51福利1091

51福利/1091听听听 May 2021听

University and College Union

Carlow Street, London NW1 7LH, Tel. 020 7756 2500, www.ucu.org.uk

To听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 Branch and local association secretaries

Topic听听听听听听听听听听听听听 Unconfirmed minutes of 51福利 on-line interim Congress, 13 and 16 February 2021

Action听听听听听听听听听听听 For information; for adoption at Congress 2021

Summary 听听听听 Minutes of 51福利 on-line interim Congress meeting held 13 and 16 February 2021

Contact听听听听听听听听听 Catherine Wilkinson, head of constitution and committees (cwilkinson@ucu.org.uk)

On-line interim meeting of the Congress of the

University and College Union (51福利)

13 and 16 February 2021

All voting was conducted by on-line means after the event, and the decisions on motions shown in these minutes reflect the post-Congress voting process.

FIRST SESSION OF CONGRESS, SATURDAY MORNING, 13 FEBRUARY

1 OPENING BUSINESS

Vicky Blake, president and chair of Congress, welcomed delegates, and addressed Congress.听 She explained how business and voting would be conducted.

The chair reminded colleagues of Congress standing order 36.

2 REPORT OF THE CONGRESS BUSINESS COMMITTEE

2.1 Alan Barker (University of Nottingham), chair of the Congress business committee (CBC), moved the report of the Congress business committee and 鈥榓genda group鈥� set out in 51福利/1065.听

2.2 In a vote conducted prior to the opening of Congress, the report of the Congress Business Committee, and the arrangements for the conduct of business, were ADOPTED.

3 ADDRESS BY JO GRADY, GENERAL SECRETARY

51福利 general secretary, Dr Jo Grady, addressed Congress.

4 INTRODUCTION

4.1 Motion 1, Civility and kindness: democracy, equality, diversity, and inclusion was moved by Janet Farrar (president elect), on behalf of the NEC and The Manchester College and was seconded by Jackie D鈥橝rcy (NEC).听 Mark Pendleton (NEC) spoke in the debate.

Motion 1 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes:

1.听 Some 51福利 meetings have been increasingly characterised by tension, raised voices, and an atmosphere that can be aggressive and intimidating

2.听 the quality of an argument is not enhanced by uncivil behaviour

3.听 were incivility to become normalised, it would have significant consequences for equality of participation and of representation, marginalising, or even excluding, those who are disinclined to tolerate or adopt this behaviour

4.听 51福利 members or staff who have experienced domestic or workplace aggression may be affected by such conduct

5.听 51福利 members and staff who attend meetings are all entitled to dignity and respect.

Congress further notes Standing Order 6.1 and instructs the NEC to ensure that Chairs of meetings receive training in dealing with unacceptable language/ behaviour.

Congress calls upon Chairs and members to actively challenge bullying behaviour and/ or language that is aggressive, intimidating, that misrepresents facts, or which targets individuals.

5 COVID-19 CRISIS

5.1 听听听听听听听听 Motion 2, No return to face-to-face teaching was moved by Sean Vernell (NEC) on behalf of CCCG City and Islington (Lifelong Learning) and was seconded by Alison Chapman (NEC).

Motion 2 was CARRIED:

Notes:

1. 51福利鈥檚 five tests.

2. Official figures state that over 42,000 people have died from the Coronavirus.

3. Excess deaths are at least 60,000.

4. Government calls for a return to workplaces.

5. Independent SAGE and WHO, believe social distancing, test, track and isolate and the use of PPE, in controlling pandemics, are central.

Believes:

a. that 51福利鈥檚 five tests have not been met.

b. that the government鈥檚 latest attempts to stem the virus is too little and too late.

Resolves:

i. To campaign for online teaching as the default position within colleges and universities.

ii. To encourage members to move towards the escalation strategy as outlined
by 51福利 if the branch feels that their college is not safe.

iii. Support students and 51福利 branches taking action to protect themselves and their communities.

5.2 听听听听听听听听 Motion L1, We urgently need a zero Covid strategy was moved by Elane Heffernan (NEC) on behalf of the disabled members standing committee and seconded formally from the chair.

Motion L1 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes:

1. Disproportionate deaths of Disabled and Black people in covid and interrelationship with low status work and living in poverty and overcrowded situations

2. The Launch of the Zero Covid Coalition on 24/1/21

3. Excess deaths in the UK population as a result of government policy

Congress believes that it is urgent to move towards a zero Covid strategy, which adjusts to circumstances but contains the following key elements:

a. Test, track, trace, isolate and support run by public health services.

b. Proper funding for isolation (use of hotels etc) & full financial support for those who need to isolate or are sick.

c. Protection of jobs/pay of all workers including casualised

d. Testing and supported isolation at all ports of entry

e. A proper lockdown until R is close to zero with resources directed towards ensuring on line learning and support for wellbeing and mental health

f. Full H&S measures in vital workplaces

5.3 听听听听听听听听 Motion 3, Impact of COVID-19 on Disabled workers' reasonable adjustments was moved by Elane Heffernan (NEC) on behalf of the disabled members standing committee and seconded by Marian Mayer (Southern regional committee).

Motion 3 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Notes

1. That work stability and retention of disabled people are being threatened by Covid-19

2. That failure to implement recommended OH reasonable adjustments and subjecting disabled workers to unnecessary medical reassessments constitutes disability discrimination

3. That institutional policy that disregards the principles of EDI threatens job security and retention

4. That COVID-19 is creating an atmosphere for institutions to evoke capability procedures by ignoring requests for reasonable adjustments, undermining the dignity of Disabled people

Believes deeper engagement is needed with Disabled members at every level of 51福利.

Resolves

a. To support branches through training in the implementation of appropriate reasonable adjustments for Disabled workers considering COVID-19

b. call on NEC to audit the levels of disability discrimination and its intersection with other oppressions and job insecurity

c. To reinforce the importance of the 51福利 Reasonable Adjustment Passport and guidance.

Congress moved into private session.

5.4 听听听听听听听听 Dr Jo Grady, general secretary, provided a briefing in respect of matters referred to in motion L2. Julia Maguire, head of legal services, provided legal advice.听 There were a number of verbal interruptions from delegates calling for a point of order.听 The chair reminded Congress of its decision to suspend standing orders and that points of order would not be taken.听 She further stated that repeated interruptions by delegates would result in their removal from the meeting.听

5.5 听听听听听听听听 The chair called for the mover of motion L2.听 Anthony O鈥橦anlon (University of Liverpool) asked for this objection to the length of time taken by the general secretary and head of legal services to be noted.

5.6 Motion L2, Using the law to maintain our safety was moved by Anthony O鈥橦anlon (University of Liverpool) and seconded formally by the chair.听

Motion L2 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes:

1. the attempts from employers across all our sectors to force members into unsafe workspaces

2. the recent NEU success in defending members from entering unsafe workspaces

Congress believes:

a. that balloting for the right to work remotely does not provide protection for members who face immediate threats of on-site working 鈥� this pressure is all too often placed on the most precarious

b. that full support can be provided to our members within the law

Congress resolves to:

i. establish 51福利 policy that issues clear instruction to members not to enter unsafe workspaces under Sections 44 and 100 of the Employment Rights Act and ensures reckless employers are held responsible in law

ii. provide advice to branches that outlines how this individual right will be supported collectively

iii. provide full legal support for any member or branch that faces legal challenges when invoking existing legislation

iv. explore ways of encouraging taking legal action against reckless employers.

