Breach of Union Rules Decision: McGaughey & Blake v UCU
Summary
The Certification Officer issued a decision under section 108A(1) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 in McGaughey & Blake v UCU. Following a hearing on 10 February and 3 March 2026, the Certification Officer refused six of seven complaints alleging breaches of union rules regarding appointment or election to union office. One complaint was upheld in part, though no enforcement order was made.
What changed
The Certification Officer issued a final decision in McGaughey & Blake v UCU concerning seven complaints under section 108A(1) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 regarding alleged breaches of union rules on appointment or election to union office. Six complaints were refused in their entirety. One complaint was upheld in part, though the Certification Officer exercised discretion not to make an enforcement order.\n\nFor the University and College Union, this decision confirms that most of the election and appointment procedures examined were not found to breach union rules. Union officers should retain documentation of the decision and monitor whether the partially upheld complaint gives rise to any further regulatory action. Individual union members who made complaints should note that the avenue of complaint to the Certification Officer has been exhausted for six claims, with limited recourse remaining on the one partially upheld complaint.
What to do next
- Review internal union election and appointment procedures for compliance
- Monitor for any enforcement order if the upheld complaint is pursued further
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Decision
Breach of union rules decision: McGaughey & Blake v UCU
This document contains the decision made by the Certification Officer in this case.
From: Certification Officer Published 31 March 2026 Get emails about this page
Documents
Breach of union rules decision: McGaughey & Blake v UCU
Ref: D/26-32/25-26
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Details
The applicants made seven complaints under section 108A(1) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 that the Union had breached rules relating to the appointment or election of a person to an office of the Union.
Following a hearing on 10 February and 3 March 2026, the Certification Officer refused six of the complaints. He upheld, in part, one complaint but declined to make an enforcement order.
Published 31 March 2026 Get emails about this page Print this page
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