UCU Commons
@ucucommons.org
UCU Commons is a broad activist community working within and alongside the University and College Union (UCU). We are also on http://UCUCommons.org #UCUCommons
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UCU Commons
@ucucommons.org
· Dec 3
Industrial Action Ballot Result Statement
UCU Commons members are disappointed in the outcome of the ballot; a failed ballot is not a result that any of us wanted. However, we know that many members have lost faith in our union’s elected comm...
ucucommons.org
Our statement on yesterday’s #UKHE ballot result is now on our website. #UCU
ucucommons.org/industrial-b...
ucucommons.org/industrial-b...
Reposted by UCU Commons
TOMORROW:
Report Launch and Discussion
1:00-2:30PM GMT
Guest Speakers:
Matilda Fitzmaurice (@matildaf.bsky.social)
Jay Todd (@jaytoddgla.bsky.social)
Lekan Adekola
Gillian Rose (@profgillian.bsky.social)
Register:
www.rgs.org/events/upcom...
Report Launch and Discussion
1:00-2:30PM GMT
Guest Speakers:
Matilda Fitzmaurice (@matildaf.bsky.social)
Jay Todd (@jaytoddgla.bsky.social)
Lekan Adekola
Gillian Rose (@profgillian.bsky.social)
Register:
www.rgs.org/events/upcom...
States of precarity in UK geography report launch
We're invitomh all geographers to the launch of the States of Precarity in UK Higher Education Geography report.
www.rgs.org
January 13, 2026 at 11:49 AM
TOMORROW:
Report Launch and Discussion
1:00-2:30PM GMT
Guest Speakers:
Matilda Fitzmaurice (@matildaf.bsky.social)
Jay Todd (@jaytoddgla.bsky.social)
Lekan Adekola
Gillian Rose (@profgillian.bsky.social)
Register:
www.rgs.org/events/upcom...
Report Launch and Discussion
1:00-2:30PM GMT
Guest Speakers:
Matilda Fitzmaurice (@matildaf.bsky.social)
Jay Todd (@jaytoddgla.bsky.social)
Lekan Adekola
Gillian Rose (@profgillian.bsky.social)
Register:
www.rgs.org/events/upcom...
Reposted by UCU Commons
Please show your support and solidarity to all FE teachers strking this week.
FE Teachers deserve better.
FE Teachers deserve better.
Solidarity with all @ucu.org.uk FE strikers this week 📢
🗓️14-16 January 2026
📍Find and support your nearest picket: bit.ly/FEPickets
1/3 @drjogrady.bsky.social
#StrikeMap #NewDealForFE #UCU #UCUStrike #FEstrike #Education #FurtherEducation
🗓️14-16 January 2026
📍Find and support your nearest picket: bit.ly/FEPickets
1/3 @drjogrady.bsky.social
#StrikeMap #NewDealForFE #UCU #UCUStrike #FEstrike #Education #FurtherEducation
January 12, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Please show your support and solidarity to all FE teachers strking this week.
FE Teachers deserve better.
FE Teachers deserve better.
Reposted by UCU Commons
Solidarity with all @ucu.org.uk FE strikers this week 📢
🗓️14-16 January 2026
📍Find and support your nearest picket: bit.ly/FEPickets
1/3 @drjogrady.bsky.social
#StrikeMap #NewDealForFE #UCU #UCUStrike #FEstrike #Education #FurtherEducation
🗓️14-16 January 2026
📍Find and support your nearest picket: bit.ly/FEPickets
1/3 @drjogrady.bsky.social
#StrikeMap #NewDealForFE #UCU #UCUStrike #FEstrike #Education #FurtherEducation
January 12, 2026 at 1:09 PM
Solidarity with all @ucu.org.uk FE strikers this week 📢
🗓️14-16 January 2026
📍Find and support your nearest picket: bit.ly/FEPickets
1/3 @drjogrady.bsky.social
#StrikeMap #NewDealForFE #UCU #UCUStrike #FEstrike #Education #FurtherEducation
🗓️14-16 January 2026
📍Find and support your nearest picket: bit.ly/FEPickets
1/3 @drjogrady.bsky.social
#StrikeMap #NewDealForFE #UCU #UCUStrike #FEstrike #Education #FurtherEducation
Reposted by UCU Commons
I should add that this isn't a silver bullet to the problems we have with participation and representation in our committees, but it's a useful and important first step to making things that bit easier.
