Patrick Vernon

The Wolverhampton, Bilston & District Trades Union Council is seeking a researcher to undertake some initial research into Wolverhampton/Staffordshire connection to slavery and the slave trade. This project stems from the Black Lives Matter movement. Closing date 30 May 2021

Aims

1. Uncover the history, which is of particular importance and poignant interest to black trades unionists, but certainly not only to them.

2. Identify and research complicit individuals and their companies.

3. create a database of research materials studied.

3. identify further avenues for future research.

4. help to strengthen BAME trade union networks.

5. Increase public recognition of some local people and companies’ involvement in Britain’s shameful past.

Main tasks

• Identify materials and sources which shed light on the links between Wolverhampton/Staffordshire and the Slave Trade.
• Use the ‘Encyclopaedia of British Slave-ownership’ and other sources to gather information about families and individuals from the area connected to the slave trade.
• Produce resources suitable for Trade Unions, particularly BAME trade union networks, as well as schools, colleges, and the general public

Skills

The key skills required are:

• Research, particularly on-line databases
• Synthesising information from a range of sources
• Writing simply and lucidly
• Presenting material to the TUC (others can present to other groups; or the researcher can do it for free if she/he thinks it will help their CV; budget will not stretch to paid presentations)
• Working independently with light supervision

Experience

We would consider applicants with a wide range of experience.

We encourage applications from BAME candidates (including candidates who would want support to develop some of their skills).

We would look favourably on candidates who have a history of trade union and/or anti-racist activism and an interest in the history of empire.

We would be very happy for students who planned to use this work as part of their studies to apply. We would consider applications on a job share basis.

For anyone who wishes to know more about the role contact g.millar@wlv.ac.uk

Remuneration

The budget for this project is modest. As we are willing to consider candidates with differing levels of experience, we would negotiate hourly rate and total number of hours with the successful candidate.

Please send a CV and short covering letter to info@wolvestuc.org.uk

closing date 30 May 2021