Welcome to the home page of Oxford UCU!

If you are employed in an academic or academic-related grade (Grade 6 or above) by the University of Oxford and/or one of its colleges, Oxford UCU is the union for you.

We represent staff in those grades collectively in respect of the university, and individually in respect both of the university and of the colleges. That means that we have an important role to play in protecting YOUR interests in your employment – salary, conditions, professional concerns, individual problems. Maintaining a strong union is the best way to ensure that you and your colleagues in the university enjoy the best rewards and conditions in your work in Oxford.

Membership of Oxford UCU, which goes hand in hand with membership of UCU nationally, brings you access to the services provided by the union locally as well as through its national organization. This includes the help of local unpaid officers and representatives, that of UCU’s regional and national trade union professionals, and where appropriate access to full professional legal assistance through UCU’s legal scheme.

Oxford UCU meets on a termly basis with representatives of the university, and also has frequent ad hoc discussions with the university over a wide range of matters affecting staff in academic and academic-related grades. Oxford UCU is the body with which the university negotiates matters relating to the local application of the national Framework Agreement on pay. In addition, Oxford UCU representatives spend a good deal of time and energy in assisting members who have encountered difficulties in their individual employment situations, and we have a good record of success in helping such members to reach a satisfactory resolution of the problems.

Nationally, UCU is the principal union for academic and academic-related staff in Higher and Further Education in the UK, with some 120,000 members. It deals with the university employers’ bodies as well as with the government over all matters concerning employment and professional issues in UK institutions. It keeps a close eye on matters affecting pension arrangements for university staff, and appoints three of the directors of USS as well as three members of its advisory committee.

As an academic or academic-related member of the University of Oxford, YOU need Oxford UCU and Oxford UCU needs YOU! Join now. You will find further information about membership here.