MPLS Division representative for the Joint Committee with the University and College Union (JCUCU)

MPLS is seeking a new Divisional representative for the University's Joint Committee with the University and College Union (JCUCU), with immediate effect.

This is an important opportunity to be part of conversations about staff terms and conditions at a senior level and contribute in the area of staff wellbeing. The time commitment involved is relatively light. The rep attends one two-hour meeting each academic term, with supporting papers sent out beforehand. 

There is no fixed term of office for this role and we are looking to appoint a new rep as soon as possible. 

The role is open to senior staff within the MPLS Division who feel able to represent the Division at this level. Please contact Gwen Booth at gwen.booth@mpls.ox.ac.uk if you would like to be considered, outlining your interest, experience, and aptitude for the role in no more than 400 words. Or get in touch if you would like to nominate a colleague for consideration. 

Further information

The following description of the JCUCU's remit is provided in the University of Oxford Staff Handbook:

University of Oxford Joint Committee with the University and College Union (JCUCU)

1. The University recognises the University and College Union (UCU) as the appropriate trade union for purposes of consultation and representation in respect of staff employed by the Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford in its academic and academic-related scales and grades in the terms, and as regards the matters, specified below and in the appended Schedule. Matters negotiated nationally will not be the subject of local discussion except in so far as questions of local application may arise, over which the University has discretion.

2. There will be established a local joint committee of the University and the UCU which will consist of six persons appointed by the University, one of whom will be chairman of the joint committee, and six persons in the employment of the University appointed by the Oxford UCU, one of whom may be the UCU Joint Secretary. At least two members from each side will constitute a quorum.

3. There will be two joint secretaries, one appointed by the University and one by the Oxford UCU from amongst their members who are employees of the University. The joint secretaries will be responsible for distributing the agenda and related documents at least five working days before each meeting and will agree minutes of the meetings for confirmation by the committee.

4. The committee will meet during the fifth week of each Full Term, and on such other occasions as either joint secretary requests, normally at not less than five working days' notice.

5. It will be the duty of the committee to consider matters referred to it by the joint secretaries under the provisions of this agreement with the object, where appropriate, of making joint recommendations to Council wherever possible. Any such recommendations will normally be made through the General Board or Staff Committee, as appropriate.

6. In addition, the committee will act as a channel of communication between the Association and the central bodies of the University.

7. The matters which may be included on the committee's agenda by the joint secretaries will be limited to the following:

• a. the local application of nationally determined salary structures and awards;
• b. superannuation arrangements;
• c. changes in the formula for fees and extra duty payments, including payments for additional lectures, examining, invigilating;
• d. arrangements for sick pay and maternity leave;
• e. hours of work and the conditions under which leave of absence may be granted, including holiday entitlements and sabbatical leave;
• f. grievance and disciplinary procedures;
• g. such other terms and conditions of employment as the committee shall from time to time add (with the approval of the University and the UCU) to the list;
• h. such other matters, not specifically terms and conditions of employment, as the committee shall from time to time add (with the approval of the University and the UCU) to this list.

8. It is accepted that in the course of discussion either side may wish to refer back to the body or bodies appointing them, but a meeting may only be adjourned for this purpose with the specific agreement of both parties. Equally adjournment in the course of a particular meeting may only take place by mutual agreement.

9. In the event that the committee is unable to make a joint recommendation, it will be open to either side to register a 'failure to concur', in which event the separate conclusions or proposals of the two sides will be reported formally to Council. Alternatively, it will be open to either side, as distinct from registering a 'failure to concur', to request that discussion on the matter stands adjourned. Any such adjournment must, however, be with the specific agreement of both parties. If, after any such adjournment, the committee is still unable to make a joint recommendation, the separate conclusions of the two sides will be reported to Council. It is open to Council to accept or reject any joint recommendation and, in the case of a 'failure to concur', having considered the separate conclusions of the two sides of the committee, to implement a decision, procedure having been exhausted.

10. Matters involving individual members of staff will not normally be considered by the committee. Such matters will be raised initially, informally or formally, within the department or institution concerned.

11. This agreement will be subject to termination only by either party giving twelve months' notice in writing to that effect.

Source: University of Oxford Staff Handbook