Sarah Joss (Heriot-Watt University)

Election address

I am member of professional services working as a software developer within SCHOLAR, Heriot-Watt University.

I believe in an active, compassionate, and inclusive union. A union that fights for its members in casework, in redundancies and in national bargaining, using all means necessary be that balloting and industrial action, political campaigning, local and national bargaining, and via the law and tribunals. A union empowers members to fight for each other.

Inclusion, accessibility, and equality are vital within our workplaces and our union. Accessibility applies not only to our workplaces but also to our picket lines, meetings, and democratic structures. I would work with the UCUS Equalities Officer to ensure accessibility and inclusion across UCU Scotland activities to enable maximum participation from all members.

I support LGBT+ rights.

I am branch vice president at Heriot Watt UCU. Usually just known as Joss.

I have been a branch officer at Heriot-Watt since 2019, first as Membership Officer and now as VP, a branch delegate and negotiator.

During that time, we have had many successful get the vote out campaigns and we have fought off compulsory redundancies and taken part in a Marking and Assessment Boycott. I have been privileged to learn from seasoned branch officers who are experts in GTVO, casework, equalities and effective action, and to be part of an active and engaged branch where members are passionate about fighting for their colleagues. I am inspired by being part of this branch and by the support and solidarity that flows between the Scottish and UK branches, through both formal and grassroots structures, such as during the marking boycott.

I would work with UCU Scotland to facilitate the sharing of information and resources between Scottish branches, to support union reps and activists in their work.

I have also taken a keen interest in Pensions- particularly USS, and have helped facilitate information sessions on this locally, at other branches and nationally.

I am neither a member of any faction within UCU nor of any political party. My views are to the left of the union. I believe in compassionate and pragmatic trade unionism that fights for members interests and if elected would vote according to those principles.

I commit to abide by and promote UCU policy.