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
Some may remember that last year @ucu.org.uk ran a survey of members to improve participation in the union's democracy.
The report from the LRD (commissioned to undertake the survey) is here (login needed): www.ucu.org.uk/article/5364...
The report from the LRD (commissioned to undertake the survey) is here (login needed): www.ucu.org.uk/article/5364...
January 20, 2026 at 9:50 AM
Some may remember that last year @ucu.org.uk ran a survey of members to improve participation in the union's democracy.
The report from the LRD (commissioned to undertake the survey) is here (login needed): www.ucu.org.uk/article/5364...
The report from the LRD (commissioned to undertake the survey) is here (login needed): www.ucu.org.uk/article/5364...
Reposted by UCU Commons
Well that’s me locked out. No pay for the foreseeable future, all because I refuse to reschedule lost teaching, for which I have already lost pay as part of the strike. Please donate to support @sheffielducu.bsky.social members like me at www.gofundme.com/f/heubvb-sup...
January 19, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Well that’s me locked out. No pay for the foreseeable future, all because I refuse to reschedule lost teaching, for which I have already lost pay as part of the strike. Please donate to support @sheffielducu.bsky.social members like me at www.gofundme.com/f/heubvb-sup...
Dreadful way to treat hardworking staff and a totally unnecessary escalation by Sheffield management. #UCU #UKHE
Well that’s me locked out. No pay for the foreseeable future, all because I refuse to reschedule lost teaching, for which I have already lost pay as part of the strike. Please donate to support @sheffielducu.bsky.social members like me at www.gofundme.com/f/heubvb-sup...
January 19, 2026 at 4:53 PM
Reposted by UCU Commons
In general, I think UCU should be more relaxed about nominations for elections but the standing committee gatekeeping is esp egregious. Standing committee don’t have decision making power so why make it hard to join one? Why require branch approval which can be fraught for marginalised groups.
We are delighted to report that this motion passed unanimously at both the Women Members' Standing Committee and LGBTQ+ Standing Committee meetings this morning. Three more standing committee meetings take place next week where the motion has been tabled. So pleased to have such wide support #UCU
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-...
January 18, 2026 at 6:43 AM
In general, I think UCU should be more relaxed about nominations for elections but the standing committee gatekeeping is esp egregious. Standing committee don’t have decision making power so why make it hard to join one? Why require branch approval which can be fraught for marginalised groups.
Reposted by UCU Commons
Can't quite believe it, but genuinely thrilled to be Vice-Chair to the lightly @suzitoole.bsky.social - this is a committee that gets stuff DONE ✅ for the benefit of ALL our sisters ❤️
We're delighted that our very own @rullsenberg.bsky.social was elected Vice Chair of UCU's Women Members' Standing Committee at yesterday's meeting, to work with chair @suzitoole.bsky.social from the FE sector. Well done Lisa! #UCU
January 17, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Can't quite believe it, but genuinely thrilled to be Vice-Chair to the lightly @suzitoole.bsky.social - this is a committee that gets stuff DONE ✅ for the benefit of ALL our sisters ❤️
Reposted by UCU Commons
As @suzitoole.bsky.social was at theFE rally, @rullsenberg.bsky.social took the reins so expertly that we ended the meeting early! And a shout out to other WMSC members @cambiechoo.bsky.social, @drgillhistory.bsky.social, @matheleine.bsky.social and @lexibreen.bsky.social who made fab contributions!
We're delighted that our very own @rullsenberg.bsky.social was elected Vice Chair of UCU's Women Members' Standing Committee at yesterday's meeting, to work with chair @suzitoole.bsky.social from the FE sector. Well done Lisa! #UCU
January 17, 2026 at 4:29 PM
As @suzitoole.bsky.social was at theFE rally, @rullsenberg.bsky.social took the reins so expertly that we ended the meeting early! And a shout out to other WMSC members @cambiechoo.bsky.social, @drgillhistory.bsky.social, @matheleine.bsky.social and @lexibreen.bsky.social who made fab contributions!
We're delighted that our very own @rullsenberg.bsky.social was elected Vice Chair of UCU's Women Members' Standing Committee at yesterday's meeting, to work with chair @suzitoole.bsky.social from the FE sector. Well done Lisa! #UCU
January 17, 2026 at 4:26 PM
We're delighted that our very own @rullsenberg.bsky.social was elected Vice Chair of UCU's Women Members' Standing Committee at yesterday's meeting, to work with chair @suzitoole.bsky.social from the FE sector. Well done Lisa! #UCU
Reposted by UCU Commons
Delighted to see this passed at WMSC today. Complete common sense!
January 16, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Delighted to see this passed at WMSC today. Complete common sense!
Reposted by UCU Commons
We are delighted to report that this motion passed unanimously at both the Women Members' Standing Committee and LGBTQ+ Standing Committee meetings this morning. Three more standing committee meetings take place next week where the motion has been tabled. So pleased to have such wide support #UCU
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 16, 2026 at 11:20 AM
We are delighted to report that this motion passed unanimously at both the Women Members' Standing Committee and LGBTQ+ Standing Committee meetings this morning. Three more standing committee meetings take place next week where the motion has been tabled. So pleased to have such wide support #UCU
Reposted by UCU Commons
This is great news. Huge thanks to the LGBT+ committee for their support.
We are delighted to report that this motion passed unanimously at both the Women Members' Standing Committee and LGBTQ+ Standing Committee meetings this morning. Three more standing committee meetings take place next week where the motion has been tabled. So pleased to have such wide support #UCU
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-...
January 16, 2026 at 12:23 PM
This is great news. Huge thanks to the LGBT+ committee for their support.
