UCU’s annual equality conference combines a joint equality conference for black, disabled, LGBT+ and women members as well as dedicated sessions for the four constituencies, joint sessions, various workshops and guest speakers.

The 2019 conference was held in Birmingham from 21 November – Saturday 23 November and included half-day conferences for each of the four equality strands, and a plenary session on ‘othering’ which marginalises and devalues people based on their protected characteristic or class.

Questions or contributions were invited to the guest speakers: Sam Heyes, who spoke on the need for trans inclusion and Michael Braithwaite who provided an emotive commentary on his work as a Windrush campaigner.

Michael Braithwaite

The conference also included a session on how to progress equal pay claims in the workplace and identifying pay gaps for different equality groups.

Over the three day conference various strands on the Members Standing Commitees (MSCs) voted on motions presented and members elections to MSCs .

Report by Louise Gooddy, UCU NW Regional Committee LGBT+ Rep.