The Political Studies Association (PSA) recognises the importance of the action undertaken by the University and College Union (UCU). The PSA gives its full support to our members and other colleagues who are concerned about their terms and conditions of employment, including those who have decided to strike during February and March. We recognise the challenge presented by the changes taking place in higher education, and the exceptional commitment that academics are making for themselves and their students at this difficult time. We are particularly grateful to PSA members for continuing to promote and develop political studies through teaching, research and engagement despite these challenges.

As a learned society and registered charity, our work involves engaging with academic colleagues, university students and those with an interest in political studies outside of academia. Our membership is comprised of schoolteachers, undergraduates, policymakers, and the public as well as academics - including those who are not members of the UCU and those who belong to different pension schemes. While working closely with higher education as an organisation, we are not ourselves subject to the strike action currently underway, and so will continue to operate.

We will postpone some PSA activities out of respect to those on strike and to enable them to get involved in the future. However, work on certain core activities, such as the Annual Conference and digital communications relating to our association’s governance and operations, will continue during this period to support all of our members and to further the study of politics in general. PSA Chair Professor Roger Awan-Scully adds:

It is very sad that, once again, we are in a situation where so many PSA members, and other academic colleagues, have felt obliged to support industrial action. The PSA is very aware that this situation is difficult for many people. It is our strong hope that agreements will soon be arrived at that not only satisfy immediate concerns but also help address the concerns that many academics, as well as others, have for the long-term health of UK universities.”