Endorsements

‘I am endorsing Sean because he is an exemplary ally in standing against discrimination, as well as an empowering mentor. His knowledge, strategic mind, and relentless hard work are invaluable not just to UCU but to the wider UK trade union movement.

Sean supported me through the UCU Solidarity Movement and offered mentorship at a time when I was feeling isolated. With his advice and encouragement, I was better able to advocate for members and strengthen participation within the branch. 

Sean has been unwavering in his commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, consistently reinforcing the importance of equalities work within higher education. As a Palestinian UCU member, I have also seen Sean show consistent and principled support for colleagues affected by the genocide in Gaza. He has facilitated spaces for members to come together, share perspectives, and engage in thoughtful discussion and action about Palestine long before October 2023.

Sean is knowledgeable, principled, dependable, and deeply committed to the values that underpin our work.’ — Victoria Araj, St Mary’s UCU member; ex-Membership secretary, University of Lincoln UCU.

‘Please vote for Sean Wallis for VP HE. Sean is a principled trade unionist with a strong track-record at all levels of our union. He both knows how to articulate a clear, firm and principled position and how to win people to it, qualities that will serve him well in the Presidential roles. He also understands the union is a political space where we both defend what we have and fight for better and that we win together when we fight together grounded in the principles of solidarity and democracy.’ — Grant Buttars, University of Edinburgh UCU and NEC.

‘Whether it is on pensions, pay, lecture capture, points of employment law for a member in distress or on the modalities of intricate negotiations, I have sought advice from Sean and time and again found his thoughtful comments very useful.

But what’s most impressive about Sean is that he doesn’t just spout theoretical advice. He actually does the hard graft of work on the ground – his advice is built on actually engaging meaningfully with employers and members, and from navigating the day-to-day realities of organising in our sector. On many occasions, and in many branches, I know Sean has stepped forward to build solidarity and lend a helping hand without being prompted. He is highly intelligent, extremely capable and politically astute. He is also a really decent human being.

Sean Wallis is the candidate I would trust at the helm of our union at this crucial time for our sector.’ — Dr Deepa Govindarajan Driver, USS negotiator and NEC member.

‘I’m very pleased to be endorsing Sean Wallis for UCU Vice President. I’ve worked closely with Sean for a number of years in his capacity as branch secretary and have found him to be wholly committed to challenging injustice, inequality and discrimination within our sector, which he pursues with relentless commitment, integrity and detail.

He has an unrivalled knowledge of policies and procedures concerning branch members locally and higher education more broadly. Further, he is an extremely effective strategist, a fantastic ability to mobilise members around just causes through persuasive and reasoned argument and someone who actively seeks and excels in collaboration with colleagues both within internal and external processes, campaigns and procedures. It is precisely this kind of decisive leadership and advocacy at both the local and national level that the UCU urgently needs.’ — Dr Clive Chijioke Nwonka, Academic, UCU branch member, University College London.

‘I have known Sean Wallis for over 30 years as a friend and fellow UCU activist. In all that time I have never known him not to stand up for what is right, to fight discrimination of all types, or to be a collective leader. Many union members will know this, but what they might not know is his commitment to individuals who need his help, and that he has represented union members from across the spectrum without fear or favour, and often with great success.

Sean understands the union movement, both its present condition and its present possibilities. At this time of great difficulties I can think of no one better to take up this leadership role as national Vice President, his clarity of strategic thinking, his hard work and above all his passion for the basic principles of the Union movement.’ — Jon Fanning, ex Vice-President, University of York UCU.

‘I have met Sean many times; on marches and demonstrations, at UCU’s Annual Congress and worked with him on the London Regional Committee. Sean has a long history and track record of commitment to all post-16 education – FE, HE, ACE and Offender Education.

Sean has a willingness to engage in debate, to listen to other views and to work to persuade those whose views differ to adapt. He has demonstrably supported member-led democracy in his roles on the National Executive Committee, he can be trusted to listen and represent the views of grassroots members and to deliver the policies adopted by Congress and Sector Conferences.

