Richard Coyle (Mid Kent College)

Richard Coyle (Mid Kent College) 

Election address 

Further Education is where our students realise their ambitions and dreams.  That is why I wanted to work in it.  We work tirelessly to transform the life chances of students.  But we can't do that vital work, in the way we want, in the face of so many challenges: low pay, unacceptable workloads and toxic working environments.    

Currently, I am a lecturer and rep at Mid Kent College and have been there for 9 years.  During this time, I have worked with the branch committee to improve working conditions for members.  As Chair, caseworker and Treasurer, I have experienced many different aspects of UCU frontline work.   Previously, I worked in a small community facing college in London which was eventually forcibly merged with a larger college.  Working in both, I have developed understanding and experience about the vulnerabilities of the sector and the ways to protect it through collective action.  Listening and helping members has taught me the importance of developing a dynamic branch and how to bring members on board for effective campaigns.    

During my time as an active UCU rep, I have successfully campaigned to prevent a reduction of holiday allowance, ran a campaign for improving parental leave way beyond the statutory allowance, increased membership in the branch, negotiated above inflation consolidated pay rises over multiple years, worked with the college on developing a real and meaningful sustainability and environmental plan and supported countless members through casework.  

If elected to represent Southern Region, my priorities would be supporting branches to increase pay, reduce unfair workloads and improve working conditions for members across the region.  Increasing active membership in branches should be a key target, in particular recruiting new members amongst people who are starting a career in Further Education.   

At branch level, I work every day to show members and future members that UCU is on their side and is effective in making their workplaces better.  I want every branch to benefit from the practical skills and experiences I have gained at branch level. We need to work from the ground up to make sure every member is listened to and supported. Brick by brick we can build every branch so staff and the students we support can have the college experience they deserve and students can realise their hopes and ambitions.  

I endorse Dyfrig Jones for Vice President and Andrew Feeney for Honorary Treasurer.  Please offer your 1 and 2 votes to Josh Spears and Linda Littler in the UK-elected FE positions.