Richmond-UCU’s Response to the Faculty Promotions, Progress, and Workload (FPPW)

Dear Members,

The UCU Richmond Branch Committee is working to ensure that the FPPW addresses the concerns of all faculty at Richmond and improves our working conditions. We have a UCU Rep on the FPPW working group that has been providing critical feedback on the process and proposals, and who is bringing in examples of best practices from within the HE sector. The Branch Committee has also been writing to senior management on behalf of the members, calling for meaningful consultation with the UCU before any new model is implemented.

We have recently communicated the following to the SMT:

“The Richmond UCU recognises that the FPPW continues to work on a model for promotion and progression of Faculty at Richmond. As the FPPW deals with areas of direct concern to the UCU, particularly changes to working conditions of Faculty and equality in the workplace, and as it has implications for Faculty contracts (including those of Adjuncts), we look forward to meaningful consultation and negotiation on the proposed model prior to its implementation – a practice that was stipulated in the Joint Recognition Agreement signed in February 2021.  

As expressed by the UCU Rep on the working group, the UCU cannot support any promotion and progression scheme that does not ensure the health and safety of Faculty and equality in the workplace. Employee stress due to workload is a particular concern that the FPPW must address. It must also ensure opportunities for professional development, including pursuit of research, of all Faculty.“

We recognise that the FPPW is of critical importance to all faculty at Richmond. If you have any issues or concerns you would like us to address, and if you would like to be a part of an Action Group to discuss the FPPW further, please let us know.

Together we can improve our working conditions at Richmond!