Endorsement from Dr Sam Marsh, University of Sheffield UCU President and USS negotiator

The ballot to elect UCU’s next General Secretary opens on Monday! I’m honoured to have the opportunity to put my number 1 vote next to fellow University of Sheffield UCU committee member Jo Grady, who launched her pitch-perfect manifesto last week.

I’ve worked most closely with Jo over the last year on matters relating to her Sheffield UCU pensions officer brief, in particular sitting alongside her as part of in-depth discussions at meetings of the highly productive University of Sheffield Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) Working Group. You won’t need me to tell you how substantial Jo’s contribution to the USS dispute has been, but you may not be aware of the many hours she’s spent in discussion with University of Sheffield management developing a shared position both sides are proud of.

Jo Grady’s manifesto demonstrates how her vision and ideas for reforming UCU extends much, much further than USS. Under Jo’s leadership, we can expect a robust and responsive national operation, more attentive to what members and branches are asking for. This election brings the chance for fresh and a new approach to how UCU’s national operation ineracts with members and branches, something that I think is sorely needed. I couldn’t imagine a better vision for such an approach than that offered by Jo Grady.

Published by Jo Grady