University of Birmingham UCU have the following seven campaign goals for 2024. We’ll keep members updated as negotiations progress.

(1) Negotiated Workloads

All workload models across the University should be formally negotiated with, and agreed to by, UCU. This should also include greater transparency on how the workload models apply to those on academic-related contracts (professional services staff) and on atypical contracts (fixed term/part time).

(2) Actions to improve the recruitment and promotion of minoritised staff within the University

This includes enactment of the following recommendations: (i) greater transparency regarding appointment to posts, including ‘acting-up’ positions; (ii) mentoring for minoritised staff considering promotion; (iii) transparent scrutiny of application and success rates for promotions, by race; (iv) clarification of application process for internal appointments. We also need better data sharing by the University on how those with protected characteristics experience working life at UoB.

(3) Better support for disabled staff

To improve the working conditions, reasonable adjustments, and overall support of disabled employees, not least through the re-creation of the role of a Disabled Employees Advisor and adoption of the Disability Employment Charter.

(4) Improved facilities time for casualised staff

Currently it is almost impossible for staff on fixed-term/part-time contracts to access the union facilities time. A proper resolution to this issue needs to be achieved, so that casualised staff can also serve as trade union representatives.

(5) Flexible working and timetabling

We need a more flexible approach to working practices. In particular, the new, more rigid, Teaching Timetable makes it very difficult for staff with caring responsibilities to combine their UoB duties and their caring duties. This has obvious implications for equal opportunities, especially for female members of staff. The timetable needs to be sufficiently flexible to take into account caring responsibilities of staff.

(6) Better support for staff and students affected by the war in Palestine

This to include a statement condemning the treatment of students, and killing of children, in Gaza, a financial package of support for medical aid to Palestine, an extension of the sanctuary scholarship scheme (created for refugees from Ukraine) so that it can also include Palestinian students, and identifying ways that the Dubai campus can be used to provide support for Palestinians.

(7) Academic Freedom

The cancellation of a ‘Staff-Student Listening Event’ on the situation in Palestine has had a chilling effect, with some staff now feeling reluctant or unable to engage in research or organise events on certain politically controversial issues. We need to obtain reassurances from the University that it respects our freedom to research and teach on sensitive topics, to express opinions that some people might find discomforting, and to engage in open academic debate within the bounds set by the law. We shall seek confirmation from the University that in future its Freedom of Speech Policy will not be applied to cancel or postpone events without a clear, demonstrable and lawful justification, and in particular that an event cannot be cancelled or postponed simply on the basis that it is not politically impartial, or that it has been the subject of complaints.

Adopted 15 December 2023.