Congress moved into open session.

5.7 Motion L3, Women, COVID, care and workload was moved by Pura Ariza (NEC) on behalf of the women members standing committee and seconded by Juliana Ojinnaka (The Sheffield College).

Motion L3 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes:

1. Full lockdown, including closure of schools, nurseries and adult care provision has created additional labour, heavily impacting women members

2. This labour continues during partial lockdowns when dependents and vulnerable adults are at home in isolation.听

Congress believes:

a. The failure to plan for and fund large-scale social care needs during the pandemic is a threat to women鈥檚 rights

b. The detriment is especially strong for casualised workers

c. Treating women and other carers as an unpaid labour reserve is discriminatory and harmful

d. Carers are entitled to a reasonable adjustment in workload

e. When schools / care provision closes carers must have the right to a reduced workload without detriment

Congress calls on 51福利 to:听

i. Urgently develop national policy and campaign to negotiate reduced workload for Covid carers

ii. Campaign for carers to be included in equality legislation

iii. Facilitate branches in demanding reasonable workload adjustments for carers with national support.听

5.8 听听听听听听听听 Motion 5, Covid-19 and immigration detention, was moved by Dima Chami (NEC) on behalf of the migrant members standing committee and seconded formally by the chair.

Motion 5 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes:

1. Universities are creating new compliance regimes for students in light of Covid-19 health and safety measures

2. Some are engaging private security companies, such as Mitie who run immigration detention centres for the HO, to enforce these rules

3. Racialised students on Tier 4 visas are vulnerable to being detained and deported if found in violation of constantly shifting rules

Congress believes it is 51福利 policy to oppose the UK鈥檚 racist and xenophobic hostile environment policy in all of its manifestations, and this includes the inhumane practices of immigration detention and forced removal.

Congress resolves:

a. To lobby government to shut down all immigration detention centres and to end the practice of indefinite detention, including hotel detention

b. To demand that universities and colleges sever any partnerships with security or facilities management corporations that run prisons, detention centres or that engage in military subcontracting

5.9 听听听听听听听听 Motion 6, Progress LGBT+ liberation now was moved by Mark Pendleton (NEC) on behalf of the LGBT+ members standing committee and seconded by Bee Hughes (Liverpool John Moores University).听 Eurig Scandrett (Queen Margaret University) spoke in the debate.

Motion 6 was CARRIED:

Wider society presumes people identify their gender with the sex assigned at their birth and are straight.

LGBT+ people remain largely unreflected and sometimes vilified in mainstream media.

Arguments around academic freedom are used to silence, dispute and condemn LGBT+ identities.

Covid19 related restrictions have shrunk our social world negatively impacting on LGBT+ lives e.g. being confined in unsupportive homes, outness, isolation from support networks, lengthened medical waiting lists. Shelving gender recognition reform has had further negative impact.

Legal recognition that Equality Act 2010 covers non-binary people from the moment of self-declaration is welcome.

Congress resolves to

1. Explore, establish and support innovations in 51福利 LGBT+ work progressing gender identity including GRA reform

2. Dismantle the exclusivity of cis and hetero normativities in all 51福利 work听

3. Develop branch action plans challenging the use of academic freedom arguments against LGBT+ people

4. Promote and campaign for LGBT+ liberation, visibility, mental health, well-being and education

5.10 听听听听听听听听 Motion L4, Building the fightback in the pandemic was moved by Molly Andrews (UEL) and seconded by Roddy Slorach (London regional committee).

听听听听听听听听听 Motion L4 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress resolves that 51福利 will

1. Adopt mass campaigning tactics, including the very large online participatory meetings pioneered by the NEU, to build national campaigns and disputes, including solidarity with local disputes.

2. Call for solidarity between staff and students in every college and university. Student rent strikes and tuition fee protests, and 51福利 struggles over casualisation, jobs, pensions, workload and safety are all part of the defence of education. Congress encourages the organisation of student-staff assemblies in as many institutions as possible.

3. Recognising that in their drive to return to 鈥榖usiness as usual鈥�, our employers will risk the health of students, staff and the wider community, 51福利 will redouble our campaign on 'No going back until it鈥檚 safe' and strengthening our Five Tests.

4. Encourage participation of members and branches in the 51福利 Solidarity Movement, building solidarity with and between branches and student groups.

SECOND SESSION OF CONGRESS, SATURDAY AFTERNOON, 13 FEBRUARY

6 听听听听听听听听 BLACK LIVES MATTER

6.1 The chair reminded Congress of its agreement to work within amended standing orders for the interim on-line Congress meeting.听 The chair read out Congress standing order 36 to the meeting.听 The chair apologised that in error she had informed Congress that either the general secretary or head of legal services would brief Congress on motion L2.听 An apology to the head of legal services was recorded for having been interrupted in giving advice to Congress, and she was thanked for her advice.

6.2 听听听听听听听听 Motion L7, Antiracism Day of Action events 20 March was move by Margot Hill (NEC) on behalf of Croydon College and formally seconded by the chair.

Motion L7 was CARRIED:

The events on Capitol Hill show the threat of the far right growing from the Covid-19 Crisis. Trump may have gone, but the racists and fascists he inspired internationally are still trying to grow.

The #BlackLivesMatter movement that exploded after the death of George Floyd shows the possibility for building a mass anti-racist movement internationally.听 This Congress therefore resolves to call on all 51福利 Branches to build the online and socially distanced events across Britain being organised by the TUC and Stand Up to Racism as part of the international day of action to mark UN antiracism day on Saturday 20 March.

6.3 Motion 7, 51福利 and Black Lives Matter was moved by Victoria Showunmi (NEC) on behalf of the Black members standing committee and seconded formally by the chair.

Motion 7 was CARRIED:

Congress notes the global uprising of the Black Lives Matter movement highlighted by the tragic murder of George Floyd in America. Conference notes that the movement shines a light for all of us on systemic racism.

Congress further notes that this systemic racism is again in evidence when we assess the disproportionate Covid death tolls in the black community.

Conference believes that members in further, higher, adult and prison education must fully support the BLM movement and that 51福利 branches must play an active role in delivering an anti-racist workplace.

Congress resolves to:

1. Request that branches support and work with their local BLM group

2. Provide branches with a template for recruiting a dedicated Race Equality Officer

3. Request all branches produce a report on anti-racist activity within their branch

4. Provide a forum for branches to share and disseminate information relating to ongoing anti-racist activity

6.4 Motion 8, Tackling race, racism and structural racism in Higher and Further Education was moved by Cynthia Akwei (Liverpool John Moores University) and seconded by Sam Uwadiae (Croydon College).

Motion 8 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes:

1. The tragic killing of George Floyd by the police is part of a long history of racism.

2. The Black Lives Matter movement is challenging systemic racism across the world.

3. The UK is not innocent and our universities are part of this systemic racism.

4. Campaigning for the retention and progression of permanent Black and Asian academic staff in higher and further education must be a priority for 51福利.

Congress supports:

a. the call for decolonising the curriculums and our institutions.

b. The removal of the awarding gap, between Black and Asian students and white students should be part of this process.

Congress resolves:

i. to consider and implement a plan of action, including if necessary the use of industrial action if the above calls are not heeded.

ii. that our Black members and committees should be at the centre of this campaign.