January 11, 2026 at 10:52 AM
I should add that this isn't a silver bullet to the problems we have with participation and representation in our committees, but it's a useful and important first step to making things that bit easier.
Reposted by UCU Commons
It is currently easier to nominate for the NEC (which takes decisions on union strategy) than for an equality standing committee (which has a purely advisory role). We're aiming to change this. Read more at the link!
We've written a motion to open up the nomination process to UCU's advisory equality standing committees, which is long overdue. This would bring it in line with that for our decision-making NEC. More details of the process and our reasons at the link. #UCU #UKHE
ucucommons.org/rule-change-...
ucucommons.org/rule-change-...
Rule Change to Equality Standing Committee Nomination Process
With the help and advice of UCU staff, UCU Commons members have proposed a rule change for the equality standing committee nomination process. The goal of this is to make the process of nominating to ...
ucucommons.org
January 10, 2026 at 3:41 PM
It is currently easier to nominate for the NEC (which takes decisions on union strategy) than for an equality standing committee (which has a purely advisory role). We're aiming to change this. Read more at the link!
Reposted by UCU Commons
I've been promising to do this for years – better late than never! We hope this'll pass at most/all of the meetings of 5 standing committees this month, the Equality Committee in Feb, and March's NEC. It's a no-brainer for all sorts of reasons outlined in the blog post #UCU #UKHE
We've written a motion to open up the nomination process to UCU's advisory equality standing committees, which is long overdue. This would bring it in line with that for our decision-making NEC. More details of the process and our reasons at the link. #UCU #UKHE
ucucommons.org/rule-change-...
ucucommons.org/rule-change-...
Rule Change to Equality Standing Committee Nomination Process
With the help and advice of UCU staff, UCU Commons members have proposed a rule change for the equality standing committee nomination process. The goal of this is to make the process of nominating to ...
ucucommons.org
January 10, 2026 at 2:26 PM
We've written a motion to open up the nomination process to UCU's advisory equality standing committees, which is long overdue. This would bring it in line with that for our decision-making NEC. More details of the process and our reasons at the link. #UCU #UKHE
ucucommons.org/rule-change-...
ucucommons.org/rule-change-...
Rule Change to Equality Standing Committee Nomination Process
With the help and advice of UCU staff, UCU Commons members have proposed a rule change for the equality standing committee nomination process. The goal of this is to make the process of nominating to ...
ucucommons.org
January 10, 2026 at 2:23 PM
We've written a motion to open up the nomination process to UCU's advisory equality standing committees, which is long overdue. This would bring it in line with that for our decision-making NEC. More details of the process and our reasons at the link. #UCU #UKHE
ucucommons.org/rule-change-...
ucucommons.org/rule-change-...
Reposted by UCU Commons
Some really (and qualifiedly) good news from Cardiff UCU @cardiffucu.bsky.social :
No redundancies next year, no downgrading of professional services staff.
And all without the need for disruptive industrial action, which nobody at all wants.
nation.cymru/news/cardiff...
No redundancies next year, no downgrading of professional services staff.
And all without the need for disruptive industrial action, which nobody at all wants.
nation.cymru/news/cardiff...
Cardiff University agrees to no compulsory redundancies in 2026
Martin Shipton Union members at Cardiff University have welcomed “major concessions” from management including no compulsory redundancies in 2026 in an ongoing dispute about job cuts and working condi...
nation.cymru
December 19, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Some really (and qualifiedly) good news from Cardiff UCU @cardiffucu.bsky.social :
No redundancies next year, no downgrading of professional services staff.
