UCU University of Kent branch
@ucukent.bsky.social
UCU University of Kent
Fighting for a better Higher Education - staff working conditions are student learning conditions.
https://blogs.kent.ac.uk/ucuuok/
https://www.instagram.com/ucu.kent?igsh=MWRuZnZ5Y3k1ZXlhNQ==
Fighting for a better Higher Education - staff working conditions are student learning conditions.
https://blogs.kent.ac.uk/ucuuok/
https://www.instagram.com/ucu.kent?igsh=MWRuZnZ5Y3k1ZXlhNQ==
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
This is incredibly grim
Threshold for repaying student loans to converge with minimum wage on.ft.com/3M2AYkD
Threshold for repaying student loans to converge with minimum wage
Surprise move from chancellor means some university graduates in England may have to pay back debts sooner
on.ft.com
November 27, 2025 at 7:47 AM
This is incredibly grim
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
A very comprehensive and informed analysis (as usual) from the Wonkhe team, helpfully putting the pieces of the English jigsaw in one place.
Budget 2025 for universities and students
Team Wonkhe unpacks an unusually consequential Budget for higher education, as a complex mix of fee rises, international student levies, and stealth costs for graduates reshape the sector’s financial ...
wonkhe.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:29 AM
A very comprehensive and informed analysis (as usual) from the Wonkhe team, helpfully putting the pieces of the English jigsaw in one place.
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
“Labour said education would drive economic growth.
Yesterday we saw nothing for FE, and a dog’s dinner for HE.
With 15,000 HE jobs at risk and staff leaving FE, we don’t have the mechanisms needed to deliver growth.” @drjogrady.bsky.social yesterday.
Yesterday we saw nothing for FE, and a dog’s dinner for HE.
With 15,000 HE jobs at risk and staff leaving FE, we don’t have the mechanisms needed to deliver growth.” @drjogrady.bsky.social yesterday.
November 27, 2025 at 10:57 AM
“Labour said education would drive economic growth.
Yesterday we saw nothing for FE, and a dog’s dinner for HE.
With 15,000 HE jobs at risk and staff leaving FE, we don’t have the mechanisms needed to deliver growth.” @drjogrady.bsky.social yesterday.
Yesterday we saw nothing for FE, and a dog’s dinner for HE.
With 15,000 HE jobs at risk and staff leaving FE, we don’t have the mechanisms needed to deliver growth.” @drjogrady.bsky.social yesterday.
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
Happy to be a contributor to this chapter.
So excited to get the hard copy of this today...
@kellylouisepreece.bsky.social
@rellypops.bsky.social
@msantacruz.bsky.social
@bolzle.bsky.social
@webhooligan.bsky.social
@suaw.bsky.social
@exeter.ac.uk
@doctoralexeter.bsky.social
#chapter #publishedchapter #ExeterPGRStudySpace
@kellylouisepreece.bsky.social
@rellypops.bsky.social
@msantacruz.bsky.social
@bolzle.bsky.social
@webhooligan.bsky.social
@suaw.bsky.social
@exeter.ac.uk
@doctoralexeter.bsky.social
#chapter #publishedchapter #ExeterPGRStudySpace
November 27, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Happy to be a contributor to this chapter.
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
GLOBAL: Thousands of Amazon workers and allies to strike and protest in dozens of countries on Black Friday uniglobalunion.org/news/make-am...
Thousands of Amazon workers and allies to strike and protest in dozens of countries on Black Friday
From November 28 to December 1, 2025, Amazon workers, unions and allies across six continents will join forces under the banner #Make Amazon Pay to strike and protest
uniglobalunion.org
November 27, 2025 at 11:37 AM
GLOBAL: Thousands of Amazon workers and allies to strike and protest in dozens of countries on Black Friday uniglobalunion.org/news/make-am...
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
Trans people are being challenged, misgendered and harassed whether they use a facility that aligns with their sex assigned at birth, or not. Many gender non conforming women also report more challenges in gendered spaces.
Read the full report here: transactual.org.uk/gendered-spa...
Read the full report here: transactual.org.uk/gendered-spa...