Above all I will be voting for Sean Walis for Vice President of UCU, because of his qualities of judgement and his capability of chairing union meetings in a democratic and inclusive manner. Sean will be a hard-working and conscientious VP and President who will do a good job for all UCU members.’ — Peter Evans, Vice Chair, UCU LGBT+ Members Standing Committee.

‘I strongly endorse Sean Wallis’ candidacy for UCU Vice President from the Higher Education sector. I know Sean through our work on the National Executive Committee as well as through his grassroots cross-branch activism in the UCU Solidarity Movement. He has extensive experience across every level of the union from branch casework to campaign organising.

As a Pay Negotiator, I have seen him harnesses his background in statistics to challenge the damage that marketisation is unleashing on the Higher Education Sector in a clearly articulated evidence-based manner. He is a strong advocate for transparency and democracy in our union and works tirelessly to engage members on the ground to become involved in shaping direction and strategies to be a proactive and united fighting union. This is crucial and urgent given the multiple crises being faced by the sector, as no branch should have to face these challenges alone.

His role as a founder member and activist in UCU Solidarity has been crucial to enable branches across both HE and FE facing brutal cuts and redundancies to connect with and support each other. He has been instrumental in helping branches and activists share experiences, knowledge and solidarity, whilst developing pragmatic collective strategies to fight back.  

He also dedicates time to individual branches by addressing branch meetings to keep members updated on the HE landscape, and the ways in which members can take ownership of democratically shaping our union’s strategic approach and direction. He is deeply committed to members, to education and to the trade union. Please vote for Sean for VP.’ — Aisling O’Beirn, UCU Ulster Anti Casualisation Officer and NEC member for Northern Ireland.

‘I wholeheartedly support Sean Wallis as UCU Vice President and encourage everyone to vote for him. I have known Sean Wallis as a principled and committed UCU activist, as well as being secretary/president of UCL UCU, and have worked closely with him on several successful campaigns for over a decade.

He possesses a unique ability to lead at high strategic levels as a pay negotiator, organising university-wide campaigns, and at the same time have an unfailing commitment to supporting scores of individuals as their case-worker, particularly people of colour.

I have often been in awe of his knowledge of policy, politics and labour law, how generous he is with his time, how caring he is to those he represents, yet how fearless he is when representing university workers at all levels. I cannot imagine there is a better person for this role given the level of integrity, commitment and strategic thinking.’ — Dr Ala’a Shehabi, academic, University College London.

‘I wholeheartedly endorse Sean Wallis for UCU Vice President (HE). Sean’s leadership and legal expertise were instrumental in our fight against bogus self-employment at UCL, where he stood tirelessly alongside casualised staff to secure employee status for many – transforming lives and setting a precedent for justice. His strategic brilliance, generosity, and unwavering belief in our collective power not only helped us challenge exploitative practices but also inspired me to become a union activist, organiser, and advocate for climate justice within UCU.

Sean’s ability to combine grassroots organising with high-level negotiation is rare. He doesn’t just fight for wins; he builds movements. His support for our grievances, his support for our founding of the UCU Climate and Ecological Emergency Committee, and his solidarity with branches across the UK demonstrate his commitment to a democratic, militant union that stands up for all members – especially the most precarious. In a sector under attack, we need Sean’s vision, integrity, and relentless energy at the helm. Vote for Sean Wallis for VP HE.’ — James Price, founder of FfilmSchool.org and PGR, Prifysgol Aberystwyth and Bristol University.

‘I unequivocally endorse Sean Wallis for UCU VP (HE). Trade union activism is challenging and often thankless, requiring tenacity,  patience, experience, wisdom, and guts. Sean Wallis has these attributes and regularly applies them across multiple scales —  from his activity on individual cases, to that on the London regional and national levels. We especially need reps like Sean in this era marked by shocking and shameless attacks to our profession, which verily threaten the sector as we know it, let alone democracy and a host of civil rights to boot.

