Josh Spears (Darlington College)

Josh Spears (Darlington College) 

Election address 

No one reading this doubts the vital role FE serves for our communities and our young people. Yet for decades now, both have been damaged by poor politics and inept leadership. It falls to UCU to repair them. 

Further Education is a vital counter against cultural poverty which disconnects and disenfranchises our learners. The summer riots saw libraries smashed, universities broken, and shops vandalised. Vandalised by those suffering from such a cultural disconnect they wreck the communities they live in. The NEC must make combating cultural poverty a priority.   

This summer, I led a letter-writing campaign demanding MPs and Bridget Phillipson vow to protect and fund FE. These letter templates became official for the #NewDealforFE campaign, contributing to one of UCU FE's first mass lobbies on Westminster. There I spoke about how FE has to be the NHS of this century, formed from a broken system to one that empowers the working class and their communities to rebuild broken infrastructure and broken trust.   

As Branch Secretary at Darlington College, I've led industrial action — two full-day strikes that birthed a historic 6.5% pay rise, a testament to our collective might. Action within the branch is essential but building and organising is far more important than industrial action alone.   

In my role as a GCSE English lecturer I see firsthand the damage done to learners when their needs are not met and have spoken and written in FE Week on this matter. It is time UCU stood up for these students and FE and brought those left behind to the front of the queue.   

UCU members in FE, Prison and Adult Skills need more support. Support through UCU-led training — training that empowers them to pressure and support their organisations in rebuilding trust within the community.  

Words are wind: what we really need is action. Action that empowers our branches and members, compelling not just our institutions but the very core of government, both local and national to hear us. Action that builds branches, organises members across the country and brings grassroots change.  

As a UK-elected member of the NEC, I would continue to champion tangible changes for our students and communities. I would continue my fight against the politicians, policymakers, journalists and others who at best never consider FE and at worst, see FE as lesser than other training options. I would help bring the public eye to our struggle.   

Please give your number 2 vote to Linda Littler, a woman who inspires my resolve to stand in solidarity with all. I also encourage you to vote for Dyfrig Jones as Vice President and Andrew Feeney as Honorary Treasurer, who share my commitment to action over words.