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Ulster University recognises three trade unions for consultation and negotiation purposes:  UCU, Unite and Unison.

Each of the recognised trade unions represents different categories of staff.

The University and the unions share the common objective of achieving results that are beneficial to the University, its staff, and its students.

Upcoming Meetings

Meetings between the University’s management and the trade unions are held regularly. Dates for meetings scheduled for this academic year are listed below:

Upcoming Meetings image

UCU

  • 16 September 2026 at 2:00pm
  • 13 January 2027 at 2:00pm
  • 21 April 2027 at 2:00pm

View UCU Minutes
Upcoming Meetings image

Unite

  • 4 November 2026 at 2:00pm
  • 3 March 2027 at 2:00pm
  • 2 June 2027 at 2:00pm

View Unite Minutes
Upcoming Meetings image

JUCNC

  • 21 October 2026 at 2:00pm
  • 3 February 2027 at 2:00pm
  • 12 May 2027 at 2:00pm

View JUCNC Minutes

Trade Union Representatives

Trade union representatives play a valuable role within the University.

If you would like to join a recognised trade union, or want to find out more about the important work that they do, please contact one of the representatives listed below.

UCU

Website

Union Contacts
Union RepresentativeContact
Chair/ARPS Rep Norman Hagan
Secretary Stephen Baker
Treasurer Sid Katzen
Anti-Casualisation Officer Aisling O'Beirn
Health and Safety Officer Linda Moore
Equality Officer Sharron Sturgess
Casework Officer Lindesay Dawe
Membership/Communications OfficerRichard Mitchell
Hourly Paid StaffJosie Scott
PhD StudentsEmma Campbell

Other Committee Representatives

UNITE

Website

Union Contacts
Union RepresentativeContact
Coleraine / Magee Branch Secretary Judith Hough
Belfast / Jordanstown Branch Secretary Richard Young
Coleraine / Magee Branch ChairEdward Carlsson Browne
Belfast / Jordanstown Branch Chair Marcella McCann
Belfast / Jordanstown Branch Health & Safety OfficerRichard Young
Regional Officer for Ulster UniversityGareth Scott
Crafts / DWU RepresentativeTony Starrs
Ulster University "Technician Commitment" RepresentativeRhonda Black
Coleraine / Magee Branch Equality OfficerRhonda Black
Coleraine / Magee Branch Health & Safety RepresentativeRhonda Black
Coleraine / Magee Branch Health & Safety OfficerBilly Scampton
Belfast / Jordanstown Branch Equality OfficerGrace Peacock
Belfast / Jordanstown Student Administration Department Health & Safety RepresentativeMichael Kerr
Belfast / Jordanstown Branch Women’s Officer & RepresentativeSharon McKee
Crafts / DWU Belfast / Jordanstown Branch Health & Safety RepresentativeAndy Smith
UNISON

Website

Union Contacts
Union RepresentativeContact
Area OrganiserDanielle McCusker

Joint Negotiating Committees

The University management meets regularly with trade union representatives from UCU, Unite, and Unison.

JNC

Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC)

  • Representatives from University management meet regularly with trade union representatives from UCU and  Unite. These meetings are called Joint Negotiating Committees.
  • Staff may be asked to attend a JNC to contribute to specific items of discussion.
  • Full notes are taken at these meetings and published on the Ulster University Employee Relations website.

JNC Purpose

The JNC is convened to consult and negotiate on proposals, decisions and communications that may have influence on University staff.

The aim is to reach agreement by consensus on the issues presented, fully exploring all options available. Items for discussion are proposed by management and/or the trade unions.

JUCNC

Joint Union Consultative and Negotiating Committee (JUCNC)

  • Representatives from University Management meet regularly, in joint committee, with representatives from the three trade unions (UCU, UNITE and UNISON).  These meetings are called Joint Union Consultative and Negotiating Committees.
  • Full notes are taken at these meetings and published on the Ulster University Employee Relations website.

JUCNC Purpose

The JUCNC is a formal partnership committee, providing forum for a recognised means of communication between University management and staff.

This is a formal committee for consultation and negotiation in respect of collective matters.