6.5 Motion 9, Opposing the new DFE curriculum guidance was moved by Mustafa Turus (CCCG City and Islington (Camden Road)) and seconded by Elena Simon (University of Sheffield).听 Ross Fletcher (Northumbria University) moved remittance of motion 9.

Motion 9 was REMITTED:

听听听听听听听听听 Notes:

The new DFE guidance on curriculum states:

1. Schools should not allow the teaching of anything that is deemed to be anti 鈥� capitalist.

2. Schools must not allow discussions about organisations that publicly state the desire to abolish or overthrow democracy or capitalism.

Believes:

a. This authoritarian extension of the Prevent agenda further infringes on free speech and a broad and critical education.

b. The guidance is an attempt to prevent schools discussing issues arising from the BLM and Environmental movement.

c. If allowed to go ahead this guidance will make it illegal to refer to large tracts of British history and politics including the history of British socialism, the Labour Party and trade unionism, all of which have at different times advocated the abolition of capitalism.

Resolves 51福利 to launch a campaign with other education unions to oppose the DFE guidelines.

7 BUSINESS OF THE EQUALITY COMMITTEE

7.1 The chair reminded Congress of the protocols for private business.听 She also reminded Congress of standing order 36, specifically in relation to the criticism of staff and the work of staff who were not in a position to reply, which was unacceptable, and requested that any criticism be withdrawn.

7.2 Motions 10 and 11, Remembering and celebrating Nita Sanghera听听听听听听 , were taken in the same debate.听 Motion 10 was moved by Sue Abbott (Newcastle University) on behalf of the NEC and seconded by Jo McNeill (NEC).听 Motion 11 was moved by Juliana Ojinnaka (Yorkshire and Humberside regional committee) on behalf of the Black members鈥� standing committee and seconded by Sunil Banga (Lancaster University).听 Mike Barton (London retired members) and Rhiannon Lockley (NEC) spoke in the debate.

Motion 10 was CARRIED:

Congress notes with sadness the tragic death of Nita Sanghera who would have been the first black woman president of 51福利 Further we note the extensive and exceptional work undertaken by Nita in promoting anti-racism and a wide variety of other equality issues for our union.

Congress therefore agrees:

1. to rename the annual equality committee fringe the 'Nita Sanghera Equality Fringe'

2. to initiate an annual Nita Sanghera equality award to be issued to a 51福利 member who has shown outstanding commitment and excellence to equality in our union.

Motion 11 was CARRIED:

Congress notes the hugely positive role Nita Sanghera played in supporting black colleagues across the country. Congress also notes the extensive work done by Nita Sanghera to resist the growing far right threat and her targeting by far right groups as a consequence.

Congress believes that there is a real threat to the employment and career of those who speak out against racism across our sectors accompanied by a growing media threat to academic freedom for those who speak out critically on race through public channels.

Congress resolves to:

1. reinvigorate our work on regional equality networks championed by Nita

2. establish a bursary/award scheme for ethnic minority student(s) in further and higher education in Nita鈥檚 name

3. reflect our policy for elected regional equality strand officers in regional standing orders

4. recognise the elected BMSC as a vital democratic voice to be listened to in addressing this silencing of critical voices.

7.3 Motion 12, Underrepresentation at Congress/NEC was moved by Victoria Showunmi (NEC) on behalf of the Black members standing committee and seconded formally by the chair.

Motion 12 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听 Congress notes the underrepresentation of black staff from both the further and higher education sectors at all levels of the union鈥檚 democratic structures. Congress also notes the positive work being undertaken to increase engagement and develop black activists and the increase in numbers attending the annual Black Members鈥� Conference.

Congress believes it is vital to ensure participation of black members at all levels of the union and is keen to address the issue in a systematic way.

Congress resolves to:

1. develop proposals to increase the numbers of black members at national meetings

2. present the proposals to Congress 2021 for implementation

3. consider the following as part of the proposals: mentoring support programmes, training courses on development and leadership programmes for black members.

7.4 Motion 13, Disability and casualisation, and amendment 13A.1 were moved by Marian Mayer (Southern regional committee) on behalf of the disabled members standing committee and seconded formally by the chair:

Amendment 13A.1:

Add, at end of point 鈥楴otes, 1鈥�: 鈥�with only 2.7% of professors declaring a disability鈥�

Add, at end of point 鈥楴otes, 2鈥�, 鈥�facing significant obstacles in gaining employment and developing careers in both sectors鈥�

In point 鈥楴otes, 3鈥�, delete 鈥榸ero hours鈥�. After 鈥榗ontracts鈥�, delete 鈥榤akes it even harder for disabled workers to secure鈥�; replace with 鈥榠s an additional barrier to secure鈥�

Insert new 鈥楴otes, 4鈥�

4. That the implementation of the REF is fundamentally ableist and entrenches disability discrimination

听听听听听听听听 In point 鈥楻esolves, 1鈥�, after 鈥楬ESA鈥�, insert 鈥�and equivalent body in FE鈥�

Delete point a. under 鈥楻esolves, 2鈥�; replace with

a. The efficacy of the REF code of practice in mitigating disability discrimination calling on funding bodies to ensure any mechanism to review is developed in consultation with employees鈥�

Delete point c under 鈥楻esolves, 2鈥�, and in consequence delete 鈥榓nd鈥� from the end of point b.

Amendment 13A.1 was CARRIED.听 Motion 13, as amended, was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes

1. that just over 50% of disabled people of working age are in employment but HESA data indicates that only just over 4% of academic staff declare a disability with only 2.7% of professors declaring a disability

2. that there is no data on the numbers of staff on casualised contracts who declare a disability facing significant obstacles in gaining employment and developing careers in both sectors

3. that research indicates that the growth of casualised contracts is an additional barrier to secure the reasonable adjustments they need to do their jobs

4. that the implementation of the REF is fundamentally ableist and entrenches disability discrimination

Congress resolves:

a. to campaign for HESA and equivalent body in FE to collate data on the intersection of protected characteristics and employment status

b.听 to set up a working group tasked with contacting members on casualised contracts to establish:

i. The efficacy of the REF code of practice in mitigating disability discrimination calling on funding bodies to ensure any mechanism to review is developed in consultation with employees鈥�

ii. whether they have received the reasonable adjustments that they require

7.5 Motion 14, Making 51福利 events more accessible: the provision of quiet spaces was moved by Martin Giddey (Southern retired members) and seconded by Marion Hersh (NEC).

Motion 14 was CARRIED:

Congress recognises that some members, for example neurodivergent and hearing impaired people, can face challenges when attending large meetings, conferences and Congress, where there are high levels of sound and visual stimuli. In the UK one in seven adults has hearing impairments and this ratio increases with age. The number of people who are neurodivergent is unknown but is probably greater than previously thought. Since these are relatively common difficulties, Congress requires that:

1. those planning and organising 51福利 events consider these challenges and how they can be minimised

2. at larger events a quiet room with subdued lighting should be provided for people who need temporary respite from high levels of sound and/or visual stimuli

3. at conference and Congress dinners a room adjacent to the main dining area should be provided for those who require a quieter environment to enjoy their dinner.