And all without the need for disruptive industrial action, which nobody at all wants.
nation.cymru/news/cardiff...
No redundancies next year, no downgrading of professional services staff.
And all without the need for disruptive industrial action, which nobody at all wants.
nation.cymru/news/cardiff...
Reposted by UCU Commons
We are deeply concerned for the health of Qesser Zuhrah, who has been on hunger strike for 46 days.
We join those calling on the government to act now, and address the serious concerns raised by lawyers acting for the prisoners.
We join those calling on the government to act now, and address the serious concerns raised by lawyers acting for the prisoners.
December 18, 2025 at 6:47 PM
We are deeply concerned for the health of Qesser Zuhrah, who has been on hunger strike for 46 days.
We join those calling on the government to act now, and address the serious concerns raised by lawyers acting for the prisoners.
We join those calling on the government to act now, and address the serious concerns raised by lawyers acting for the prisoners.
Reposted by UCU Commons
We welcome the return of Erasmus.
But how welcoming is the UK for international students?
Rising costs, visa restrictions and growing uncertainty are driving international students away.
Time to make the UK a genuinely welcoming place to study again.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c4...
But how welcoming is the UK for international students?
Rising costs, visa restrictions and growing uncertainty are driving international students away.
Time to make the UK a genuinely welcoming place to study again.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c4...
Students react to UK rejoining Erasmus scheme as Tories accuse ministers of caving into EU
British students will be able to spend a year studying at EU universities without paying extra fees, and vice versa for European students.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 12:10 PM
We welcome the return of Erasmus.
But how welcoming is the UK for international students?
Rising costs, visa restrictions and growing uncertainty are driving international students away.
Time to make the UK a genuinely welcoming place to study again.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c4...
But how welcoming is the UK for international students?
Rising costs, visa restrictions and growing uncertainty are driving international students away.
Time to make the UK a genuinely welcoming place to study again.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c4...
Reposted by UCU Commons
Oh hey it finally made the media, only a week after the letter was actually sent.
FWIW despite being legally obliged to share with all staff, he so far hasn't.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/birming...
FWIW despite being legally obliged to share with all staff, he so far hasn't.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/birming...
Birmingham reprimanded over its management of work-related stress
Investigation by Health and Safety Executive found institution ‘does not have appropriate arrangements in place’ to manage burnout among staff
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Oh hey it finally made the media, only a week after the letter was actually sent.
FWIW despite being legally obliged to share with all staff, he so far hasn't.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/birming...
FWIW despite being legally obliged to share with all staff, he so far hasn't.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/birming...
Reposted by UCU Commons
Our final newsletter of 2025: BDM report, UCU Congress timing survey, news from UCU, UK HE and Australian HE!
See you all in 2026!
See you all in 2026!
Edition 6 of our newsletter has dropped! Including BDM report, news from UCU, the UK HE sector and the Australian HE sector feat @markpendleton.bsky.social !
We're taking a break for the holidays but we will be back with our first newsletter of 2026 on 14th January.
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
We're taking a break for the holidays but we will be back with our first newsletter of 2026 on 14th January.
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
UCU Commons newsletter #6, 17 December 2025
Dear subscriber
Welcome to the UCU Commons newsletter, a curated set of links and information about what's happening in UCU Commons, our union, and our sectors more generally. As always, we welcome ...
ucucommons.org
December 17, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Our final newsletter of 2025: BDM report, UCU Congress timing survey, news from UCU, UK HE and Australian HE!
See you all in 2026!
See you all in 2026!
Edition 6 of our newsletter has dropped! Including BDM report, news from UCU, the UK HE sector and the Australian HE sector feat @markpendleton.bsky.social !
We're taking a break for the holidays but we will be back with our first newsletter of 2026 on 14th January.