Our union has a key role to play in this dangerous moment of history — within the labour movement, nationally, and even internationally. We need a union leadership that understands what’s at stake, knows how these struggles intersect and where they diverge, and knows how and when to struggle. 

In addition to my admiration for Sean’s knowledge and tireless commitment as a trade unionist, I am indebted to his support and guidance as my representative during a period when I was targeted and eventually dismissed, after the events of Oct 7th and the start of the Gaza genocide. Sean’s input has been instrumental in my defence — support he gave freely and generously, though we never knew each other previously. Sean’s instincts, commitment and experience are what our union needs in this time — to not only weather the storm and defend past achievements, but to set a new vision for how organised labour can play a transformational role in creating alternatives to the toxicity and ineptness of UK politics today. 

Don’t think twice – vote Sean for VP.’ — Toufic Haddad, Palestinian-American academic, Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh and former Director of the Kenyon Institute in occupied East Jerusalem.

‘I support Sean Wallis.

Sean is a trade unionist of considerable experience, of great dedication, and with tremendous passion in his support of working people. I have seen him use those qualities to the benefit of our collective cause many, many times over the years. I am sure that if elected Sean’s voice would be of crucial importance to UCU in these very difficult times. I endorse him wholeheartedly.’ — Stuart Oliver, Branch Chair, St Mary’s University UCU.

‘Sean is a campaigning trade unionist with a strong track record of representing members locally, coordinating activities between branches regionally, and negotiating with employers nationally. In the last decade Sean has been at the forefront of efforts to defend the principle of the public university in the face marketisation, and played a very important role in UCU Solidarity Movement, which developed during the pandemic. I have no hesitation in endorsing Sean for the position of UCU VP.’ — Bob Jeffery, Anti-Casualisation Officer, Sheffield Hallam UCU and Regional Chair (Yorkshire and Humberside).

‘If they attack us one by one, we respond together. What we need to confront the crisis and restructuring of higher education is a national strategy and the will to fight. Sean Wallis combines deep knowledge of HE with long-standing experience in trade union work – and, crucially, a strategic and political vision equal to the scale of the crisis we face.

I have known Sean for many years. When I was Vice Chair and then Chair of the KCL UCU branch, Sean was consistently on my side – offering practical support, political clarity, and solidarity when it mattered most. He stands for a fighting union: one that genuinely defends members on personal, industrial, and legal fronts.

Sean is an outstanding caseworker, with a deep knowledge of employment law and higher education legislation, and an exceptional local and national negotiator. He knows that UCU’s strength does not end at the negotiating table. It is rooted in members’ confidence and organization.

Sean is the real rank and file. He believes in the collective power of ordinary members and in our capacity to organise, mobilise, and fight back together.

Over the last two years, he has been at every single Palestine march, carrying the UCL and London Region banners. Sean understands that we cannot confront the crisis in higher education without putting opposition to war and genocide – and solidarity with Palestine – at the centre.

Sean is the most dedicated UCU member I know. He is kind, supportive, and honest – and relentlessly committed to defending others. He believes in us, in our collective strength, and in what a fighting union can achieve.

He is, quite simply, my favourite person in the entire union – and exactly the kind of leader UCU needs now. That is why I strongly and proudly support Sean Wallis for UCU Vice President.’ — Lucia Pradella, King’s College London, and convenor of University College Workers for Palestine.

‘I am pleased to endorse Sean Wallis for the position of Vice-President from the HE sector.

I am branch chair at University of Westminster (Cavendish campus), which is a post-92 university. Sean’s university, UCL, is our next-door neighbour in central London, so I (and my branch) had many opportunities over the years to be grateful to Sean for his help and support. Sean is an absolute font of knowledge and wisdom about anything to do with UCU, university finances, employment law, and health and safety legislation. He has always been generous with his time and advice — advice which has often come from many years of hard-won experience. Sean is a committed, hardworking and experienced union activist at branch, regional, and national level.

Sean would be a great vice-president for all our union. Please vote for Sean.’ — Simon Courtenage, Branch Chair, University of Westminster (Cavendish) UCU.

