SUCU Branch News 16 July 2015

New SRDS process

We recently alerted you to the introduction of a new SRDS process which we are closely monitoring, along with the other campus unions.  Its important to ensure that any objectives agreed in your SRDS are under your control, and that any risk dependencies which can affect their achievement (eg Research Council funding or specific support needs) are identified.  Please keep sending your comments in confidence to ucu@sheffield.ac.uk.

UCU survey of researchers

Are you or have you ever been a researcher in higher education? UCU has launched a new survey to gather evidence on the impact of short-term funding on the production of research. UCU is interested in gathering evidence of how short-term funding structures affect the production of research to help us make the argument for more stable funding and sustainable research careers. We also want to know what researchers think about the funding of research. If you are or have ever been a researcher, please help us by filling in this survey.  The survey is open to all involved in research, so when you’ve completed it, make sure to pass it on to other researchers, along with this link to join UCU, the union fighting for better research careers.

Member surgery 23 July

There are some appointment slots available at our surgery on the 23 July, 10.00 to 12.00 for individual members seeking advice about an employment issue   Volunteer UCU colleagues from within the Branch who have received casework training will be offering confidential help and advice.  If you would like to book an individual appointment email ucu@sheffield.ac.uk.  Please note that members are not normally eligible for help in the first three months of membership. Read more about SUCU assistance here.

Open letter to the Guardian

Member may be interested to read this open letter – Let UK universities do what they do best – teaching and research.

Events of Interest

Another major GMB Greenco Rally in support of GMB Recycling Workers.  We alerted members previously to this very important struggle for GMB members at Sheffield’s recycling centres.  They are fighting an ongoing battle over issues including: bullying, pay, poor welfare facilities, increased use of zero hours contracts, ending payment of the living wage and threatened disciplinary action for the entire work-force for expressing an intention to take legitimate and lawful strike action.  The demo will be on Saturday 18th July, 12pm — 2pm, Blackstock Green Co, S14 1JE (outside the Horse and Groom pub) and speakers include Sheffield Heeley MP Louise Haigh.