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
We're taking a break for the holidays but we will be back with our first newsletter of 2026 on 14th January.
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
UCU Commons newsletter #6, 17 December 2025
Dear subscriber
Welcome to the UCU Commons newsletter, a curated set of links and information about what's happening in UCU Commons, our union, and our sectors more generally. As always, we welcome ...
ucucommons.org
December 17, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Edition 6 of our newsletter has dropped! Including BDM report, news from UCU, the UK HE sector and the Australian HE sector feat @markpendleton.bsky.social !
We're taking a break for the holidays but we will be back with our first newsletter of 2026 on 14th January.
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
We're taking a break for the holidays but we will be back with our first newsletter of 2026 on 14th January.
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
Reposted by UCU Commons
As things wind down for the holidays, @sheffielducu.bsky.social members are facing a threat of 100% pay deductions from January, thanks to our Scrooge-like management. We’ve now set up a fundraiser to bolster our local solidarity fund. If you can spare some change, please do! gofund.me/ac2b3adcb
Donate to Support University of Sheffield striking staff!, organized by Mark Pendleton
I'm the branch treasurer for the University of Sheffield University and… Mark Pendleton needs your support for Support University of Sheffield striking staff!
gofund.me
December 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM
As things wind down for the holidays, @sheffielducu.bsky.social members are facing a threat of 100% pay deductions from January, thanks to our Scrooge-like management. We’ve now set up a fundraiser to bolster our local solidarity fund. If you can spare some change, please do! gofund.me/ac2b3adcb
👇
Help! Banbury Museum has been told that Cherwell District Council is cancelling ALL of its core funding.
There is a very tight deadline - Friday 19th December - to tell the Council what you think.
Please respond to the consultation and share this post
www.banburymuseum.org/news/no-fund...
There is a very tight deadline - Friday 19th December - to tell the Council what you think.
Please respond to the consultation and share this post
www.banburymuseum.org/news/no-fund...
December 16, 2025 at 4:53 PM
👇
Reposted by UCU Commons
"Solent University faces strike action after staff forced out of pension scheme"
Solent University faces strike action after staff forced out of pension scheme
Staff at Solent University have voted to take strike action after management forced hundreds of employees out of their existing pension scheme.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 9:45 AM
"Solent University faces strike action after staff forced out of pension scheme"
Reposted by UCU Commons
“15,000 university jobs are up for the chop.
This is a national crisis in higher education and it is being allowed to happen.”
Jo Grady on BBC politics live today.
This is a national crisis in higher education and it is being allowed to happen.”
Jo Grady on BBC politics live today.
December 15, 2025 at 2:29 PM
“15,000 university jobs are up for the chop.
This is a national crisis in higher education and it is being allowed to happen.”
Jo Grady on BBC politics live today.
This is a national crisis in higher education and it is being allowed to happen.”
Jo Grady on BBC politics live today.
Reposted by UCU Commons
Please feel free to share! We want to understand how to better support autistic and or ADHD undergraduate students at UK universities. The entire study team is neurodivergent (as you can imagine we had some excellent meetings!)
We are a team at the University of Manchester researching what UK undergraduates with ADHD and/or autism would like to see in university staff training on ensuring undergraduate courses are accessible to them.
Study link: www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
Study link: www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_...
December 15, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Please feel free to share! We want to understand how to better support autistic and or ADHD undergraduate students at UK universities. The entire study team is neurodivergent (as you can imagine we had some excellent meetings!)
Reposted by UCU Commons
And it'll be neurodivergent people next, as I've been saying forever. Leopards, faces.
December 15, 2025 at 11:01 AM
And it'll be neurodivergent people next, as I've been saying forever. Leopards, faces.
Reposted by UCU Commons
Part of the issue is that I commute so far, which I grant is partly a personal choice. But it has been influenced by both the troubles in academia coupled to job scarcity, as well as not wanting to risk my own healthcare by switching GPs.