‘Since becoming more involved with UCU beyond my branch in 2020, I’ve had the joy of getting to know Sean as a union activist, comrade and friend. He is someone I know I can ask for advice on any union-related topic, and he would be able to give it or point me in the right direction to find answers or support. He has supported me as a union activist, in understanding the way Congress and our democratic structures work, and during my time on NEC – I wouldn’t be the activist I am today without his contribution.

Sean has a deep well of knowledge on trade union matters and UCU policy and practices. He is generous with his time, and will always offer support to reps or members who need a chat, to offer solidarity to individuals and branches and the wider community. Sean is compassionate, justice-focused, and understands the political and economic contexts of post-16 education well. He will make an excellent Vice-President, and I urge you to give him your vote.’ — Dr Bee Hughes, Branch Secretary, Liverpool John Moores University UCU.

‘Sean will make an excellent Vice President of UCU. I have known Sean for many years from my time at UCL. His understanding of the issues facing UCU and the HE sector is unsurpassed. Sean is unashamedly a supporter of UCU Left but in this time of crisis there is no place for sectarian differences with ‘independent’ candidates blaming ‘the Left’ for their own failings.

Sean has the experience and capacity to lead a fighting, democratic UCU into the difficult challenges that we face. Whether you consider yourself ‘Left’, ‘Right’, or ‘independent’, please vote for the best candidate — Sean Wallis.’ — Philip Inglesant, UCU London Retired Members’ Branch.

‘I am delighted to support Sean’s candidacy due to his long track record of securing victories for UCU members. He played a key role in winning our pensions back, and his knowledge of the law will be particularly useful as we fight against mendacious employers who appear determined to destroy tertiary education. He tirelessly fights to amplify the voice of members and branches, and is highly principled.

Sean is also acutely aware of the particular challenges faced by workers in the devolved nations, and I have no hesitation in encouraging you to give him your vote.’ — Ross Gibson, Branch Secretary, Strathclyde UCU.

‘I am endorsing Sean Wallis For VP for Higher Education enthusiastically and I am so grateful to him for his willingness to answer the call.

I first met Sean in 2018 when my Branch first engaged nationally, over USS. He was integral in organising events and briefing documents so that USS members could understand fully why a prolonged fight was justified. Since then I’ve seen Sean in operation as my Regional Secretary and more recently I’ve worked alongside him on NEC and the NEC’s Strategy and Finance Committee. Sean sees the big picture, while having a wealth of negotiating experience and deep understanding of the legislation which constrains us as union activists. While supporting the concept of education as a public good, Sean appreciates how HE and the rest of post-16 education contributes to economic strength and could help to lower inequality. He reminds us that critical research and teaching are fundamental to preserving democracy. The critical thinking that results helps us to identify oppression in the UK and internationally.

As a branch officer I’ve benefitted hugely from Sean’s knowledge of case law and local organising experience. He shares this so generously across the Region, via the UCU Solidarity Movement and more broadly.  With Sean as VP, I and fellow reps will be  encouraged to fight even harder for a democratic union,  empowering and responding to members’ voices.’ — Donna Brown, Branch Chair, Royal Holloway UCU, and NEC member.

‘Sean Wallis gives everything to UCU and to supporting comrades. As our Regional Secretary, he carries the region with real commitment — encouraging others to step up, building collective strength, and always turning out with energy and ideas. Sean brings strong legal knowledge and a proven record of fighting tough cases for members. Having been casualised for many years himself, he understands casualisation not as a policy issue but as a lived reality, and he is relentless in challenging insecurity, exploitation, and injustice in our sector.

He has consistently supported me and London Met with solidarity, practical help, and principled leadership. He is a trusted comrade — like a brother in the union — and someone who leads through action.

At a time of deep crisis for higher education, Sean is exactly the leader UCU needs: dedicated, experienced, and committed to fighting for secure work, dignity, and justice. I unreservedly recommend voting for him for Vice President.’ — Christina Paine, Chair, London Met UCU (and NEC, ACC and Disabled Members Committee).

