Exeter UCU works on behalf of our members through collective bargaining, negotiations, and campaigns. At times, our members may need individual advice and representation in disciplinary processes, grievances, and other work-related matters. UCU members qualify to receive expert advice from professional staff with a wealth of experience and, should the need arise, specialist legal advice and representation.

Problems at work – can we help you?

Restructuring in your Department or Service, bullying, performance matters, disciplinary are the kind of issues you may face. Your local UCU representatives are here to help, support and advise. Any of the union’s activists are available to speak to you about any problems that you may be having. Nothing that you say to any union representative will go any further unless you wish it to. Your first point of contact is your departmental/service representative, although you are welcome to get directly in touch with a member of the committee if you think that it would be more appropriate. Departmental/service representatives are listed here. If your question is college-specific, you may wish to contact the relevant College Rep.

Contacting EUCU about your case

Exeter UCU has a team of experienced and trained personal caseworkers. These are volunteer members who provide support, advice and representation to individual members on employment related difficulties. If you have a personal problem at work, please refer to this brief advice and in urgent cases contact our Branch Administrator, Roz Davis, who coordinates casework. For less urgent issues or general queries, you can speak to one of our caseworkers in our virtual  drop-in advice sessions.

Other help, advice & support from UCU

UCU’s Support Centre has answers to frequently asked questions and information to support your employment and union membership.

UCU offers a wide range of support services for members on:

As a UCU member, you also have access to a series of member benefits and services.

UCU and EUCU regularly send communications to members. If, for any reason, you think you may not be receiving communications from us, please log in to MyUCU and make sure your details (including employer and preferred contact) are up-to-date.

For all other matters, including if you are interested in getting involved, please contact us.

Helplines

Should you need urgent wellbeing support, there are a few helplines:

  • the UCU Sexual Harassment Support Helpline, a dedicated service for UCU members which any UCU member can reach on 0800 138 8724.
  • the Education Support partnership, a charity that supports anyone involved in teaching (across all sectors). They provide a free helpline staffed by trained counsellors, in England, Wales and Scotland 24/7, 365 days a year: UK-wide: 08000 562 561 Txt: 07909 341229 .
  • Pro-cancelling offers University of Exeter staff members and postgraduate research students access to a 24/7 telephone counselling platform to reach a qualified therapist at any time. This can be accessed via an online portal  and a phone on: 0808 1640251.