Reposted by UCU Commons
Beaming :)
We are delighted to report that this motion passed unanimously at both the Women Members' Standing Committee and LGBTQ+ Standing Committee meetings this morning. Three more standing committee meetings take place next week where the motion has been tabled. So pleased to have such wide support #UCU
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-...
January 16, 2026 at 11:21 AM
Beaming :)
Reposted by UCU Commons
Excellent news - UCU must continue to open up our UK-wide structures so we can be more of a democratic, member-led union. Look forward to the disabled members, Black members and migrant members committees having a chance to input next week and hopefully progress this initiative.
We are delighted to report that this motion passed unanimously at both the Women Members' Standing Committee and LGBTQ+ Standing Committee meetings this morning. Three more standing committee meetings take place next week where the motion has been tabled. So pleased to have such wide support #UCU
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-...
January 16, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Excellent news - UCU must continue to open up our UK-wide structures so we can be more of a democratic, member-led union. Look forward to the disabled members, Black members and migrant members committees having a chance to input next week and hopefully progress this initiative.
We are delighted to report that this motion passed unanimously at both the Women Members' Standing Committee and LGBTQ+ Standing Committee meetings this morning. Three more standing committee meetings take place next week where the motion has been tabled. So pleased to have such wide support #UCU
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 16, 2026 at 11:20 AM
We are delighted to report that this motion passed unanimously at both the Women Members' Standing Committee and LGBTQ+ Standing Committee meetings this morning. Three more standing committee meetings take place next week where the motion has been tabled. So pleased to have such wide support #UCU
Reposted by UCU Commons
Missing from the coverage of redundancies at Edinburgh: this was done in such a haphazard, uncoordinated way, there are now core teams who have gone from 5 people to 1 with no change in workload or pressure and huge loss in knowledge of institutional process. www.heraldscotland.com/news/2576321...
Hundreds of staff leave Edinburgh University amid cuts drive
According to the university, 345 of these departures were the result of a targeted voluntary severance (VS) scheme run by the institution in 2025.
www.heraldscotland.com
January 15, 2026 at 7:36 AM
Missing from the coverage of redundancies at Edinburgh: this was done in such a haphazard, uncoordinated way, there are now core teams who have gone from 5 people to 1 with no change in workload or pressure and huge loss in knowledge of institutional process. www.heraldscotland.com/news/2576321...
Reposted by UCU Commons
this was a hugely impactful event, centring on the multiple costs of chronic and endemic precarity in UK HE. the full report and some highly practical action plans are here: www.rgs.org/research/hig...
#AcademicSky #AcademicChatter #HigherEd
@rgs-ibghe.bsky.social @britishacademy.bsky.social
#AcademicSky #AcademicChatter #HigherEd
@rgs-ibghe.bsky.social @britishacademy.bsky.social
January 14, 2026 at 6:42 PM
this was a hugely impactful event, centring on the multiple costs of chronic and endemic precarity in UK HE. the full report and some highly practical action plans are here: www.rgs.org/research/hig...
#AcademicSky #AcademicChatter #HigherEd
@rgs-ibghe.bsky.social @britishacademy.bsky.social
#AcademicSky #AcademicChatter #HigherEd
@rgs-ibghe.bsky.social @britishacademy.bsky.social
Reposted by UCU Commons
This was an excellent launch event today. I'm hugely grateful for the invite to contribute as a discussant, and to be in such great company among the respondents. Huge thanks to the research team for the report, for organising the event, and for creating such a supportive space.
Today we launch States of Precarity in UK HE Geography.
Thank you to the 364 colleagues whose experiences shaped this work.
Download the report, share widely, and join us in advocating for change.
Launch event (1:00-2:30GMT):
www.rgs.org/events/upcom...
Read report:
www.rgs.org/research/hig...
Thank you to the 364 colleagues whose experiences shaped this work.
Download the report, share widely, and join us in advocating for change.
Launch event (1:00-2:30GMT):
www.rgs.org/events/upcom...
Read report:
www.rgs.org/research/hig...
States of precarity in UK Higher Education geography
Findings from a discipline-focused research project exploring the lived realities of precarious academic work within UK Higher Education geography.
www.rgs.org
January 14, 2026 at 4:19 PM
This was an excellent launch event today. I'm hugely grateful for the invite to contribute as a discussant, and to be in such great company among the respondents. Huge thanks to the research team for the report, for organising the event, and for creating such a supportive space.
Reposted by UCU Commons
Our first newsletter of 2026 has landed! Featuring information about our equality rule change motion, the current New Deal for FE strikes, Holocaust memorial day, and more. #UCU #UKHE
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
UCU Commons newsletter #7, 14 January 2026
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 a...
ucucommons.org
January 14, 2026 at 9:05 AM
Our first newsletter of 2026 has landed! Featuring information about our equality rule change motion, the current New Deal for FE strikes, Holocaust memorial day, and more. #UCU #UKHE
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
Reposted by UCU Commons
Our first newsletter of 2026 has landed! Featuring information about our equality rule change motion, the current New Deal for FE strikes, Holocaust memorial day, and more. #UCU #UKHE
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
UCU Commons newsletter #7, 14 January 2026
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 a...
ucucommons.org
January 14, 2026 at 9:08 AM
Our first newsletter of 2026 has landed! Featuring information about our equality rule change motion, the current New Deal for FE strikes, Holocaust memorial day, and more. #UCU #UKHE
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
UCU Commons newsletter #7, 14 January 2026
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 a...
ucucommons.org
January 14, 2026 at 9:05 AM
Our first newsletter of 2026 has landed! Featuring information about our equality rule change motion, the current New Deal for FE strikes, Holocaust memorial day, and more. #UCU #UKHE
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...
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