, trade union-based campaign against the temporary migration cap that the government has created, and against the effects of the cap and the points-based immigration system on the area of education, business, workers' rights, human rights and economic growth. Visit the site to learn more and lend your support. http://www.ukuncapped.org/ UCU produced guidance around the issue of Points Based Immigration in 2009. You can download it here: Points Based Immigration Guidance 2009 (.doc) [242kb]
Disability Leave briefing
UCU has prepared a briefing on disability leave. Institutions should have a seperate policy for disability leave, and this brief guide provides some useful definitions, guidance and links around what disability leave is and how it differs to regular sick leave. You can download the guide below. Disability Leave briefing (.pdf) [177kb] Disability Leave briefing (.docx) [25kb]
Equality Toolkit UCU has published its Equality Toolkit. The materials in this booklet give information about the equality officer functions; about the legal framework that underpins equality at work, and the structures that help us to organise effectively. It is available to download below for free and hard copies will soon be in stock. If you would like a hard copy please contact eqadmin@ucu.org.uk Equality Toolkit (.pdf) [892kb]
Antisemitism Leaflet UCU has launched a new leaflet on Antisemitism. You can download it below, or contact eqadmin@ucu.org.uk for a hard copy. Anti Semitism Leaflet (.pdf) [2.2Mb]
International Women's Day Wall Chart  To mark 8 March, International Women's Day, UCU has updated its popular wall chart. You can download a copy below, or contact Afshan Khan (akhan@ucu.org.uk) for a hard copy, stating how many copies you would like sent.
International Women's Day Poster (.pdf) [5.4Mb]
New Trans Guidance Published Marking LGBT History Month the Forum for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Post-School Education has published guidance on trans equality in post-school education. You can download it below. Please also find below downloadable application forms to attend two launch events for the guidance, in London on the 1st of March, and Coventry on the 2nd of March. trans equality in post-school education (.pdf) [765kb] forum events flyer london (.doc) [1.3Mb] forum events flyer cov (.doc) [1.3Mb]
Holocaust Wall Chart
 As part of its work around Holocaust Memorial Day (see below) UCU has updated its Holocaust Memorial Day wall chart to bring it right up to date. It includes new sections about the recent fight against fascist organisations like the BNP and the EDL. This resource can be used in your institution to educate against the dangers of anti-Semitism, fascism and racial discrimination. To order a copy of the chart please email akhan@ucu.org.uk with your postal details. You can also download a version below:
Holocaust Wall Chart (.pdf) [1.5Mb]
Public Sector Equality Duty draft letter Please find below a model letter to request details of how your institution is complying with the specific public sector equality duties in England. The letter can be adapted and sent to the person responsible for leading on your institution's public sector equality duties. Please note that Scottish and Welsh specific duties differ to those in England, and Northern Ireland has separate legislation. In England the specific duties regulations will require institutions to publish: - one or more equality objectives by 6 April 2012, and thereafter at least every four years. Equality objectives must be specific and measurable.
- information to demonstrate their compliance with the equality duty by 31 January 2012 and thereafter, at least annually.
This letter can be followed by the one in the TUC's own guidance, available here TUC Equality Duty Toolkit (.pdf) [316kb] You can use the letter in the TUC guide as a follow up on particular policies or processes. It makes clear that the institutions should be carrying out an Equality Impact Assessment (as is UCU and TUC policy) and enquires as to how institutions propose to demonstrate their adherence to the public sector equality duty if not through EIAs. The UCU Equality Committee are keen to know how branches are using the new duty, the response from employers and receive examples of good and poor practice. Please send your experiences and any agreement to Helen Carr, Head of Equality hcarr@ucu.org.uk. Draft PSED letter (.doc) [28kb]
Implementing the public sector equality duty - a UCU Toolkit Please find below the new UCU Public Sector Equality Duty Toolkit. The public sector equality duty came into force on 5th April 2011 and is supported by specific duties. These came into force in England on 10 September 2011. As you will know your employers were previously subject to three separate equality duties relating to race, disability and gender equality. Each was underpinned by further duties in secondary legislation (specific duties) with different features, timescales and reporting requirements. Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 consolidates and harmonises the race, gender and disability duties into one and has extended coverage of the duty to age, gender reassignment, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity and sexual orientation. Although the Equality Duty applies to England, Scotland and Wales, Scotland and Wales are able to set their own specific duties. The specific duties in Wales came in to force on 6 April 2011 and specific duties that will apply to Scottish public bodies are still being decided. The UCU Wales Office have produced a workbook on the duties relating to Wales, which you can also find for download below. The Equality Duty does not apply to Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has separate legislation. In England the specific duties regulations will require institutions to publish: - one or more equality objectives by 6 April 2012, and thereafter at least every four years. Equality objectives must be specific and measurable.
