Help & Advice
UCU exists to support our members. We do this in a variety of ways, but all of them are based on the principle that “together, we’re stronger”. Often this means negotiating with the University management to improve T&Cs for all staff at the University. Sometimes, it means offering advice, support and representation to you individually.
General Help and Advice
Casework
UCU Glasgow has a team of experienced and trained representatives who undertake casework. These are members who provide support, advice and representation to individual members on employment related difficulties.
Given the high volume of work that our voluntary representatives are undertaking, we ask members to request a case worker by completing this form.
If you have a problem at work which you would like to discuss or need representation*, in confidence, or if you need advice about employment law or University policy, please complete the form and if appropriate a representative will be allocated to you to help you with your case. Forms can be returned to ucug@glasgow.ac.uk to enable a decision about how we can support you can be taken.
Your enquiry will be treated in strictest confidence by our administrator, who will contact you to confirm receipt and discuss next steps.
Please note that, due to the high demand, you may have to wait until a representative is available to take on your case. You have the right to request that disciplinary or grievance meetings are postponed until a representative is able to accompany you.
*If you are being disciplined, or taking a grievance against another member of staff, you have a legal right to be accompanied by a union representative. Please contact the branch administrators who can arrange for a representative to discuss the situation with you and accompany you to meetings.
UCU representatives are not able to offer advice, support or representation to non-members, or to members regarding problems which arose before they joined UCU. UCU reps are also not able to give e.g. financial or legal advice.
Education Support Partnership (ESP)
ESP offers support services to all staff in further and higher education and their families, including:
• Counselling: confidential, solution-focused counselling on personal and workplace issues
• One-to-one coaching: personalised practical and emotional support via a secure email system
• Information, advice and support material: news, guides and factsheets on relevant topics such as well-being, work-life balance, workload problems, stress management, coping with bereavement, and dealing with difficult people
• Financial assistance: a needs-based grants and loans programme
• Money management advice: individually tailored strategies to address financial difficulties, restructure debt and secure benefits
• Signposting to relevant organisations: the information you need to take the next steps to a better future.
All these services can be accessed online at www.educationsupportpartnership.org.uk, by email to support@edsupport.org.uk or through a 24/7 telephone support line, on 08000 562 56, or via text on 07909 341229.
ESP was previously called Recourse, and prior to that the College and University Support Network (CUSN).
Like all unions, UCU tries to resolve members’ employment related disputes through negotiations at local level. However, there are times when members require legal advice or where disputes cannot be resolved locally.
The UCU Legal Scheme provides legal support and representation on matters arising in connection with a member’s employment, professional duties or trade union activities. In the first instance members should seek advice from the local association. You may be referred to the UCU Legal Scheme where appropriate. You must be a member of UCU, with subscriptions up to date.