This is the first time we are using the new branch rules of biennial elections for department reps. The deadline for nominations is 12pm Thursday 26 May.

To find out more about the different department rep roles (including UCU department equality rep and roles for members on casualised contracts and for postgraduate students who teach) and how to nominate someone, see choosing your UCU department representatives

Under the new rules all department rep roles are up for election every two years, so if you would like your current department rep(s) to stay in the role please nominate them (with their permission!).

Please take some time to think about which if your colleagues you think might be good union representatives. Challenge any stereotypes you may have of what union reps are like, be mindful of the risk of over-representation of white and male union members in representative roles. You might want to consider, for example, who you and your colleagues have confidence in, whose judgement you trust, and who is a good listener.