7.6 Motion 15, No outsiders, no borders was moved by Rhiannon Lockley (NEC) on behalf of Birmingham City University and seconded by James Brackley (University of Birmingham).听听听听听听听

Motion 15 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes:

1.听 the important role to be played by all education sectors in challenging harmful policing of LGBT+ people鈥檚 choices, behaviours and identities

2.听 the recent targeting of Parkfield, Anderton Park and other schools in Birmingham for delivering education designed to promote LGBT+ equality

3.听 the harm done by weaponisation of LGBT+ rights to support racist views in place of deconstructing homophobia, transphobia and other forms of LGBT+ oppression across society

4.听 the legacy of colonialism in the threat to the survival of LGBT+ people around the world

5.听 the heightened threat to LGBT+ migrants in a time of escalating deportation in the hostile environment.

Congress resolves:

a.听听 to call on the government to end the delay of reform to the GRA in the interest of member and student safety

b.听 to work with sister unions to develop intersectional education resources where LBT+ rights and the fight against the hostile environment are clearly linked.

7.7 Motion 16, Trans solidarity was moved by Pura Ariza (NEC) on behalf of Manchester Metropolitan University and UCL and seconded by Catherine Dale (UCL).听 Ross Fletcher (Northumbria) moved remittance of motion 16.

Remittance of motion 16 was LOST (90 for; 106 against; 29 registered abstentions).

Motion 16 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes:

1.听 reported transphobic hate crime in the UK and elsewhere has risen steeply recently as the right and far-right have grown

2.听 even a supposedly left-wing paper has published an aggressively transphobic cartoon

2.听 the parliamentary Women and Equalities Committee made 30 recommendations in 2016 to improve trans rights and trans people鈥檚 lives, including self-identification under the GRA to obtain a gender recognition certificate and a new birth certificate

3.听 the Tory government鈥檚 consultation on these has not reported despite closing in October 2018.

Congress condemns transphobia in education and elsewhere and reiterates its solidarity with trans and non-binary people, and resolves to:

a.听听 call on the government to immediately publish the consultation report

b.听 support calls to implement all of the Women and Equalities Committee鈥檚 recommendations

c.听听 support lobbies and protests to ensure this happens, which will also be a way of uniting all those who oppose transphobia.

7.8 Motion 17, Gender pay gap was moved by Joanna de Groot (NEC) on behalf of the women members standing committee and seconded formally by the chair.

Motion 17 CARRIED:

Despite valuable action the gender pay gap across post 16 education remains. This is fuelled by a majority of women in the lower quartiles of pay, especially those on inferior casualised contracts and multiple oppressions of women in intersecting equality strands also with similar pay gaps. Maternity pay, sick pay and reasonable adjustments fuel this pay gap.

Congress resolves to:

1. promote this issue with political parties and file an early day motion at Parliament to secure further statutory provision to force employers to comply

2. progress a full review and mandatory equal pay audit across all sectors for hard evidence of the real progression gap

3. hold the special NEC on unequal pay to progress this issue

4. improve guidance for negotiations in branches on specific sectoral issues

5. promote facility time for women and casualised women reps in branches and at national 51福利 meetings.

7.9 Motion 18, Facility time and equality of representation for women members was moved by Marian Mayer (Southern regional committee) on behalf of the Women members standing committee and seconded formally by the chair.

Motion 18 was CARRIED:

Congress notes that under-representation of women in trade union leadership and structures has been identified by the TUC (see Sisters to the Front: Women FTO鈥檚 conference 2020). 51福利 needs urgently to address this matter within our own structures. In furtherance of this fundamental aim Congress instructs branch and regional committees to adopt the following principles to address under-representation of women in committee positions:

1. women should be actively encouraged to take on branch committee roles

2. equitable facilities time should be allocated to women holding branch committee positions

3. men holding multiple positions should step aside from at least one position to create space for women representatives

4. women should be given first consideration as delegates for Congress

5. regional officials should be tasked with supporting these principles

6. branch committees should annually monitor and report on the implementation of these principles to the WMSC.听听听听听听听

7.10 Motion 19, Addressing the migrant pay gap was moved by Robyn Orfitelli (NEC) on behalf of the Migrant members standing committee and seconded by Chloe Vitry (NEC).

Motion 19 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes:

1. the imposition of immigration related fees (including, but not limited to, visa fees, the immigration health surcharge, and indefinite leave to remain fees) leave migrant workers systematically disadvantaged

2. that the Home Office generates excessive profit from these fees

3. that these fees are rarely reimbursed by employers

4. that failure to reimburse fees for dependents reflects a significant equality issue.

Congress resolves:

a. to lobby local and national politicians, as well as the Home Office and Department for Health and Social Care, calling for the abolition of all government imposed immigration fees associated with migration to the UK

b. that 51福利 gather data on migrant support policies across HE and FE, including fee reimbursement, legal support, and hiring practices.

c. to campaign for a standard UK-wide policy of employer reimbursement of all immigration related fees, as well as the associated tax burden

d. to report back on these activities at Congress 2021.

7.11 Motion L5, Defend Jobs!: Commission research on the summer 2020 job losses was moved by Sam Morecroft (University of Sheffield International College) on behalf of the anti-casualisation committee and seconded by Peter Wood (Open University).

Motion L5 was CARRIED:

Congress notes:

1. That last summer employers scrapped huge numbers of jobs in response to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic.

2. That as many as tens of thousands of casualised education workers may have lost their jobs as a result.

3. That 51福利 was not prepared for this eventuality.

4. That the extent of the COVID-19 crisis in the UK means that we could see the same thing happen again this summer and that we need to organise to protect members jobs.

Congress resolves to commission research detailing the number and circumstances of job losses in HE and FE in the summer of 2020, including part time jobs, in order to establish the impact on education workers and institutions and guide our strategy to collectively organise to protect jobs this summer and in the future.

7.12 Motion L6, Costs of homeworking was moved by Marian Mayer (Southern regional committee) on behalf of Bournemouth University and seconded by Peter Evans (South Thames College).

Motion L6 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes that:

Since the start of the pandemic (March 2020), many college and university staff have been working at home, delivering online teaching, research, administration and various services for students.听

Inevitably a shift to home working led to some cost transfers.听 As university and college buildings became empty, costs of heating, lighting and running equipment decreased.听 Staff working at home are using more gas and electricity for heating their homes and for running equipment and much greater use of broadband allowances and home internet connections.听 In many cases, staff are using their own computers, mobile phones etc.

Congress resolves to request the employer to provide:

1.听 Remuneration for additional costs of lighting, heating, electricity and broadband usage etc.

2.听 Additional consumables such as paper, printer ink etc.

3.听 Office equipment including computers, mobile phones etc.

4.听 Office furniture

5. 听听听听 Remote disability workplace assessments for comrades with disability related protected characteristics

THIRD SESSION OF CONGRESS, TUESDAY MORNING, 16 FEBRUARY

8 听听听听听听听听 Opening business

8.1 Vicky Blake, President, in the chair, noted again Congress鈥檚 vote to CBC鈥檚 report and the special arrangements for the conduct of on-line business: 190 for; 1 against; 8 registered abstentions.

8.2 The chair reminded Congress of the way in which the business of the on-line Congress was to be conducted. She noted the unacceptable behaviour by some delegates during the provision of advice by the head of legal services on the first day of Congress. The chair reminded delegates of standing order 36, and clarified that disruptive behaviour, which would not be tolerated, included verbal interruptions, visual interruptions, and not following the instructions of the chair. Delegates were asked to also be considerate in their use of social media.

