ENDORSEMENTS

Janet Farrar - NEC, Past President (FE)

Maxine Looby - Immediate Past President (FE)

Suzi Toole is, without doubt, the only candidate for Vice President, Further Education.

She has an exceptional ability to engage with people and make them feel heard and valued. Her commitment and principles enable her to lead with integrity, professionalism, and kindness. Suzi engages members in an inclusive and thoughtful way, and she listens to their views without prejudice or bias. She is strategic, smart, and deeply member-focused.

With experience of chairing regional and national meetings and events, as well as organising and mobilising members, Suzi embodies the qualities of effective leadership. She meets members where they are and turns their concerns into action.

I endorse Suzi’s nomination with absolute confidence, because I know she will deliver on her word.

Maxine Looby, UCU Immediate Past President

Pauline Rattery - NEC (Prison Education)

I am pleased to give Suzi Toole, my full endorsement as FE Vice President. I believe she will be an outstanding FE Vice President. I know this because at every meeting or event that I've been to, Suzi, has always showed up. She lends her voice freely to speak up about issues that matter in FE and takes the time to understand the real challenges and core issues in Further Education.

She has also added her support to understand the difficult challenges that her comrades who work in Prison Education undergo and has helped them to have a voice in the room, as well as fight for the same opportunities afforded to others who work in our education sectors. Suzi has always shown that she can turn conversations into concrete change. When a problem presents itself, she chases it up and doesn't let go until there's progress. These are exactly the qualities that we need in the role of FE VP.

In my personal opinion Suzi has the following qualities and expertise

- She understands Further Educatuon and the pressures that are involved.

- She is committed to fighting for better equality and fair treatment for us all.

- Visible and approachable: someone you actually see at events, in the common communial spaces where we meet and engage.

Suzi, has already shown that she is not interested in titles for her own sake. She is interested in using this role to make things better - to make sure that our colleges, Prison Education and Adult Education and Skills and universities are fairer, more inclusive, supportive places to work. If you want a Vice President with a voice that listens, a leader who delivers then Suzi is the candidate to back. Vote for Suzi for Further Education Vice President.

Pauline Rattery Prison Education

Endorsement from Casualised Members

We are a group of casualised members of UCU from a variety of backgrounds: further and higher education, on hourly paid and fixed-term contracts, from teaching, research and support positions. Some of us are now precariously-employed having been made redundant from open-ended roles. We are enthusiastically endorsing Mark Pendleton (HE) and Suzi Toole (FE) for the roles of Vice President of UCU.

Both Mark and Suzi understand that casualisation is one of the biggest problems we face in our sectors. But they are also aware of the task ahead of us if we are to make any meaningful change to how we tackle this complex issue. The precarious workforce in post-16 education is not a monolith. It is a varied group with differing issues and priorities. Both Mark and Suzi will do the hard work of engaging with a variety of precarious members to understand how best to build broad-based engagement with UCU’s anti-casualisation campaigns.

Furthermore, both Mark and Suzi realise that precarity cannot be seen as a phenomenon distinct from spiralling workloads, increased managerialism and the suppression of academic freedom. They are also well aware that casualisation in post-16 education is more likely to be directly experienced by members of already marginalised groups and that by exacerbating the challenges faced by these colleagues casualisation represents a serious threat to any progress in increasing the diversity of the workforce in our sectors.

Jo Edge, Visiting Lecturer, University of Hertfordshire
Rebecca Linnett, Senior Research Associate, University of East Anglia
Poppy Gerrard-Abbott, University of Edinburgh
Dion Georgiou, Lecturer in History, Goldsmiths, University of London
Ben Pope, Lecturer in Medieval European History, University of Manchester
Andrew Ward, Barking and Dagenham College
Tian Glasgow, Freelance Theatre Director and Visiting Lecturer, Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts

Endorsement from the chairs of UCU's five equality standing committees:

We are the chairs of UCU’s five standing committees for the equality strands (women members, Black members, migrant members, LGBTQ+ members and disabled members), and we enthusiastically endorse Mark Pendleton (HE) and Suzi Toole (FE) for the roles of Vice President in UCU.

Both Mark and Suzi have amazing and unblemished records on fighting for equality within our union, as well as expanding the scope of its equality agenda. Mark had a leading role in the creation of the Migrant members’ equality strand in 2019-2020. They have both served - or are serving - in equality representative roles on the NEC and their respective sectoral committees (Mark as LGBTQ+ rep, and Suzi as women’s rep). They also have crucial experience of being in the negotiating rooms with employers; holding their feet to the fire and pushing them to do better for all members in our sectors. Both Mark and Suzi have shown that they can work with all sectors within UCU to ensure members are fully represented.

Both Mark and Suzi will always champion any branch, member or group of members fighting for equality in our union. They will also be unceasing in their efforts to open up the union’s equalities work and campaigns to a broader section of the membership.