The Gendered Spaces Report 2025 – TransActual
This report examines how the hastily released non-statutory EHRC interim update (following the April Supreme Court Judgement on the definition of sex for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010) has…
TransActual.org.uk
November 24, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Trans people are being challenged, misgendered and harassed whether they use a facility that aligns with their sex assigned at birth, or not. Many gender non conforming women also report more challenges in gendered spaces.
Read the full report here: transactual.org.uk/gendered-spa...
Read the full report here: transactual.org.uk/gendered-spa...
Academics - you should consider joining the ALCS (and perhaps the Society of Authors too)
ALCS Chair Tim Clement-Jones: "Since its founding, ALCS has been guided by the principle of "no use without payment" and we believe this is as pertinent as ever in the age of AI"
November 27, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Academics - you should consider joining the ALCS (and perhaps the Society of Authors too)
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
📣 Fundraising Jobs Vacancy!👇
⭐ Job: Development Officer ⭐ Who: Rambert School
⭐ Salary: £30k - £32k ⭐ Location: Hybrid/Twickenham
🎬 Closing: 5 January 26
https://loom.ly/WUocjKY
#fundraisingjobs #rambertschool
Follow us at fundraisingjobs.bsky.social
⭐ Job: Development Officer ⭐ Who: Rambert School
⭐ Salary: £30k - £32k ⭐ Location: Hybrid/Twickenham
🎬 Closing: 5 January 26
https://loom.ly/WUocjKY
#fundraisingjobs #rambertschool
Follow us at fundraisingjobs.bsky.social
November 27, 2025 at 12:03 PM
📣 Fundraising Jobs Vacancy!👇
⭐ Job: Development Officer ⭐ Who: Rambert School
⭐ Salary: £30k - £32k ⭐ Location: Hybrid/Twickenham
🎬 Closing: 5 January 26
https://loom.ly/WUocjKY
#fundraisingjobs #rambertschool
Follow us at fundraisingjobs.bsky.social
⭐ Job: Development Officer ⭐ Who: Rambert School
⭐ Salary: £30k - £32k ⭐ Location: Hybrid/Twickenham
🎬 Closing: 5 January 26
https://loom.ly/WUocjKY
#fundraisingjobs #rambertschool
Follow us at fundraisingjobs.bsky.social
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
Please considering signing this petition! My institution is unilaterally trying to change my working conditions (choice between keeping my pension scheme or indefinite pay freeze).
This cause is close to my heart - please sign: www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/no...
Northumbria Pay and Pension Petition: Stop the Steal!
If Northumbria does this, other universities will too.
These cuts will harm thousands of people, their students, families, and their local communities now and into the future.
www.megaphone.org.uk
November 27, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Please considering signing this petition! My institution is unilaterally trying to change my working conditions (choice between keeping my pension scheme or indefinite pay freeze).
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
I think Rachel Clarke’s Breathtaking should be required viewing for anyone who was in politics during the COVID years. Hard to get a more accurate summary of the horrors of that period from a medical perspective. As a disabled person it felt so close to home I could only watch it in small increments
November 27, 2025 at 12:11 PM
I think Rachel Clarke’s Breathtaking should be required viewing for anyone who was in politics during the COVID years. Hard to get a more accurate summary of the horrors of that period from a medical perspective. As a disabled person it felt so close to home I could only watch it in small increments
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
How on earth is the Office for Students still allowed to lord it over the sector, by the way? It's not as if they've in any way provided any evidence of improvements since parliament deemded them not fit for purpose and failing to anticipate the looming crisis in September 2023? #UKHE
November 26, 2025 at 11:52 AM
How on earth is the Office for Students still allowed to lord it over the sector, by the way? It's not as if they've in any way provided any evidence of improvements since parliament deemded them not fit for purpose and failing to anticipate the looming crisis in September 2023? #UKHE
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
VOTY MCVOTEFACE!
If that hearing yesterday showed anything, it is that the regulator, minister, and managers are not taking the crisis seriously and that staff needs to make it their problem. Let's get that mandate and let's drag this sector out of its impasse.
If that hearing yesterday showed anything, it is that the regulator, minister, and managers are not taking the crisis seriously and that staff needs to make it their problem. Let's get that mandate and let's drag this sector out of its impasse.
TODAY IS THE LAST SAFE DAY TO POST YOUR BALLOT!
