The union is constantly working to improve terms, pay, and conditions for its members.  Here at Sussex our caseworkers will advise and support UCU members on any work-related issues that arise.  

Nationally, there are various benefits which UCU membership entitles you to:

Personal Insurance

Loss of property, malicious damage and serious accidents

A group insurance policy provides you with FREE limited cover. This policy is an improvement on the policies former AUT and NATFHE had for personal injury and loss of personal property and now includes malicious damage to motor vehicles whilst parked in institution car parks.  Full details of the terms and conditions are available on the national UCU website:

Personal property: http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2188

Malicious damage (motor vehicle): http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2425

Personal injury: http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2187

Financial Advice

Financial advice is available through Endsleigh Financial Independent Tailoring (EFIT).  They offer impartial and independent advice for individual members and where appropriate recommend solutions from the entire marketplace.  For further information and to book a place on a retirement seminar, see the website: http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2738 or telephone 0800 389 2193 to speak to an adviser.

General Insurance

General insurance products, including household, motor and travel are available through Endsleigh and Norwich Union. Individual quotations are available to members through the website or by telephone:

Endsleigh: http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2739 or telephone: 0800 028 3571

Norwich Union: http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2603 or telephone: 0800 01 01 99

Credit Card 

The UCU MasterCard is now available to members through arrangements with HBOS Card Services via the TUC.  Members can apply for a UCU Platinum card or a classic card through the web: http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2191 or by telephone: 0800 032 2036.

Legal 

Accident Aid – a cost free compensation scheme

The union’s specialist personal injury lawyers can advise and represent you to recover compensation in case of injuries sustained in the workplace.  You need to contact one of the union’s panel firms listed on the web: http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2426 producing evidence of at least 90 days membership of the union. 

Professional

College and University Support Network

The College and University Support Network (CUSN) offers support services to all staff in higher, further and adult education and their families, including: counselling, one-to-one coaching, information, advice and support material, financial assistance and money management advice. For further information, see the website: http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2189 or telephone the 24/7 support line on Freephone 08000 32 99 52.

Journal of Further and Higher Education

Published for UCU by Taylor and Francis the Journal of Further & Higher Education is an international, peer-reviewed journal containing articles and book reviews representing the whole field of post-16 education and training.  The journal encourages debate on contemporary pedagogic issues and professional and policy concerns within the UK and abroad.  For further information and the exclusive subscription offer for members, see the website: http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=1840

UC

UC of course is the union's free magazine for members, published four times a year and direct-mailed to members at their notified address.  The editors are always interested in ideas for articles and letters. Email them at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

UC is an accessible magazine available also as an audio CD or a text file. Members who have registered a preference will automatically receive the magazine in their preferred format. If you wish to register a preference or know a member who would, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it