They are clear-eyed about the huge threat to our sectors’ marginalised communities as the strength of the far-right grows. But at the same time, they recognise and champion our union’s position as a leading voice on these issues. Trans people and migrants are the targets of the day in the far-right’s culture wars, and people look to UCU for bold, unflinching leadership on combating this rhetoric, and this is something of which all members should be proud. Mark and Suzi will work to build on the excellent, pioneering work we have already done because they can see how much more we are capable of.

We have absolute confidence that if elected, Mark and Suzi will build on and strengthen this commitment.

Dr Matilda Fitzmaurice, Senior Teaching Associate, Lancaster University, NEC LGBT+ rep (HE), Chair of the LGBTQ+ Members’ Standing Committee
Patricia Roche, Teacher of Counselling and Psychotherapy, Blackpool and the Fylde College, NEC Disabled Members’ rep (FE), Disabled Members’ TUC representative, Chair of the Disabled Members’ Standing Committee
Professor Victoria Showunmi, University College London, Chair of the Black Members’ Standing Committee
Dr Vivek Thuppil, Bangor UCU Vice President, Chair of the Migrant Members’ Standing Committee
Suzi Toole, Teacher of Biology and Forensic Science, Bolton College, Chair of the Women Members’ Standing Committee, Chair of the FEC

Endorsement from ARPS members:

This is to endorse the candidacies of Suzi Toole for VP from the Further Education sector and Mark Pendleton for VP from the Higher Education sector, from the perspective of ARPS membership.

We are all one union, whatever sector we are in and whatever role we take. As ARPS members of staff, we need to work together to protect our mutual interests whilst being clear sighted of our specific needs. After all, ARPS includes roles as diverse as library staff, digital technology teams, finance administrators, disability and learning support, and far more.

Both Suzi and Mark are consistent in their recognition and respect for the variety of staff who are part of UCU and the behaviours of both show meaningful engagement with respect to the values of our union. Between them they both have experiences of supporting or engaging in ARPS work, including providing UCU casework representation ensuring fair treatment of individuals or groups of ARPS staff, conducting staff policy research support, or working with an allied university charity.

Suzi and Mark are kind, generous, incredibly smart people, who have clearly demonstrated how their actions and words show awareness of our needs. Their commitment to our Union is shown in the breadth of their experience and activism, within and beyond education, both in the UK and abroad. Suzi has taken on an increasingly diverse range of roles within UCU, including chairing the Women Members Standing Committee; Mark has occupied a range of elected positions and committee roles both locally (e.g. branch secretary, treasurer and equalities officer at Sheffield) and nationally (including Vice-Chair of HEC).

Both Suzi and Mark encourage diversity of opinion and a better understanding of all voices in Union activities, not just the loudest ones, through engaging with members directly as well as gathering data to reach out to all UCU members through multiple and diverse means, and understanding better the issues different groups face. Both have shown incredible empathy and practical support for encouraging participation in union activities and recognition of the work done by ARPS staff.

Caroline Proctor, IT Manager, University of Warwick
Dr Lisa Rüll, Specialist Study Support Tutor (Disabilities)
University of Nottingham
Michael Bartlett, Digital Analytics Manager, Open University
Amy Ryall, Knowledge Exchange and Impact Manager, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

Endorsement from elected members of UCU's National Executive Committee from the devolved nations:

We are writing as UCU members in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland who sit on UCU UK’s NEC to express our strong support for Mark Pendleton for Vice President (Higher Education) and Suzi Toole for Vice President (Further Education).

Our sectors face unprecedented challenges. From devastating cuts and redundancies to the erosion of pay and working conditions, members across the UK urgently need leadership that can unite our diverse union whilst respecting the distinct needs of each nation and sector. Mark and Suzi represent exactly that kind of leadership. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, we know the importance of building strategies that reflect our specific contexts whilst maintaining solidarity across borders and sectors. Mark's commitment to strengthening branch autonomy, opening up democratic structures, and ensuring that all voices - including those from the nations - are heard in decision-making resonates deeply with our experiences. His pledge to rebuild trust through transparent communication and genuine consultation is exactly what our union needs.

Suzi's dedication to winning national bargaining in FE and her understanding of the particular pressures facing further education staff makes her the clear choice for the FE role. Together, Mark and Suzi offer experienced, principled leadership that will fight for fair pay, manageable workloads, and secure employment across all post-16 education sectors.

We are particularly encouraged by their shared commitment to:

Rebuilding member trust and strengthening branch power
Fighting for justice and inclusivity
Addressing the crisis in prison education and adult education, sectors often overlooked in national strategies
Supporting casualised and marginalised workers who face disproportionate impacts from cuts and poor working conditions
Building sector-specific solutions whilst maintaining cross-sector solidarity

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have consistently demonstrated that effective trade unionism requires listening to members, respecting local autonomy, and building campaigns from the ground up. Mark and Suzi understand this, and their pledges reflect a genuine commitment to democratic, member-led organising. At this critical juncture for post-16 education, we need leaders who can navigate difficult negotiations, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and build the widespread member engagement necessary for winning campaigns. Mark and Suzi have the experience, vision, and values to do exactly that. We urge all UCU members in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and across the UK to vote for Mark Pendleton for Vice President (Higher Education) and Suzi Toole for Vice President (Further Education).

