Andrew Feeney (Northumbria University)

Andrew Feeney (Northumbria University) 

Election address 

The last few years have shown that UCU, despite some recent successes, such as wins on USS HE pensions, and local FE pay settlements, needs a change in direction; to do this we need to elect UK officers who will consult directly with the membership and not pursue their own political agendas. That is why I am asking for your support to enable me to serve as Honorary Treasurer. I will use my experience of treasurer roles in outside organisations as well as my previous work in financial management as a civil servant administering development funding for Africa. I commit to prioritising the long-term financial future of the union, ensuring resources are used as efficiently and effectively as possible. This means making sure funds are available to sustain campaigning as well as supporting all members in disputes through judicious use of the Fighting Fund for HE, FE, prison and adult education sectors.    

I have been an active trade unionist in various countries including Spain and Colombia and am now Senior Lecturer in linguistics at Northumbria University where I have been active in UCU, and its predecessor, since joining in 2000, shortly thereafter serving as Vice Chair, and Branch Secretary which I continue to do today.  

During this time, I have undertaken a wide range of union duties including extensive case work representing individual members, helping lead and strengthen the branch and negotiating policies with University management, while maintaining our progressive equality agenda, and focusing clearly on members' priorities. When necessary, I have been involved in running disputes and have had numerous successes in the branch including organising the first successful UK ballot over pandemic adjustments, and, this year, resisting all compulsory redundancies.   

I served on the first UCU NEC in 2006 and have again had the opportunity to undertake this role for the last three years. In 2023/24 I served as Vice Chair of the Higher Education Committee and National Negotiator, and this year represented UCU at the TUC. I have worked well with senior UK officers but have also been willing to hold them to account as necessary. I have tried to ensure that, sometimes fractious, national committees function properly in the interest of all members.  

I believe we must focus on the concerns that matter to our members. We need to ensure we retain a membership that is engaged and united, and not indulge in reckless industrial action. We face a challenging future and, when fights are inevitable, we will only succeed if we learn the lessons from past disputes and embrace a more creative use of tactics, including building density and organisational strength across all our branches.   

I support Dyfrig Jones for Vice President.