It represents universities and HE colleges in national negotiations with the five sector trade unions, government bodies, funding councils and other stakeholders.
UCEA also provides advice to members (higher education institutions) on strategic and operational employment issues and undertakes research into human resource planning, pay, pensions, recruitment and retention of staff, and other employment related issues of interest.
UCEA was established as new employers’ body on 1 April 1994 with subscriptions invited from 1 August of that year.
UCEA's membership includes all UK universities and higher education colleges.
[1] The chief executive is Raj Jethwa,[2] and the Chair of the Board is Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of Aberdeen.