At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in the South West, driving strategic planning and negotiations.
- Company: Join the University and College Union, representing over 120,000 education professionals.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days holiday, flexible hours, and comprehensive health support.
- Other info: Great opportunities for training and professional development await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in trade unions or not-for-profits, with knowledge of employment law.
The predicted salary is between 72414 - 72414 £ 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.
The Bargaining & Representation department at UCU is seeking a Regional Official to lead our South West regional team. In this exciting role, based in our Exeter office and reporting to the Head of Bargaining & Representation, your main duties will include:
- To be responsible for the effective implementation of national and regional strategic planning in the region
- To be responsible for the allocation of duties to nominated regional support official(s) and other regional office staff
- To be responsible for securing and maintaining recognition of UCU in the region
- To be responsible for the oversight of effective implementation of national agreements, national benchmarks, and other nationally agreed bargaining objectives at branch level
- To conduct and support negotiations with employing institutions in accordance with nationally, regionally, and locally agreed bargaining objectives
- To initiate negotiations in institutions where procedures and agreements are not in place
The post would suit someone with experience of a similar working environment and/or understanding of working for a trade union or other not-for-profit organisation. You will need knowledge of the post-compulsory education sector, sound working knowledge and understanding of employment law, and experience of collective bargaining and trade union organising. With excellent interpersonal skills, you will be able to represent members and to travel within the region.
Benefits of working for the University and College Union include:
- Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, and 8 closure days with a pro-rata entitlement for part time staff
- Disability leave arrangements
- Special leave arrangements
- A range of family friendly policies and procedures with enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity and Shared Parental Leave schemes
- An Employee Assistance Programme that provides access to 24-hour confidential counselling
- Access to advice and face-to-face intervention from a Senior Chartered Physiotherapist through the award-winning Physiotherapy Advice Line service
- Healthcare Assessment
- Flexitime scheme available by agreement where employees can vary their start and finish times or lunch breaks within the set parameters of the Work Life Balance policy
- All employees are contractually enrolled into the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) where currently the employee contribution is approximately 6.1% of salary and the employer contribution is approximately 14.5% of salary
- We will pay 50% of the net cost of childcare provision for children. The scheme is currently available to employees up to and including Grade G
- Interest free season ticket loans to cover the cost of a second-class season ticket between home and the office
- UCU will assist with the cost of an eyesight test and the purchase of a basic pair of glasses, where these are required for DSE use
- Training and developmental support
- Access to over 300 eLearning modules through UCU’s online Training Room
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. We invite you to join an online briefing on Wednesday 17 December 2025 at 1pm. If you’d like to attend, please make us aware by noon on Tuesday 16 December 2025.
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% but UCU cannot guarantee that this will be agreed.
Closing date for applications: Thursday 8 January 2026 at 10 am
Interview date: Wednesday 28 January 2026
Regional Official employer: University and College Union
The University and College Union (UCU) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, UCU provides generous family policies, flexible working arrangements, and extensive training opportunities, ensuring that staff can thrive both personally and professionally. Joining UCU means being part of a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to advocating for the rights and interests of educators across the UK.
Contact Details:
University and College Union Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Official
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education and trade union sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research UCU’s values and recent initiatives. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and have some thoughtful questions ready to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so keep checking back regularly!
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Official
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Regional Official. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what UCU is looking for.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that relate to trade unions or not-for-profit organisations. We want to see your understanding of collective bargaining and employment law, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there.
How to prepare for a job interview at University and College Union
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the post-compulsory education sector and employment law. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the challenges UCU faces.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience in collective bargaining and trade union organising. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Regional Official, you'll be leading a team. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight any instances where you've allocated duties effectively or resolved conflicts.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about UCU's strategic goals in the South West region or how they measure success in their negotiations. It shows you're engaged and genuinely interested in the role.
