Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support collective bargaining and campaigning in the Further Education sector.
- Company: Join the University and College Union, representing over 120,000 members across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, and tailored training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in trade unions, negotiation, and understanding of employment law required.
- Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds to enrich our team.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The University and College Union (UCU) represents over 120,000 academics, lecturers, trainers, instructors, researchers, managers, administrators, computer staff, librarians and postgraduates in universities, colleges, prisons, adult education and training organisations across the UK. We also have members in the private sector, for example in private training agencies and language schools, as well as members working on a freelance basis. Students training to teach in post-school education also belong to UCU.
This is a key post for an experienced and ambitious individual to provide support for collective bargaining and campaigning work across the Further Education sector, including Adult skills, Land-based, and Prison education.
Other duties include:
- To ensure, as required by the Head of FE, that strategic and operational objectives are met
- To support UCU prison education branches in negotiations and consultations as directed by the Head of FE, including at meetings with employers, members, other unions, external organisations, and internally within UCU structures
- To deputise for the Head of FE, as required by the Head of Department
- To prepare bargaining advice and guidance, policy and other consultation responses, reports, briefing papers, and other materials
- To manage the business for UCU committees in prison education, and other industrial areas as directed by the Head of FE
- To oversee the organisation of national meetings, as required by the Head of FE, including annual meetings of members in adult education, prison education, and other industrial areas
You should have:
- Knowledge and understanding of how trade unions operate, and how the views of their members are incorporated into this work
- Experience of working with members and their representatives, committees, branches or similar experience in a membership organisation
- Knowledge and understanding of employment law and equality legislation and employment practices
- Knowledge and understanding of current employment issues in the further education sector
- Knowledge of current policy and legislative developments in FE, Prison education and adult education and skills
- Experience of negotiation and representation in a collective bargaining context or directly comparable context
Benefits of working for the University and College Union include:
- Supportive Family Policies: Embrace family life with enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, and Shared Parental Leave schemes
- Health and Well-being Support: Access to confidential counselling 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme; advice and face-to-face intervention via our Physiotherapy Advice Line; healthcare assessment
- Flexible Working: Take advantage of our Flexitime scheme, allowing you to tailor your work hours within our Work Life Balance policy
- Financial Assistance: Benefit from being enrolled in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), childcare support, interest-free season ticket loans, and assistance with the cost of eyesight testing and glasses for DSE use
- Training and Development: Elevate your skills with tailored training, developmental support, and over 300 eLearning modules available through our online Training Room
We welcome applications from any candidate but are particularly keen to receive applications from women and global majority candidates; if this is you, we invite you to join an online briefing, on 26 February from 1-2pm.
UCU requires its employees to work from their office/in the field for at least 60% of their working week. They may apply to work from home for the remaining 40%. We need your support to make sure our employees come from a variety of backgrounds, so we especially welcome applications from disadvantaged communities. Even if you are not selected, it would be really helpful if you could complete the diversity & inclusion data when you apply for this role.
UCU is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Closing date for applications: Friday 6 March at 10 am
Interview date: Tuesday 31 March
To submit your application for this exciting opportunity, please click Apply now!
Bargaining Support Official employer: University and College Union
Contact Detail:
University and College Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bargaining Support Official
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UCU on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of trade unions and current employment issues in the further education sector. We want to impress them with our understanding and passion for the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do a mock interview with us. This will help us articulate our experience and skills confidently, especially around negotiation and representation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Bargaining Support Official
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Bargaining Support Official role. We want to see how your skills and knowledge fit into our mission at UCU!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that relate to collective bargaining, negotiations, and working with members. We love seeing how you've made an impact in similar roles!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out without unnecessary fluff. This helps us get to know you better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at University and College Union
✨Know Your Union Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of how trade unions operate, especially within the Further Education sector. Familiarise yourself with UCU's mission, values, and recent campaigns to show your genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully negotiated or represented members in a collective bargaining context. Highlight your approach, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved to demonstrate your capability for this role.
✨Stay Updated on Employment Issues
Brush up on current employment law, equality legislation, and pressing issues in the Further Education sector. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not only knowledgeable but also proactive about staying informed.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and UCU's future initiatives. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.