University and College Union

The Open University branch of the University and College Union

Pete Wood - Branch President

Pete is an Associate Lecturer, teaching Arts, Social Science and STEM. Since first joining the Open University in 2010, he has worked across Academic, Academic-Related and Professional Services positions, whilst also gaining a PhD. Outside the OU, he works as a sustainability campaigner, community organiser and research consultant. For the OU’s UCU branch he has led work on Fixed Term Contracts, employment conditions for researchers, environmental issues and acted as Union Learning Rep. Nationally, he writes far too many branch Congress motions, has sat on the Anti-Casualisation Committee (2018-20, 2023, including being the Co-chair in 2020-21) and is the founding Co-chair of the Climate and Ecological Emergency Committee.

Pete was elected as our Branch President for the first time in June 2024 and re-elected in June 2025. 

Pete Wood