UCU is able to offer the hosting of local branch websites using the popular WordPress blogging software. This enables branches to have standalone web sites, hosted independently of any web facilities their institution may have, and enabling the option to have a free and hosted site where institutions don’t offer this for their campus unions.

The basic installation uses a UCU-created template similar to this site. We hope to be able to develop this and add additional options as time and resources allow. In the main for most branches the basic set-up will be more than adequate, but the web team is happy to discuss the options for branches who want more advanced features. Note that due to network admin constraints site administrators won’t be able to install third party plugin or themes themselves, but many are provided by default and we’re happy to take requests if a specific feature is wanted. This will be fine for the vast majority of sites.

Sites use the naming convention: branchname.web.ucu.org.uk – we need to take into account possible conflicts/overlaps with other branches, but for the most part names requested by branches should not be a problem. The option is also available for branches who want to buy and use their own domain name instead.

If you’d like a site set up, please email web@ucu.org.uk. We will need the email address of the person who will be the main administrator and the preferred name of the site (we’ll get back to you if we foresee problems). We will get back to you to confirm and this person will automatically be emailed their account information when the site is set up. They will also be able to add other administrators and site contributors.

The branch will be entirely responsible for the content and administration of their site once it’s set up. However, the UCU web team is always around to help with any technical problems.

We look forward to hearing from you.

UCU web team