We all need support at work from time to time, and much of UCU’s work is about supporting individual members whenever they feel a little help would be appreciated. There are many situations in which we might be able to offer such support, from small scale fall-outs with colleagues to more serious matters where members might either consider raising a formal complaint or benefit from support in meeting the challenges of a grievances brought against themselves. Caseworkers also support those who have been told their job is at risk of redundancy.
When to Call on Us
You are free to contact us at any time, but there are certain situations where you have a legal right to be accompanied by a union representative:
- In the case of grievance brought against you.
- When taking a grievance against another member of staff.
- During the consultation period for more than 20 redundancies.
There are other situations, such as in individual redundancy consultations, where you can ask for another person to be present, and this person can be a union representative.
Warwick UCU is only able to offer advice and support to members who have not mis-declared their earnings, so it is important to keep the information we have up to date via myUCU. Furthermore, under the terms of UCU’s legal aid scheme. Legal advice can only be given to members in respect of circumstances which have commenced during their membership.
If you feel you need some support, please email the Administrator with a brief outline of the situation and your membership number (if known). If you are making an enquiry on behalf of another union member, please let us have the membership number, but this is not essential. Once we have ascertained what type of support is needed we can pass you to the appropriate person or team. This may be one of the following:
Casework Coordinator
The Casework Coordinator will offer a triage of the situation, potentially providing immediate advice, or where more appropriate connecting them with a dedicated Caseworker to support you more closely.
Caseworkers
Warwick UCU has a team of trained personal Caseworkers. These are volunteer members who have been trained to provide support, advice and representation on employment related difficulties. Warwick UCU caseworkers routinely help members with individual problems arising from their employment by the University of Warwick. These include, for example, potential disciplinary action, renewal of fixed term contracts, pensions, promotion and career development, study leave, research facilities, and harassment.
The Caseworker will arrange to meet with you so they can fully understand the situation, and will offer advice and/or provide relevant information to help with decision making to hopefully achieve the best outcome possible.
If you are interested in becoming a caseworker, please email the Casework Coordinator. Full training and support is provided.
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) provide very useful, independent guidance on a wide variety of Employment Relations that should help you understand the expected processes and rights:
If you can’t find what you are looking for on the website, you can also call the ACAS helpline and ask a trained Adviser, anonymously, for information.