UCU: Data collection on teaching-focused and teaching-only terms and conditions

Motion

Motion title: Data collection on teaching-focused and teaching-only terms and conditions

Motion text: HESC notes:
1. The significant barriers experienced by teaching-only and teaching-focused staff in conducting research
2. Research showing that fixed-term academic contracts lead to stalled career progression
3. The continuing importance of research profiles for academic recruitment, probation and promotions
4. REF-related specifications about ‘activity’ versus ‘contract type’

HESC believes:
a. There could be significant variation across the country in employment conditions for teaching-only and teaching-focused academic staff
b. Disabled, intersectional disabled staff and other staff on equality strands are likely to be disproportionately represented in teaching only and teaching focused staff.
c. The disadvantages on these grounds are likely to be increased by disability, intersectional and other discrimination.

HESC resolves:
i To recommend that UCU undertake preliminary data-gathering on how terms and conditions for teaching-only and teaching-focused posts vary across UK HEIs
ii That the resulting data be used to develop a manifesto that serves to improve security and working conditions of teaching-only staff.
iii This data should include data on disabled, intersectional disabled and others staff on equality strands.