9 Address by Vicky Blake, President.

9.1 Vicky Blake, President, addressed Congress.听

10 Business of the strategy and finance committee

Congress moved into private session.听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听

10.1 Update from Steve Sangwine, honorary treasurer

Steve Sangwine, honorary treasurer, addressed Congress.

Congress moved into open session.

Janet Farrar (president elect) was in the chair.

10.2 Motion 20, International campaigns and solidarity work was moved by Joanna de Groot (NEC).

Motion 20 was CARRIED:

Congress recognises the importance of international solidarity in defending education, academic freedom, workers鈥� rights and climate justice and the value of working with Education International, TUC, Amnesty and other affiliated solidarity organisations.

Congress recognises the ongoing nature of many of these campaigns, including:

1.听 defending educators and trade unionists at risk in places such as Turkey, Brazil, Iraq and the Philippines

2.听 ensuring justice for the Palestinian people and a sustainable peace process in Colombia

3.听 supporting the global right to public education and ensuring an equality dimension to 51福利鈥檚 international work.

Congress calls on NEC to build on its initiatives in these areas and to continue to engage members, branches and regions in effective international solidarity work.

Motions 21 鈥� 23 were taken in private session.

10.3 Janet Farrar president elect read out a statement on confidentiality to Congress.

10.4 Motion 21, Establishing a gender-based violence commission, motion 22, #Metoo Truth and Reconciliation and motion 23, Disclosures of trauma, abuse, and harassment,听听听听听听听听听 were taken in the same debate. 听Motion 21 was moved by Aimee Le (University of Exeter) and seconded by Marian Mayer (Southern regional committee).听 Motion 22, #Metoo Truth and Reconciliation was moved by Katy Fox-Hodess (University of Sheffield) and seconded by Tanya Serisier (Birkbeck University of London).听 Motion 23, Disclosures of trauma, abuse, and harassment was moved by Chloe Wallace (University of Leeds).

Amendment 22A.1 was moved by Elane Heffernan (NEC):

Add:

Congress commits to rooting out sexual violence and instructs NEC to urgently appoint an independent review of past 51福利 cases wherever survivors request it,

Inquiry to be conducted

路 with appropriate safeguarding, appropriate confidentiality for all parties and counselling available to all witnesses

路 under terms designed in conjunction with survivor organisations such as 1752 and with the input of NUS

The work of the SH taskforce to feed into the equality committees.

Motion 21 was CARRIED:

Congress notes:

1.听 widespread serious concerns about 51福利鈥檚 procedures for internal complaints of gender-based violence and harassment

2.听 high retraumatisation risks for survivors of sexual and domestic violence, abuse, and harassment.

Congress believes:

a.听听 violence and harassment have no place in our movement.

b.听 51福利 responses to gender-based violence should be:

路 trauma-informed

路 sensitive

路 responsive to survivors鈥� needs

Congress resolves to create a gender-based violence commission which will:

i.听听听 report to Congress 2021

ii.听听 be elected by and from branches and the equality committees of the Union, to ensure intersectional representation.

iii.听 review 51福利鈥檚 responses to harassment and violence

iv.听 conduct a trauma-informed impact assessment of procedures under Rule 13.

v.听听 design and conduct meaningful consultations with survivors, seeking advice from specialist survivor support organisations including (not limited to) Rape Crisis England and Wales, Survivors Trust

vi.听 recommend new procedures to be regularly reviewed by these external expert organisations

vii. be granted the ability to send, via the NEC, motions to Congress 2021.

Amendment 22A.1 was CARRIED. 听Motion 22, as amended, was CARRIED:

Congress notes:

1.听 the importance of the #metoo movement globally in redressing gender inequality

2.听 sexual harassment and sexual violence occur in progressive organisations, including trade unions such as our own

3.听 rape culture is enabled by institutions and structures that harbour perpetrators and create an environment hostile to survivors.

Congress believes:

a.听听 there is an urgent need to address this issue within our union, our universities and the society more generally

b.听 the misuse of confidential processes can shield perpetrators from scrutiny, further traumatise survivors and enable further abuse to take place.

Congress resolves to support an independent third-party expert review of existing policies, practices and procedures in the union in order to:

i.听听听 improve structures for reporting

ii.听听 improve support for survivors

iii.听 facilitate investigation of past practice to ensure a supportive environment for survivors

iii. consider what measures should be implemented to ensure that the union is accountable to its membership.

Congress commits to rooting out sexual violence and instructs NEC to urgently appoint an independent review of past 51福利 cases wherever survivors request it,

Inquiry to be conducted

路 with appropriate safeguarding, appropriate confidentiality for all parties and counselling available to all witnesses

路 under terms designed in conjunction with survivor organisations such as 1752 and with the input of NUS

The work of the SH taskforce to feed into the equality committees.

Motion 23 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes:

1.听 51福利's deep commitment to fighting discrimination and oppression.

2.听 51福利's commitments to ending all forms of harassment, misconduct and violence in our institutions and 51福利.

Congress recognises that appropriate training is necessary for anyone who may be in receipt of such disclosures.

Congress agrees:

a.听听 it is vital for 51福利 reps and staff to respond appropriately and sensitively when members disclose traumatic events, whatever the context of such disclosures.

b.听 mishandling any disclosure of violence, harassment, or misconduct is likely to intensify survivors' pain and trauma.

Congress resolves that:

i.听听听 training for reps and staff shall be reviewed urgently, and updated to specifically include input from survivor support organisations.

ii.听听 all procedures connected to the rules of this union shall be urgently updated to reflect the necessity of responding appropriately, ensuring respectful and professionally-informed support is provided whenever a disclosure of trauma, abuse, or harassment is made.

Congress moved into open session.

10.5 Motion 24, The life of the democracy commission was moved by James Brackley (University of Birmingham) on behalf of the West Midlands regional committee and seconded by Sunil Banga (Lancaster University).听 Adam Ozanne (NEC) and Alison Chapman (NEC) spoke in the debate. James Brackley (University of Birmingham) exercised his right of reply.

Motion 24 was LOST:

Congress welcomes the work that the democracy commission had undertaken, in an attempt to restore full accountability and transparency to decision making in our union.

Congress notes that the life of the democracy commission closed at the end of the December 2019 special Congress.

Congress is disappointed at the appalling lack of time allocated to this special Congress leading to the failure of 50% of the motions being heard, debated and voted on.

Congress instructs that the life of the democracy commission be extended to the annual Congress in May 2021. At this point it gives a summary of its work to Congress, and there should be a vote on extending the commission for a further year. If needed the terms of reference should be revised at this time.

10.6 The chair asked delegate James Brackley (University of Birmingham) to withdraw his description of briefings from the general secretary and the head of legal services on the first day of Congress as speeches against a motion. The delegate did not withdraw his remarks. The chair noted this with regret and asked that her request for the withdrawal of the remarks, and her clarification that these contributions were briefings, be included in the record of the meeting.

