UCU: REF and performance management

Motion

Motion text: UCU reiterates its position that the REF, along with its predecessor the RAE, is highly divisive as well as a source of considerable stress and anxiety for many members. Accordingly, UCU will continue to oppose it in principle. UCU reaffirms its belief that real knowledge is not determined by the perceived quality of the outlet in which it is published. Conference deplores any institution not taking adequate steps to ensure commitment to equality, particularly for staff with protected characteristics. Conference also opposes the use of the REF to micro-manage and bully staff. Conference instructs the HEC to equip branches to combat such oppressive practises and calls upon the HEC to investigate the legality of university managers using the REF to determine standards of academic performance. Congress also instructs HEC to write to all Vice-Chancellors and Principals asking them to publish their equality Code of Practice for REF.