Chris O'Donnell, President, UCU Scotland
Ann Gow, Honorary Secretary, UCU Scotland
Estelle Hart, President, UCU Cymru
Jayne Headon, UCU Vice President FE Wales
Martina Donald, Northern Ireland rep, (FE)

Endorsement from members at post-92 universities:

As members of staff at Post-92 universities, we endorse Mark Pendleton and Suzi Toole for Vice President (HE) and Vice President (FE) of UCU.

Mark and Suzi understand the serious challenges faced by the Further and Higher Education sectors Pressure from underfunding and mismanagement,ideological attack under the guise of ‘freedom of speech’ and calls for universities to ‘specialise’ affect us all, but Post-1992 institutions are particularly vulnerable. The value our universities bring to our local economies and to the students we cater for, many who would not find a course without us, is often underestimated. Employer guarantees of maximum workloads and career development opportunities are being thrown out the window, while employers look to gut pensions across post-92 institutions. We are expected to do more with less, and we need leaders that understand this.

In this environment, it is crucial that UCU has strategic and grounded leadership to face down the obstacles of the moment. We believe that Mark and Suzi, as knowledgeable, experienced and empathetic colleagues and trade-unionists, are the only candidates for the respective Vice President roles that offer this. Both have sterling track records that demonstrate a solid understanding of, and commitment to, colleagues of all different types of institution in our sectors and to our union. We have full confidence that Mark and Suzi can lead us through these uncertain times and endorse their candidature wholeheartedly.

Dr Matthew Barnard, Manchester Metropolitan University
Dr Emma Kennedy, University of Greenwich Robin Clarke, University of the Arts London
Dr Daniel Grey, University of Hertfordshire
Dr Patrick O'Connor, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Staffordshire
Sally-Anne Wherry, Senior Lecturer in Advanced Practice, University of Gloucestershire
Dr Keith Crome, Principal Lecturer in Philosophy, Manchester Metropolitan University
Professor Steve Brown, Nottingham Trent University
Andrew Feeney, Senior Lecturer, Northumbria University UCU
Dr David Hitchcock, Reader in early modern British History, Canterbury Christ Church University

Shivanti Lowton

I fully endorse the candidacy of Suzi Toole for VP from the Further Education sector. Suzi has provided invaluable support on sensitive issues for intersectional members. Suzi’s exemplary, inclusive interpersonal skills have supported members on conflict resolution leading to positive outcomes for future relationships and networking.

Suzi gives the same energy to both big and small issues within the union, ensuring that individual members feel seen and heard. The union relies on individuals coming together to enact change and Suzi’s approach clearly demonstrates this. Her knowledge, experience and engagement with members provides a strong understanding of the issues different groups may encounter and her personal, empathetic approach allows for a safe and supportive space to air concerns.

Suzi always makes time to support members, no matter how busy her schedule. Even when she was in the middle of an OFSTED inspection - Suzi was supporting members both inside and outside of her branch!Whilst it is essential to have leadership that can address and fight for the major issues we face as a union, it is also important for our representatives to be comfortable engaging with individual members at ground level and on the frontlines. I sincerely believe that Suzi embodies all the above qualities and more, and endorse her candidature wholeheartedly.

Shivanti Lowton - Open University

Black Members Standing Committee

Disabled Members Standing Committee

Race Relations Committee (TUC)

Pat Roche - NEC

I am currently the National Executive representative for disabled members and until recently Vice Chair of the Standing committee meeting on behalf of women members. I am also a member of the Northwest Regional Meeting which brings together FE and HE branches. Suzi is the chair of this committee. In these settings, the campaigning that Suzi does, rooted in a clear idea regarding outcomes such as fair funding, rebuilding prison education, fighting for adult education and Members on precarious contracts, to name a few, have been the focus of her work.

In all these campaigning areas, I have been fortunate to be able to work with Suzi, especially in terms of equality as the ultimate goal. Suzi ensures that she works collectively with all your representatives recognising that only collective action can bring about changes in such areas as workloads and pay. Suzi has carried her work beyond our Union to other sister unions, speaking eloquently with regard to national and international issues which bind us all collectively. Suzi has fought to ensure that all our members, whatever sector they are in, are supported in their fight for a fair deal.

It is for these reasons I welcome the opportunity to support Suzi and continue to work collectively with her, to ensure that we can utilise her many skills on behalf of members, in all sectors, in order to secure a fairer future for all. To this end, I ask you to vote for Suzi, an exceptional candidate, to be our Vice President.

Pat Roche - Blackpool & Fylde College