10.7 Motion 25, Case work was moved by Saleem Rashid (The Sheffield College) and seconded formally by the chair.

Motion 25 was CARRIED:

There is no data published by the 51福利 on case work: 鈥榖y gender and other protected characteristics鈥� . It is important听 that case work data is published on a termly and annual basis, and made available to members to听 allow scrutiny, transparency听 and determine effectiveness of the support given to members by the 51福利.听 Congress instructs 51福利 executive to:

1.听 collect case work data and publish it

2.听 publish the number of cases dealt by each region on a termly basis and data is collated nationally and shared with members鈥�

3.听 publish the type of cases/complaints raised by members in each region.

4.听 publish the number of cases dealt involving discrimination and the number of cases taken to the Employment Tribunal by the 51福利.

5.听 51福利 to provide compulsory training for all staff and officers undertaking case work on equality and discrimination.

10.8 Motion 26, Ending work-related stress in post-16 education was moved by Marian Mayer (Southern regional committee) and seconded by Sunil Banga (Lancaster University).听 Roddy Slorach (London regional committee) spoke in the debate.

Motion 26 was CARRIED:

Congress notes that workload related stress is endemic in FE and HE.听 The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued new criteria for investigating cases of work-related stress and announced that it will inspect stress in the workplace if specific criteria are met (September 2019). The HSE have stated that stress is a priority area in their strategy, and that it will investigate if it receives evidence that a number of staff are experiencing work-related stress or stress-related ill health.

Congress resolves that without delay 51福利 will:

1. seek to work with the Health and Safety Executive with a view to prosecuting Post 16 education employers where staff are experiencing work related stress and/or ill-health.

2. call on employers to commit to zero avoidable harm in the workplace, and be explicit that this includes mental health as well as physical health, as an essential minimum.

10.9 Motion 27, Even more efficient membership data for ballots was moved by James Brackley (University of Birmingham) on behalf of the West Midlands regional committee and seconded by Cecily Blyther (NEC).

Motion 27 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes:

1. motion 58 in the 2019 Congress established that efficient membership data management is essential for successful ballots.

2. branches need to easily identify members eligible for ballots.

3. branches need to store and access local information about members for effective GTVO activity.

Congress resolves:

a. to implement the changes requested in Motion 58 of the 2019 Congress

b. to include the following four fields in data exports: 'Primary employer', 'Mail returned date', 'Returned reason', 'Ballot excluded reason'

c. to add three new fields for branches and include them in data exports: 'Branch Comments' (Free text), 'Branch GTVO Status' (Options: 'Voted', 'Not voted', 'Will vote', 'Rather not say', 'Re-requested ballot paper', 'Other'), 'Branch GTVO Comments' (Free text)

d. to ensure funds are made available so that functionality can be put in place whether through updating, or even replacing, existing systems.

10.10 Motion 28, 鈥楶eople before profit鈥� programme was moved by Margot Hill (Croydon College) and seconded by Josh Lovell (University of Cambridge).

Motion 28 was CARRIED:

Congress notes the launch of the People Before Profit: Emergency Programme for Jobs, Services and Safety on 29 September 2020

Congress believes that this programme can help to shape the resistance we need to prevent workers and the poorest and most vulnerable bearing the brunt of a health emergency and economic crisis not of their making. The Tories withdrawal of the furlough could lead to a genuine jobs massacre. The ending of the prohibition on evictions and ongoing attacks and scapegoating on a million people 鈥榳ithout papers鈥� are creating conditions for an economic disaster.

Congress supports the People Before Profit emergency programme initiated by John McDonnell MP, PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka and others.

Congress resolves to adopt this programme and to consider ways we can take up its demands in the interests of our members, and publicise them.

11 Business of the recruitment, organising and campaigning committee

Vicky Blake (president) was in the chair.听 Congress was in private session for motions 29 鈥� 31.听 The chair read out standing order 36.

11.1 Motion 29, GTVO and union participation was moved by Pura Ariza (NEC) and seconded by Saira Weiner (NEC).听听听听听听

Motion 29 was CARRIED:

Congress notes the enormous effort made by branches, members and 51福利 staff working together to deliver effective industrial action.

Congress welcomes the continued focus by ROCC on GTVO as a key part of this process which has resulted in an average increase in ballot turnout since the passing of the Trade Union Act of around 25%.

NEC is instructed to continue prioritising increased participation in the union and specifically:

1. directly supporting branches in dispute, including via GTVO

2. expanding training opportunities for activists

3. prioritising small branches

4. continuing to grow the union through recruitment, and

5. providing support for priority, national industrial campaigns.

11.2 Motion 30, For a successful industrial action strategy was moved by Josh Lovell (University of Cambridge) and seconded by Mark Pendleton (NEC).听 Marion Hersh (NEC), Renee Prendergast (NEC), Jo McNeill (NEC) and Adam Ozanne (NEC) spoke in the debate.

Motion 30 was CARRIED:

Congress notes that a successful industrial action strategy requires extensive and critical knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of all actors in an industrial dispute and adequate resourcing that facilitates branch organising capacity.

Congress notes that relevant actors are, but are not limited to, employers, employers鈥� representatives, 51福利 branches, students and relevant political bodies.

Congress instructs the NEC to:

1. commission robust mapping of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of all relevant actors within a dispute prior to initiating any industrial actions

2. assess in detail the capacity of each branch to effectively organise their membership to take the required action, and

3. where necessary, provide extra resources to specific branches, including in the form of additional local organisers, to achieve those ends.

Congress instructs the NEC to develop its industrial action strategy with due consideration given to the information provided by the mapping exercise.

FOURTH SESSION OF CONGRESS, TUESDAY AFTERNOON, 16 FEBRUARY

12 Business of the recruitment, organising and campaigning committee (continued)

Congress continued in private session.

12.1 The chair read out Congress standing order 36.

12.2 Motion 31, Industrial action that can win was moved by Sean Vernell (NEC) on behalf of City & Islington College Camden Road and seconded by Margot Hill (NEC).听 Steve Sangwine (honorary treasurer) and Gursewak Aulakh (City College Plymouth) spoke in the debate.

Motion 31 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes:

1.听 the HE four fights and USS campaigns

2.听 the FE fights back campaign

3.听 the commission for effective industrial action.

Congress believes:

a.听听 the industrial action campaigns that have taken place in HE and FE demonstrate that escalating strike action is the most effective means of securing better pay and conditions

b.听 the use of disaggregated or aggregate ballots is a tactical question

c.听听 the GTVO campaign has proven to be a successful tool to overcome the 50% threshold

d.听 51福利 experiences of taking effective industrial action are ones that can be shared across the movement

e.听听 equality issues must be central to all industrial campaigns.

Congress resolves:

i.听听听 51福利 to organise a conference called Taking effective industrial action: Solidarity and beating the thresholds

ii.听听 to approach other unions like the NEU, PCS, CWU and others to support and help organise the conference.

Congress moved into open session.

12.3 Motion 32, Commission for sustainability, professional development and job security was moved by Peter Wood (Open University) on behalf of the anti-casualisation committee and seconded by Sam Morecroft (University of Sheffield International College).听 Adam Ozanne (NEC), Elaine White (anti-casualisation committee) and Steve Sangwine (honorary treasurer) spoke in the debate.

Motion 32 was CARRIED:

Congress recognises 51福利鈥檚 Commission for Effective Industrial Action (CEIA) reported that the Union鈥檚 strength is best applied by:

1. identifying key issues which motivate current and prospective members

2. extensive preparation, member involvement, recruitment and sustained action, in diverse forms

Congress resolves to, replicate CEIA鈥檚 model:

a. establish a commission

b. draw up recommendations for a one-day special Congress discussing subsequent actions

c. commission's membership to be elected by and from this annual Congress, constituted by lay members from all devolved nations and regions

d. regional committees, devolved nations and branches be encouraged to organise discussion of the same issues.

