UCU Northern Region Podcast

As local lockdown restrictions come into force in parts of the NE, we look at the issue of Face Coverings in communal areas of FE Colleges. What does the government guidance say? What is happening in different colleges? Jon Bryan asks Joyce McAndrew asks what she has found and how Colleges deal with exemptions.

In this episode of the podcast, we look at the impact of local lockdowns, risk assessments, and why Northumbria University UCU have voted to declare a local dispute. Jon Bryan speaks with Adam Hansen, from UCU at Northumbria University

In this episode, we speak to the UCU Northern Regional Secretary, Emma-Jane Phillips, and Regional FE Secretary Jo Potts. We discuss workload implications for our members about working online and delivering "blended learning", as well as what all of this means for staff and learners as the new academic year begins.

As Colleges start to re-open their doors to staff and students, Jon Bryan and Joyce McAndrew talk about Risk Assessments. In this episode, they focus on members who are either vulnerable, or have specific concerns about returning to work. What should members look for in an individual risk assessment? And are there other things that representatives and members of the union should be considering? Th...

In this episode of the podcast, we look at the chaos and confusion that has surrounded exam results this August. We also look at the re-opening of the Further Education sector to staff and students, and look at the advice and guidance that has been provided by the government and the University and College Union. What needs to be done to ensure a safe return to work?

In this episode, we reproduce excerpts from Ed Bailey's talk on using email to organise in a trade union from UCU's Webinar - "Digital Organising for UCU activists"

Tyne Coast College seems to be unique in our region. It did not top up salaries for the staff that it chose to furlough. We have surveyed our members for their experiences. This podcast pulls some of those together.

On 2 July 2020, the government published some new guidance: What FE colleges and providers will need to do from the start of the 2020 autumn term In this podcast, Regional Support Officials Jon Bryan and Joyce McAndrew talk about what UCU Representatives and members should be considering in light of this new guidance.

In this episode, we look at different ways of communicating with UCU members, particularly at a time when everyone can feel isolated under Covid-19 restrictions, and when the workplace is your home. Jon Bryan, David O'Toole and Sarah Parry give some hints on what you can do about producing newsletters, using email, holding meetings via video-conferencing facilities, and conducting surveys.

Jon Bryan and Joyce McAndrew explain and discuss consultation meetings for individuals facing redundancy.

As Colleges and Universities start their planning due to the impact of Covid-19, we ask Regional Support Official, Joyce McAndrew, for some advice on using Phased/Flexible Retirement to avoid or minimise redundancies

Introduction to the UCU Northern Region Podcast

Jon Bryan, Regional Support Official, gives some guidance on what you should do if you are asked to work whilst being on furlough, and beginning to use social media for trade union work