This is a reminder that all UCU members at Kent are entitled to the support of a caseworker from within the branch. These caseworkers have all received dedicated training from UCU, most have extensive experience handling cases, and some have ‘buyout’ from other duties at Kent in order to be able to support members.

Caseworkers can support with a wide range of matters, including: grievances, disciplinaries, bullying, workload concerns, health, safety and wellbeing issues, EDI considerations, and questions of redundancy and severance (whether voluntary or compulsory).

Caseworkers can offer confidential advice, accompany you to meetings with HR or managers, advocate for you in appropriate fora, and help you navigate the University’s myriad ‘people policies’. Some past successes achieved thanks to caseworkers are detailed here.

Don’t feel you have to wait until the situation gets really severe before requesting caseworker support. In many instances, speaking to a caseworker sooner rather than later can minimise stress and anxiety and increase the chances of a positive outcome.

If you would like to speak to a caseworker at Kent, or have any questions about the process, please contact branch secretary Owen Lyne (o.d.lyne@kent.ac.uk) in the first instance. Owen is well-placed to assign your case to the most appropriate caseworker and ensure a fair balance of caseload across the team.