The commission will report on how 51福利 might work towards:

i. secure employment, particularly reduced use of atypical, agency and subsidiary workers

ii. lifelong learning, in-work training and professional development

iii. sustainability; financial, social, psychological and environmental

iv. the development or application of educational technologies that support the above.

12.4 Motion 33, Sick pay and reasonable adjustments was moved by Elaine White (anti-casualisation committee) and seconded formally by the chair.

Motion 33 was CARRIED:

Congress notes:

The coranovirus crisis has exposed the shocking lack of access to both statutory and occupational sick pay for casualised workers across post 16 education. This has been a long running inequality for casualised workers. It is a Health and Safety issue forcing members into debt or to work when they are not well. Getting paid and unpaid reasonable adjustments for people on insecure contracts is also a scandalous inequality.

Congress resolves to:

1. campaign for equal rights to full and equal occupational and statutory sick pay access for all workers

2. campaign to highlight the need for extra protection for insecure workers to obtain reasonable adjustments under the equality act legislation

3. call for the ACC and DMSC to work together on these issues

4. produce guidance for branches

5. call on 51福利 to work with other unions and campaign groups on these issues.

12.5 Motion 34, Indexation of pensions and benefits was moved by Steve Boyce (Eastern and Home Counties retired members) and seconded formally by the chair.

Motion 34 was CARRIED:

Congress deplores the behaviour of governments in index shopping; resulting in the higher RPI being used in collecting revenue whilst using the lower CPI when paying out pensions and benefits.

Congress charges the NEC to organise a campaign, in conjunction with other public sector unions, to index pensions and benefits using the RPI. Further an exploration should be made into constructing a 鈥渟ilver index鈥� that more properly reflects the impact of inflation on pensioner households.

12.6 Motion 35, Level of the state pension was moved by Doreen Magill (Yorkshire and Humberside retired members) and seconded formally by the chair.

Motion 35 was CARRIED:

Congress notes with concern the fact that none of the mainstream parties included in their 2019 election manifestos a commitment to increasing the totally inadequate basic state pension nor to raising it to levels comparable with the state pension in European Union countries.听 It notes the popular misconception of pensioner affluence.

As more and more people will be retiring without a decent occupational pension 鈥� including many 51福利 members in both further and higher education 鈥� the state pension needs to be set at a level which would eliminate pensioner poverty.

The failure of political parties to recognise this situation makes it more important than ever to support the work of the National Pensioners Convention and to mount a major campaign in the trade union movement to give all workers a decent state pension in retirement.

Congress calls on the NEC to work actively within the TUC to this end.

12.7 Motion 36, Rights to a private and family life was moved by Mark Wilson (51福利 Wales) and seconded by Chris Jones (NEC).

Amendment 36A.1 was moved by Mark Pendleton (NEC) on behalf of the 听听听LGBT+ members standing committee:

In first sentence replace 'state' with 'states' and insert 'and private' after 'family'.

In second sentence, replace 'demand' with 'demands鈥� and 'with our family' with 'outside of work'

In third sentence, insert 'and private' after 'family'.

Amendment 36A.1 was CARRIED.听 Motion 36, as amended, was CARRIED:

The Human Rights Act states that individuals have a right to a family and private life. In many institutions there are growing demands on our time which has a detrimental effect on our time that we can spend outside of work.

Congress calls upon all further and higher education institutions to sign a pledge that they honour family and private life and undertake working parties with representatives from unions to look at this matter within this year.

13 Business of the education committee

13.1 Motion 37, Education policy was moved by Alison Chapman (NEC) and seconded formally by the chair.

Motion 37 was CARRIED:

Congress notes the education committee鈥檚 work to develop 51福利鈥檚 profile across issues including admissions reform; managerialism; climate change; academic freedom; and the life changing impact of FE, adult and prison education.

Congress believes 51福利's increasing public policy influence stems from working to clear objectives set by Congress and long-term planning by the committee and calls for the development of a new three year programme of work focused on:

1. challenging marketisation and managerialism in education

2. promoting the benefits of investment in all forms of lifelong learning

3. defending the professional status of staff

4. campaigning for fair admissions

5. developing 51福利鈥檚 distinctive response to climate crisis.

Our successful Cradle to Grave conferences show members' appetite for engagement with education policy. Congress therefore instructs the NEC to consider ways in which branches, regions and nations can contribute to the development of policy on education and professional issues.

13.2 Motion 38, Automation and new technology was moved by Paul Whittaker (Lancaster University) on behalf of 51福利 Scotland and seconded by Marion Hersh (NEC).

Motion 38 was CARRIED:

Congress welcomes 51福利 Scotland鈥檚 Automatic University report, which outlines the impact of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in our sectors and begins to set out some of the challenges and opportunities posed by new technology.

Congress notes that automation and AI is changing the nature of work for staff in the post-16 education sectors.听 Congress calls upon 51福利 to use this report as a base to develop the union鈥檚 strategy to new technology 鈥� which should include workshops, bargaining guidance, reps training and development - to protect jobs and professionalism, and to develop new opportunities for all of those working and studying in post-16 education.

13.3 Motion 39, Implementing a climate emergency industrial revolution was moved by Mick Dawson (South east regional committee) on behalf of the South east, and 听听听听听听听听 Yorkshire and Humberside regional committees, and Southampton University, and seconded by Lydia Meryll (University of Manchester).

Amendment 39A.1 was moved by Peter Wood (Open University):

Add to resolves:

3. Identify measures to ensure the overall environmental impacts of institutions鈥� activities are reduced, with the costs borne by employers, rather than have those impacts or costs shifted to employees. Research and guidance should address the unprecedented increase in homeworking caused by COVID and casualisation.

4. Urgently pressure government, directly and via the TUC, to increase financial and regulatory support for residential energy, heating and insulation efficiency, addressing fuel poverty whilst delivering warmer winter homeworking

Josh Lovell (University of Cambridge) spoke in the debate.

Amendment 39A.1 was CARRIED.听 Motion 39, as amended, was CARRIED:

Congress notes with gratitude the support of student unions and societies in the Four Fights and USS disputes.

Congress believes that 51福利 should build on its positive relationship with students by advocating for action on today鈥檚 most pressing issue: the climate emergency. Congress notes the acceleration of the climate emergency threatening our planet which cannot wait for another five years for action.

Congress believes that trade unions can play a vital role in bringing about urgent climate action and a worker-led transition, rooted in workers' rights and social justice. Congress congratulates 51福利 for its role in winning the TUC to back a 30 minute walk-out for the 20/09/19 international climate strike.

Congress resolves to

1. pressure senior management to make binding commitments to meaningfully reduce their universities鈥� and colleges鈥� carbon footprints, to divest from carbon intensive businesses, and to record the climate impacts of their collaborative business projects within their sustainability reporting

2. to continue 51福利鈥檚 support for the youth climate strikes, building on the 51福利鈥檚 work stoppage for earth strike, and call upon other unions to follow suit

3. identify measures to ensure the overall environmental impacts of institutions鈥� activities are reduced, with the costs borne by employers, rather than have those impacts or costs shifted to employees. Research and guidance should address the unprecedented increase in homeworking caused by COVID and casualisation.

