Branch Officers summarised the latest developments with the Transformational Change Programme (TCP) and Hybrid Working Policy, as well as taking feedback from members about the decision to renew the sponsorship agreement with Bradford City FC.

Research Time Allocations
The time allocated for research activities are a key matter for academic staff – it affects the chances of promotion, the ability to obtain a job elsewhere and the likelihood of being made redundant!
The linking of the Research Development Review (RDR) to research allocations, and how time will be allocated what criteria will be used etc are questions that the employer must consult with UCU on.

After strong objections from the branch the employer has now agreed to meet with UCU and has paused the RDR process until 1st June while discussions occur.
The branch is therefore recommending that members do not upload any RDR documents until discussions are further advanced. Members may want to work on documents offline but do not share them with the employer.

External Partnerships
The branch has been consistent in its opposition to partnerships with private providers. These partnerships harm the conditions, wages and job security of staff here are the University of Bradford, and in the wider HE sector.
The branch was particularly alarmed, therefore, when members from one Department alerted the branch committee to the fact that there was a proposal that a UoB programme designed and created programme be taught at the London Campus of Oxford International Education Group (OIEG) by OIEG staff.
The first the programme team heard of this proposal was on Tuesday 28th April. UCU had not been informed of any such proposal, and when questioned members of the University Executive Team were unable to provide clear information.
Thursday’s TeamTalk announced that rather than being just a proposal it would be going ahead – “… we are partnering with Oxford International to deliver a variant of our MSc Project Planning and Management at Oxford International’s London headquarters in Greenwich.”

All members should be extremely concerned about this development. It is direct outsourcing, taking work form UoB staff and giving it to OIEG – which at a time when the Executive has stated that it wants to reduce the percentage of staff costs can only be considered an attack on our jobs.

You can view slides from the EGM here