‘Sean has strong historical knowledge of UK higher education over recent decades, backed by extensive local, regional, and national experience.  Based on his understanding of UCU’s role, structure and statutes he significantly and generously assists comrades across UK branches promoting an active “public agenda” and a sustainable, publicly funded post-16 education and research system for the good of all. 

He values connections with wider UK syndicalist and international union movements, is an empathetic listener, committed and consistent in taking action and an effective negotiator, altogether placing Sean in an excellent stead to take on the UCU Vice President position to shape UCU’s future. I fully support Sean’s nomination as a voice within UCU that we cannot afford to ignore.’ — Ana Redondo, Branch Chair, University of Bedfordshire UCU.

‘I fully endorse Sean Wallis for VP from HE. Sean is one of the hardest working individuals I know, he is absolutely committed to the union and fighting to ensure all members are protected and supported.

He listens carefully to members and supports other branch reps and activist with solutions and ways to push back against aggressive employers. Sean is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to legal cases and best practice, though he is also clear in knowing the limits of how effective the law can be. He has pushed back on poor pay, mounting workloads, and threats to academic freedoms, particularly around Palestine – demonstrating that he is a skilful organiser both within his branch, region and nationally.

The thing about Sean that always strikes me is: he is happy to meet, listen and help members. You will often see members going and speaking to him as they know he can help them problem solve. He understands where members are at and will help ensure the union takes the necessary steps to defend them.’ — Regine Pilling, Branch Sec at Capital City College (FE), NEC and National Negotiator. 

‘I’m endorsing Sean Wallis for Vice President HE because he is a tireless campaigner who has consistently been on the front line of defending education and jobs in HE, which has been under attack for several years through cuts and marketisation. I have worked closely with Sean in my capacity as an officer within London Region, and know that he would be an excellent VP who would bring our union together as a member-led collective.

Thanks to Sean, his branch has donated significant sums of money to branches in struggle in FE, which is solidarity in action.’ — Pete Bicknell, UCU branch chair, Lewisham College (FE), London Region FE Secretary.

‘I believe Sean Wallis is the right person for UCU Vice President. A game changer in trust, integrity, and fortitude. UCU is in real need of leaders that are strong and consistent, that remain resolutely with and for the rank and file. Leaders that not only can talk the talk but also walk the walk – WE are the Union.

From Sean’s role as London Regional Secretary and national negotiator, I know Sean to be a person of integral action and strength from a base of clear and strategic thinking, reasoned and impassioned argument, with an impressively sound analytical mind for both political and sector(s) context who will work hard for the health of the UCU Union and all its members. I’ll be voting for Sean Wallis for UCU Vice President’ — Wendy Chapple, Joint Branch Secretary, University of the Arts London UCU.

‘Sean has consistently shown up for Palestine and has been a key force in pushing UCU to act against scholasticide, campus repression, and British complicity.

As a founding member of University & College Workers for Palestine, Sean helped drive Palestine motions at Congress and supported Palestinian members to raise their voices. Sean is at the forefront of the Palestine movement in education. His election would be a huge win not only for our union but for educators in Palestine too.

Vote Sean Wallis for UCU VP!’ — University & College Workers for Palestine.

‘We are incredibly lucky to have Sean Wallis putting himself forward for Vice President of UCU. Sean is intelligent, astute, and compassionate — he has a wealth of knowledge about employment law, the history of our HE and FE sectors, and how to apply this in the wider political world we inhabit. He genuinely cares about building a stronger trade union movement in these turbulent times, and has a strong vision for doing so.

As a new branch president, I have sought advice from Sean on building a stronger branch and encouraging more democratic activity. Sean has consistently and generously provided astute advice on navigating complex issues — from interpreting university ordinances and understanding our rights under the public sector equality duty, to defending academic freedom and freedom of speech in challenging circumstances. His guidance on employment law has been particularly invaluable when supporting members facing difficult situations

Sean’s leadership vision is rooted both in his academic training and deeply humane principles — he is pragmatic and strategic, always focused on what will genuinely strengthen our union. This was evident when he generously gave his time to speak to our branch about the national ballot. As a lead negotiator for many years, he provided compelling arguments grounded in data analysis of our employer’s financial reports for why we should vote, demonstrating his ability to draw on statistical analysis to build arguments and move our members to action. When he spoke to our branch, Sean showed his commitment to working beyond political ideology — whether engaging with Commons or Left — because his priority is making the union stronger, not advancing a narrow factional agenda.