4. urgently pressure government, directly and via the TUC, to increase financial and regulatory support for residential energy, heating and insulation efficiency, addressing fuel poverty whilst delivering warmer winter homeworking

Congress calls on 51福利 branches to:

a. work with universities and colleges and other campus unions to declare a climate emergency and embed carbon reduction strategies in all areas of work

b. develop student/staff climate forums on every campus

c. support further calls for co-ordinated strikes against the effects of climate change to force politicians to act

d. urge employers to implement green policies.听 Such measures can include:

i. educating staff and students about environmental issues

ii. running premises in more environmentally friendly ways

iii. consider environmental issues when purchasing

iv. adopting travel and communication policies which reduce the need for frequent flying and driving,听 and encourage the use of environmentally friendly travel

v. publicising proposals for just transition from fossil fuel production.

Congress also supports working with NGOs and environmental groups to exchange ideas and implement solutions.

13.4 Motion 40, Action on climate change and CoP26 was moved by Marion Hersh (NEC) on behalf of 51福利 Scotland and the University of Glasgow and was seconded formally by the chair.

Motion 40 was CARRIED:

Congress welcomes the declaration of climate emergencies at several institutions. Congress deplores the limited action too late institutions are taking and the fact that not all have disinvested from other carbon investments.

Congress notes:

1.听 the 26th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Scotland in November 2020

2.听 the Paris Agreement demand for a rapid reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to keep average temperatures below 2oC above pre-industrial levels

3.听 the Scottish Government鈥檚 target of reducing greenhouse gases to net zero by 2045

4.听 Friends of the Earth鈥檚 demand of net zero by 2040, and Extinction Rebellion鈥檚 by 2025

5.听 51福利 involvement in trade union campaigns to tackle climate change, including the campaigns for climate jobs and just transition, and

6.听 51福利 Scotland鈥檚 membership of the Scottish Just Transition Partnership, which led to the establishment in Scotland of the Just Transition Commission.

Congress instructs NEC and the general secretary to work together with branches and student unions to:

1. determine best practice in action against climate change and circulate a briefing to branches to support campaigning

2. together with other trade unions, put pressure on the government to take stronger action against climate change, support an end of fossil fuel extraction and a just transition to a zero carbon economy urgently, with full involvement of the trade union movement.

Congress encourages branches to work together with student unions to:

a. campaign and put pressure on management to implement this best practice and disinvest if they have not done so

b. organise teach-outs and other activities on climate change during all industrial action

c. actively participate in student climate strikes and the protests and the CoP26 meeting in Glasgow in November and in civil society activities associated with CoP26.

13.5 Motion L8, Lobby to re-join Erasmus scheme was moved by Nick Spedding (University of Aberdeen) and seconded by Janet Farrar (president elect).

Motion L8 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes:

1. on 24 December 2020, the UK government decided to withdraw from the European Erasmus scheme, without a mandate;

2. the Erasmus scheme was one of the biggest successes of internationalisation, changing lives, enriching research and connecting HE institutions;

3. the 鈥淭uring Scheme鈥� which the UK Government intends to launch as a replacement:

听- will be only for outgoing mobility,

听- is not for EU students to come to UK universities,

听- does not include faculty (teaching) mobility,

听- is not fit for purpose;

4. the Scottish and Welsh Governments are actively exploring options to keep the devolved nations in the Erasmus scheme.

Congress calls on 51福利 to lobby the UK government to reverse this act of cultural and educational vandalism and re-join the Erasmus scheme.

14 Business of the Equality committee (continued)

14.1 Motion D20, Toward a stronger Equality Act was moved by Elane Heffernan (NEC) and seconded by Robyn Orfitelli (NEC).

Motion D20 was CARRIED:

Congress notes the tenth anniversary of the Equality Act.听 Congress condemns the continued failure to establish full rights and protections for all disadvantaged and discriminated groups in our workplaces.

Congress highlights, the gender and BME pay gaps, the failure to implement time limits for reasonable adjustments and the rise in hate crime and anti-Semitism.听听 LGBT+ people continue to face harassment and sexual harassment, and discrimination based on race, nationality and migrant status blights our campuses.

Congress calls on the NEC to publish a comprehensive audit of the failures of the Equality Act as a basis for further campaigning and lobbying by the union, in collaboration with others, to protect what we have and to achieve what we need.

The audit should be published to all members focusing on equality in the workplace, its intersectional aspects and its interaction with other issues such as casualisation, workloads and barriers to career progression.

14.2 Motion D21, Fighting racism and the Tories' hostile environment - in memory of Nita Sanghera was moved by Elaine White (Anti-casualisation committee) on behalf of the听听听听听听听听 Yorkshire and Humberside regional committee and seconded by Deepa Govindarajan Driver (NEC).

Motion D21 was CARRIED:

The election of Boris Johnson signifies the intensification of the Tories鈥� racist hostile environment. The scapegoating of migrants, refugees and the Muslim community will only get worse.

Johnson鈥檚 government is building on its links with racist populist politicians like Trump and Victor Orban.

Congress opposes the Tories鈥� racist 鈥榩oints based鈥� immigration system and reaffirm our support for freedom of movement.

Congress reaffirms our total opposition to the Islamophobic Prevent agenda.

In the light of the tragic early death of our president elect, Nita Sanghera, Congress supports a further joint 51福利/Stand Up To Racism campus tour - under her name - and supports the 2021 UN anti-racism day protests.

14.3 Motion D22, Prevent was moved by Elaine White (Anti-casualisation committee) on behalf of Bradford College and seconded by Helen Kelsall (The Trafford College Group).听 Adam Ozanne (NEC) spoke in the debate.

Motion D22 was CARRIED:

听听听听听听听听听 Congress notes:

The Prevent strategy continues to be part of one of our legal duties yet despite some attempts to show concern about far-right concern the recent training continues to stereotype and categories Muslims as vulnerable for radicalisation.

In recent months it was revealed that peaceful organisations such as CND and anti-racist organisations such as Stand up to Racism are on the watch list with the implication that teachers should be weary of students joining these kind of organisations.

Congress resolves to:

1.听 continue to campaign to scrap the Prevent strategy

2.听 continue to campaign for anti-racist policies

3.听 continue to campaign for free universal education and youth services for all to break down the barriers in our communities.

14.4 Motion D23, Raise awareness of hidden disabilities in educational establishments was moved by John James (Coleg Gwent Newport) on behalf of 51福利 Wales and seconded by Elane Heffernan (NEC).

Motion D23 was CARRIED:

Congress notes that many educational establishments have delivered excellent training to raise awareness of the main types of disabilities. These disabilities are often visible and/or easily identified.

It is often the case that staff (and students) are not aware of hidden disabilities and the effect of these on the person concerned. Congress calls upon educational employers鈥� bodies to ensure that hidden disability is identified as a vital training need within all educational establishments, and active steps are taken to raise awareness of this type of disability.

15 Closing business

15.1 The chair thanked delegates, staff and the transcriber.听 The link to vote on motions would be sent to delegates on 17 February with a deadline for voting of noon on 22 February.

15.2 Justine Mercer, vice president, thanked Vicky Blake and Janet Farrar for chairing Congress.