Steven French retirement
UCU rep Steven French retired at the end of 2022
Steven has helped and supported hundreds of members of UCU (and previously the Association of University Teachers, AUT) through really difficult times at work, making a huge difference to many people’s lives over decades.
Steven served on the UCU, and formerly AUT, branch committees including as vice-president, equality secretary and honorary secretary, and has a reputation as a really effective negotiator.
No-one currently on the committee is sure when Steven first became a union rep (!) because he was already there providing brilliant support to colleagues in the 1990s; typically calm, wise, insightful, supportive, and incisive, and tenacious in supporting union members.
As a caseworker Steven has supported countless colleagues across the university thoughtfully and effectively. Steven is the caseworker’s caseworker. Steven mentored the caseworkers who mentored the caseworkers who will be mentoring the next caseworkers. His contribution to the UCU branch and the many members of it over decades is immense.
We wish him well in his well-deserved retirement!
This page was last updated on 20 January 2023
Steve has been a great personal inspiration. Full of wisdom that he willingly shared with humour. He acted as a case worker for me one time for which I will be forever grateful. I know that he has helped so many over the years with his work and his skill. I hope that he has a rich and rewarding retirement.
Steve has been a great colleague and fellow trade unionist for very many years and I will miss him a lot.
We’re going to miss Steve loads in Leeds UCU; he was dedicated, diplomatic and so nice to work alongside as well as always being on the picket lines when we’ve had to fight back. You’ve fought for a decent retirement Steve; now’s your opportunity.