Not something many cis people have to consider. 2/2
Not something many cis people have to consider. 2/2
December 15, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Part of the issue is that I commute so far, which I grant is partly a personal choice. But it has been influenced by both the troubles in academia coupled to job scarcity, as well as not wanting to risk my own healthcare by switching GPs.
Not something many cis people have to consider. 2/2
Not something many cis people have to consider. 2/2
Reposted by UCU Commons
One of the things that I am most relieved about with this being the first week after lectures is that I don't have to worry about travelling down for a few weeks. There was always an edge - a worry - about using facilities out in public or just general transphobia. This year has magnified it. 1/2
Vital piece on how the OfS Sussex fine and the Supreme Court ruling have created an even more hostile environment for trans people in UK universities. As Chris Parkes says: if the expected EHRC guidance is adopted, "people are going to get hurt". 1/2
Pleased to be interviewed for this much needed piece on the rising transphobia in higher education.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/trans-s...
(Archive link: archive.is/oYqXS)
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/trans-s...
(Archive link: archive.is/oYqXS)
December 15, 2025 at 10:13 AM
One of the things that I am most relieved about with this being the first week after lectures is that I don't have to worry about travelling down for a few weeks. There was always an edge - a worry - about using facilities out in public or just general transphobia. This year has magnified it. 1/2
Reposted by UCU Commons
Trans scholars have to stick together 🏳️⚧️
As we know from trans scholars, students and HE workers, the university was a cisnormative space before these rulings. But they will go even further in forcing trans people to choose between their safety and their careers or studies. 2/2
December 15, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Trans scholars have to stick together 🏳️⚧️
Vital piece on how the OfS Sussex fine and the Supreme Court ruling have created an even more hostile environment for trans people in UK universities. As Chris Parkes says: if the expected EHRC guidance is adopted, "people are going to get hurt". 1/2
Pleased to be interviewed for this much needed piece on the rising transphobia in higher education.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/trans-s...
(Archive link: archive.is/oYqXS)
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/trans-s...
(Archive link: archive.is/oYqXS)
Trans scholars being ‘pushed out of academia’, researchers warn
Universities ‘afraid to be trans inclusive’ after Supreme Court ruling and OfS Sussex fine, leaving staff fearing ‘hostile environment’
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 15, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Vital piece on how the OfS Sussex fine and the Supreme Court ruling have created an even more hostile environment for trans people in UK universities. As Chris Parkes says: if the expected EHRC guidance is adopted, "people are going to get hurt". 1/2
Reposted by UCU Commons
Pleased to be interviewed for this much needed piece on the rising transphobia in higher education.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/trans-s...
(Archive link: archive.is/oYqXS)
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/trans-s...
(Archive link: archive.is/oYqXS)
Trans scholars being ‘pushed out of academia’, researchers warn
Universities ‘afraid to be trans inclusive’ after Supreme Court ruling and OfS Sussex fine, leaving staff fearing ‘hostile environment’
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Pleased to be interviewed for this much needed piece on the rising transphobia in higher education.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/trans-s...
(Archive link: archive.is/oYqXS)
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/trans-s...
(Archive link: archive.is/oYqXS)
Reposted by UCU Commons
#UCU members: some of you might remember there was a Branch Delegate Meeting on 4th Dec (or you might have attended it!). Quick round up from us @ucucommons.org on what was reported by branches is here: ucucommons.org/branch-deleg...
Branch Delegates Meeting Report, 4th December
Key takeaways
* UCU needs a proper strategy for Higher Education
* Branch delegates report that the ballot was ill-timed, and that job security is the current priority for members
* Branch delegat...
ucucommons.org
December 14, 2025 at 3:04 PM
#UCU members: some of you might remember there was a Branch Delegate Meeting on 4th Dec (or you might have attended it!). Quick round up from us @ucucommons.org on what was reported by branches is here: ucucommons.org/branch-deleg...