History and Role of the JUC
A learned society, established in 1918, the Joint University Council (JUC) seeks to promote and represent the work of higher education institutions in the field of the Applied Social Sciences.
The JUC provides an important national forum for the discussion of academic issues such as the content of curricula, matters relating to resources and standards in teaching and research, and other issues of common interest in its subject fields. A Registered Charity, it is a member of the Academy of Learned Societies in the Social Sciences (ALSISS) and is represented on the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.
As an academic body representing almost every eligible institution of higher education in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, the Council has been able to speak to governments with strength and authority for almost 90 years. It maintains close relations with the General Social Care Council (GSCC), the National School for Government, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Higher Education Funding Councils (HEFCE, SFC, HEFCW), as well as with other relevant training and funding bodies and government departments. The Joint University CouncilL also underwrites and supports research activities, including workshops and conferences.
The Council is made up of representatives of universities and colleges offering courses in its subject fields at degree level or above. Each committee keeps itself closely informed about the developments in its subject area. To fulfil its aims, the Council's constitution states that it should consult and co-operate with other bodies concerned with education, social policy and social work education and should submit evidence to Royal Commissions and to any other public bodies enquiring into or acting on matters affecting the education, training and recruitment for these occupations. It also publishes relevant material on education and similar matters in its subject fields, including two journals.
The JUC's income is almost entirely derived from members' subscriptions. Full membership entitles each institution to nominate a qualified representative (and an alternate) to each of the three subject committees in which it has an interest. The representatives compose the subject committees, elect the officers (who each serve a three year term) and help to make their policy. The Council as a whole is managed by an Executive Committee, which includes representatives from each of the committees
A membership form is available for download on this site.
The Council is served by a small secretariat and further information is available from:
The JUC Secretary
Sandra Odell
Faculty of Economics & Social Sciences
NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY
Burton Street
Nottingham
NG1 4BU