- information to demonstrate their compliance with the equality duty by 31 January 2012 and thereafter, at least annually.
The UCU Equality Committee are keen to know how branches are using the new duty, the response from employers and receive examples of good and poor practice. Please send your experiences and any agreement to Helen Carr, Head of Equality hcarr@ucu.org.uk. The Government will be reviewing the new duty in two years time. UCU needs to monitor and evaluate the impact of the new duty so we can submit strong evidence to the review. Scotland - consultation on the specific duties for Scotland will run until 25 November 2011 and UCU will be responding. The TUC has also produced its own Public Sector Equality Duty Toolkit, which is also available below for download. UCU Equality Duty Toolkit (.pdf) [165kb] Public Sector Equality Duty in Wales (.pdf) [473kb] TUC Equality Duty Toolkit (.pdf) [316kb] The Public Sector Equality Duty in Northern Ireland (.doc) [38kb]
Age Equality FAQ UCU has produced a frequently asked questions guide to the issues surrounding age equality. It provides information on how age discrimination is protected against in equality legislation, age equality in employment (incorporating the scrapping of the default retirement age) and advice on how to take action. You can download the guidance here: Age Equality FAQ (.pdf) [163kb]
ECJ ruling on compulsory retirement: Fuchs and anor v Land Hessen This is an important decision of the European Court of Justice. It concerns the ability of an employer to continue to follow a mandatory retirement policy and may be relied upon as an authority in tribunal and court hearings in the UK: download the ruling (.pdf)
One in Four - a briefing on mental health at work UCU has produced a briefing on mental health at work entitled One in Four, reflecting the one in four people who will experience some kind of mental health condition in the course of a year. It is intended to assist branches in supporting members who may need mental health support and seeks to offer practical advice and guidance for branch representatives, including health and safety representatives.
Individuals needing mental health support will face their own unique challenges and many may need little or no changes to their working environment. However, understanding their needs and being able to advise and support members is paramount to ensuring that the stigma, stereotypes and discrimination associated with mental health are addressed.
You can download the briefing here, or contact the Equality department for a hard copy at equality@ucu.org.uk: One in Four - a UCU briefing on mental health at work, Jun 11 (.pdf) [103kb]
Disability History Month wall chart  UCU is pleased to mark Disability History Month with the launch of the Disability wall chart to coincide with International Day of Disabled People. Disability history month is supported by a wide range of disability groups, unions and voluntary organisations, and aims to promote disabled people's rights and their struggle for equality now and in the past. Events about disability will be held all around the UK and further information can be obtained from www.ukdisabilityhistorymonth.com
International Day of Disabled People - UCU wall chart (.pdf) [4.9Mb]
The full wall chart is available upon request. Please contact Afshan Khan (akhan@ucu.org.uk) stating how many copies you would like sent
KEY LINKS
There are advice leaflets for members on various types of discrimination, bullying and harassment in the getting support section of this website.
Resources and guidance for UCU equality officers and activists can be found in the equality resource centre in the UCU activists section of the website. If you have a general equality query, contact eqadmin@ucu.org.uk UCU has negotiated national equality agreements in both HE and FE (see pay and conditions section) which branches/LAs strive to get implemented locally. The national equality unit (see above) supports branches/LAs and regional offices on equality issues and work to influence government policy on equality. We live in a period of rapidly changing equality legislation. News on recent developments is to be found in the bi-monthly Equality News and the monthly electronic newsletter Equality Extra. Also see below for the latest UCU equality publications or view the equality publications page for a full list. The union provides many opportunities for members to become involved in our equality work. UCU organises events specifically for black members, disabled members, LGBT members and women members (see specific pages for these groups). We also have email lists for each of these groups, which you can join by emailing eqadmin@ucu.org.uk. Helping out at a local level is a great way to promote equality at your workplace - you don't necessarily need to become an equality officer, just an offer to circulate newsletters or put up posters for example will be appreciated. See How do I get involved? for more information. If you do think you might be interested in becoming a UCU equality officer you can find out more about what is involved on the Being a rep page. UCU policy on equality is determined democratically by our members, See the specific pages for: for more information. UCU has also developed policies and negotiated agreements on age and religion or belief. While our prime concern is to fight for greater equality at work, we also strive to campaign against injustices members face in other areas of their lives, whether on grounds of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, age or any other aspect of identity which can lead to discrimination.
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