Teresa Forde (University of Derby)

Election address

I am a Senior Lecturer in Film and Media at the University of Derby.  I have been a UCU representative for over ten years and I have been the Equality Officer for the branch for a number of years.  I am Vice Chair of UCU East Midlands Regional Committee and I also lead the Gender Equality Network at the University of Derby.  These experiences have developed my activity in Union representation and communication between the region and the national Union as a whole.

During this time as a branch representative and Equality Officer my work has been focused on supporting members with issues such as part time work, appraisals, working conditions and career progression. As part of the Branch Committee I have been keen to ensure that policy and procedures are proactive and non-detrimental to staff and been involved in scrutinising Equal Pay Audits and campaigning for the importance of equal pay.

I believe that we have challenging times ahead and that we should ensure that we support and defend the rights all members, particularly those who are most affected by the current challenges within the sector. There should also be a focus on equality which challenges institutional practices to ensure that a range of voices are heard. I have been involved in many Union campaigns. I have previously arranged for UCU supported sessions on issues such as equality and pensions and I have addressed issues more widely within gender network and Union context.

I have challenged the predominance of zero hours contracts and the increasing casualisation of work within HE as it is detrimental to anyone who needs sick leave or who wishes to convert ongoing contracts into a pro-rata post. Aligned with this issue is an ongoing drive for parity of workload and progression.

My interest in the vacancy of NEC representative for HE Midlands stems from my belief in establishing the relationship between local, regional and national bodies so that all have a voice. Debate at regional level has been invaluable in gaining an understanding of how issues within Higher Education are having an impact on colleagues within the region and the ways in which we can support each other work towards change.

As well as working within higher education across a number of institutions, I have taught in adult and community education within the Midlands. I have also supported and collaborated with community groups and local organisations, maintaining a focus on issues of equality, representation and facilitating change. I believe that I will bring significant experience to this role as a representative for the HE Midlands region on the NEC.