I have known Sean for less than a year, since spring 2025, yet I have been deeply impressed with his principled thinking and eloquent speech. Sean is a kind and decent person, generous with his time and advice. In this time of crisis in HE and FE, we in UCU are so lucky to have Sean stepping forward for Vice President. I strongly and unreservedly endorse Sean Wallis.’ — Shirley Ye, Branch President, University of Birmingham UCU.

‘It is a profound privilege for the UCL Bartlett School of Architecture (BSA) UCU Representatives to offer our wholehearted and unequivocal endorsement of Sean Wallis for UCU Vice President.

Collectively we have known Sean for numerous years, and across many of our own various capacities, yet a singular consensus unites our experience: that Sean is a principled, fiercely committed, and profoundly effective, UCU activist and leader. Sean has consistently shown steadfast commitment to UCU members, especially within the Bartlett School of Architecture. Through difficult periods, he has offered essential and often vital support, without hesitation, to countless BSA members and to us as UCU representatives. Sean has been a selfless stalwart of caring advice, robust guidance, and foundational support not just within our department, but across the whole of UCL, and beyond in both regional and national campaigns.

Sean represents precisely the type of leadership our union desperately needs right now. He possesses the skills, the clarity of vision, and the proven capabilities that will not only help support individual members in the challenging times our sector faces, but also drive forward the wider agenda for fairness, equity, and the long-term sustainability of higher education. His track record speaks volumes about his ability to unite, advocate, and deliver tangible results for union members at every level, and we once again wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy.’ — Mollie Claypool, Prof. Marcos Cruz, Bill Hodgson, Tyson Hosmer, Prof. Yeoryia Manolopolou, Dr. Edwina Atlee, Thomas Parker, Prof. Barbara Penner, Prof. Sophia Psarra, and Prof. Jane Rendell, BSA (UCL) UCU reps.

‘It’s a privilege to be able to endorse Sean Wallis for the role of UCU VP. Sean is one of those rare academics capable of reconciling serious academic work and a selfless commitment to the trade union movement and to his colleagues.  Over a number of years, he has supported hundreds of members, both in our UCL branch and beyond. He has offered his expertise locally and inspired colleagues with his vision for a progressive movement and a democratic academe, at UCL and beyond. Sean’s intuition that academia is now confronted by an unholy trinity of financial constraints, unprecedent challenges posed by AI, and an increasingly hostile political environment, is both meaningful and grounded in decades of serious research and political work.

Our union needs someone with Sean’s skills, visions, and capabilities in a position of responsibility more than ever.’ — Nicola Countouris, Professor of Labour Law and European Law, UCL and UCU departmental representative.

‘I am delighted to endorse and support Sean Wallis for the position of Vice President of the University and College Union. He is the most knowledgeable, active and trustworthy individual I know in the union movement. He has the most incredible energy and positive enthusiasm even in these bleak times. Just what we need at the heart of our movement providing good sense, a cool head and real leadership.

Sean has been one of our national negotiators and proved his metal many times over. I encourage you to vote Sean and take us on the first small step to saving our sector.’ — Richard Wild, UCU branch co-chair, University of Greenwich, London Region HE Secretary.

‘Sean Wallis has, in the past three years, made an enormous difference to my small, post-92 branch. When compulsory redundancies were announced here, it was invaluable to be able to ask for advice on both practicalities and tactics from someone with so much insight and experience.   

I know Sean through the weekly Solidarity network discussions on organising against the many threats that we face in our sector. I joined these meetings unsure of what a small branch could do when faced with cuts. Sean helped us navigate those terrible times. In addition to the solidarity and advice that Sean has always had for my branch, I value his vision of the central importance of higher education in our changing society. Sean has my vote because of his solidarity towards the smallest of branches combined with his astute insight into the broader political battles that shape the very future of HE.’ — Dr Eeva Sointu, Vice Chair, York St John University UCU.

