Black members

There are number of ways in which black members can raise their concerns, keep informed on new developments and be involved in shaping UCU policy.

UCU has an equality unit with expertise all equality areas including issues concerning black members. The unit provides information (including regular newsletter), guidance and support to union officers and members.

Support

If you are experiencing  racial discrimination at work see the main equality page for advice on getting support.

Resources

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, with a dedicated page for race equality resources.

Implementing the equality duties, a toolkit covering the three current duties of disability, gender and race and anticipating extension to other areas such as sexual orientation, is available on the equality resources and publications page.

Representation within UCU

The rules of the union have been drafted to ensure black members are represented in UCU's democratic structures. There are nine 'equality seats' on the national executive committee (NEC) elected directly by all members. Two of these seats are for representatives of black members, one of which must be a woman. The executive comprises a number of sub-committees including an equality commitee.

A conference for black members is held every year. This conference elects a black members' committee (BMC). The BMC can send one motion and one amendment to the annual national congress, and to the sector conferences.

Black members' email list

As well as these formal structures the equality unit operates a black members' email list to keep you in touch with relevant events and information which any black UCU member can join - just contact the equality unit at eqadmin@ucu.org.uk and ask to be added to the list.

Black members' newsletter

•  Black members' news 3, Nov 09 (.pdf) [130kb]
•  Black members' news 3, Nov 09 (.doc) [335kb]