‘I have worked with Sean Wallis on UCU committees and as a fellow Regional Secretary for many years. Sean has an excellent understanding of industrial relations in the Higher Education Sector. He is strongly committed to the defence of academic freedom and education, with a clear understanding of the impact of marketisation on student welfare and staff workloads. He is developing UCU’s analysis of the likely impact of Artificial Intelligence on education and on our democratic rights.

Sean has a strong track-record of activism at branch, regional and UK-wide level. Within his branch he is active in local negotiations and casework. As a Regional Secretary he has developed understanding of the challenges facing members in all sectors of post-16 education and been involved in campaigns for better funding of the sector.

Sean is committed to supporting UCU’s equality and international solidarity work. He will make a conscientious and hard-working Vice President and I am happy to recommend a vote for Sean in the forthcoming VP election.’ — Elizabeth Lawrence, UCU Past President (2014-16) and Regional Secretary (Yorkshire and Humberside).

‘I’d like to endorse Sean as a candidate for the role of VP of UCU. He has been a fount of appropriate and relevant knowledge for our branch on the many occasions we have reached out to him. His generosity of spirit has meant he is willing and able to provide support and his hard-won expertise, often at very short notice.

Sean has been an invaluable ally to us as an individual branch, but I am also conscious of his wider impact in leading the UCU Solidarity movement which has provided a practical and emotional harbour for colleagues in troubled times.’ — Dr Nicholas Freestone, Branch Secretary, Kingston UCU.

‘I am really glad that Sean Wallis is standing for Vice President. I have no hesitation in supporting his campaign. We need principled leaders that will enact democratic decisions and match the courage of members to fight for our working conditions. I know that Sean, and his fellow UCU Left candidates, constantly fight for the idea of free Higher Education as an illuminating and progressive force in wider society, and a safe space for young people and oppressed groups, including trans and disabled people to organise and discover their potential.

Sean does not just talk the talk. In 2022, despite being very busy as a national negotiator and HEC member, Sean was central to the UCU Solidarity Movement. Through that group, we twinned the 30 or so universities taking part in the 2022 MAB with those who weren’t. My branch, Kingston, was one of those MABbing branches. He came to my branch several times to advise on our tactics with my employer, patiently discussing options with the committee.

Our fight for our jobs, pay and education is a political fight. We have strength as a union when we organise and fight together, and are not sabotaged by weak leadership, token action or abandonment, as in the 2023 MAB. 

Sean and other UCU Left activists understand this all too well. That’s why I will be voting for Sean, and I would encourage others to do likewise.’ — Nicola Field, Solidarity rep, Kingston University UCU, original member of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners.

‘I am delighted to support Sean Wallis’s candidacy to UCU Vice President. I met Sean through the UCU Solidarity Movement, a UK-wide grassroot network of UCU activists that he helps coordinate. As a relatively new activist at the time, I was immediately impressed by Sean’s knowledge and understanding of our Union, as well as the Higher and Further Education sector. I found the weekly solidarity meeting extremely valuable to keep up with the strategic priorities of our Union, understand its internal politics, and build a solid network of solidarity across branches. It was thanks to this network of solidarity that branches like mine could stand firm during the marking and assessment boycott in 2022 and win local concessions.

Throughout the years, Sean’s dedication to advancing internal Union democracy and strengthening the voice and participation of rank-and-file members has been nothing short of inspirational.

Sean has a wealth of experience as a negotiator and as an activist at both local and national level. His in-depth knowledge of employment law, understanding of political pressures, and sharp focus will be invaluable as we face one of the biggest crises ever seen in tertiary education in the UK. Voting for Sean means supporting a democratic, proactive union that defends members’ rights and the future of Higher and Further Education.’ — Melissa D’Ascencio, Co-President, University of Dundee UCU.