‼️📮This is your reminder that tomorrow (Wed 26 Nov) is the last day to safely return your postal ballot in the national dispute. 🧵Here’s why this dispute matters for us at Goldsmiths:
November 26, 2025 at 11:54 AM
VOTY MCVOTEFACE!
If that hearing yesterday showed anything, it is that the regulator, minister, and managers are not taking the crisis seriously and that staff needs to make it their problem. Let's get that mandate and let's drag this sector out of its impasse.
If that hearing yesterday showed anything, it is that the regulator, minister, and managers are not taking the crisis seriously and that staff needs to make it their problem. Let's get that mandate and let's drag this sector out of its impasse.
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
Solidarity @uonucu.bsky.social wonderful turnout! 🌟🌟🌟
A huge turnout in Nottingham today, around 300 staff and students standing together against cuts.
Powerful speeches, real solidarity, and a clear message: we won’t let our universities be dismantled.
We are the university. ✊if you’ve not voted there is still time! Get it in!
@uonucu.bsky.social
Powerful speeches, real solidarity, and a clear message: we won’t let our universities be dismantled.
We are the university. ✊if you’ve not voted there is still time! Get it in!
@uonucu.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Solidarity @uonucu.bsky.social wonderful turnout! 🌟🌟🌟
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
Budget getting you down? Retake the initiative and submit that ballot by 5pm today: qmucu.org/2025/11/21/v... #UKHE
November 26, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Budget getting you down? Retake the initiative and submit that ballot by 5pm today: qmucu.org/2025/11/21/v... #UKHE
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
With only a few hours left to vote, our regional officials – Mary Senior, Julie Kelley, Lawson Armstrong and Gareth Lloyd are all saying the same thing: get the vote out.
✅ Have you voted?
✅ Have you checked your colleagues have?
Let’s do this together.
✅ Have you voted?
✅ Have you checked your colleagues have?
Let’s do this together.
November 26, 2025 at 2:50 PM
With only a few hours left to vote, our regional officials – Mary Senior, Julie Kelley, Lawson Armstrong and Gareth Lloyd are all saying the same thing: get the vote out.
✅ Have you voted?
✅ Have you checked your colleagues have?
Let’s do this together.
✅ Have you voted?
✅ Have you checked your colleagues have?
Let’s do this together.
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
SUBMIT YOUR BALLOT BEFOER 5PM TODAY!
And if you need five good reasons why it's worth digging that pink envelop out of the pile of post and get it in a postbox:
qmucu.org/2025/11/21/v... -- with huge thanks to @ducu.bsky.social
And if you need five good reasons why it's worth digging that pink envelop out of the pile of post and get it in a postbox:
qmucu.org/2025/11/21/v... -- with huge thanks to @ducu.bsky.social
a man in a suit is sitting in the driver 's seat of a car and making a funny face .
ALT: a man in a suit is sitting in the driver 's seat of a car and making a funny face .
media.tenor.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:01 PM
SUBMIT YOUR BALLOT BEFOER 5PM TODAY!
And if you need five good reasons why it's worth digging that pink envelop out of the pile of post and get it in a postbox:
qmucu.org/2025/11/21/v... -- with huge thanks to @ducu.bsky.social
And if you need five good reasons why it's worth digging that pink envelop out of the pile of post and get it in a postbox:
qmucu.org/2025/11/21/v... -- with huge thanks to @ducu.bsky.social
Our UCU branch meeting is going on NOW on Teams - email link has been sent out to all members.
We've just voted on getting back our industrial action mandate.
The indicative vote was carried almost unanimously. An electronic vote will now be sent out to all members.
We've just voted on getting back our industrial action mandate.
The indicative vote was carried almost unanimously. An electronic vote will now be sent out to all members.
November 26, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Our UCU branch meeting is going on NOW on Teams - email link has been sent out to all members.
We've just voted on getting back our industrial action mandate.
The indicative vote was carried almost unanimously. An electronic vote will now be sent out to all members.
We've just voted on getting back our industrial action mandate.
The indicative vote was carried almost unanimously. An electronic vote will now be sent out to all members.
Don't forget we've got a branch meeting today on Teams at 1pm. Check your email for the invite.
November 26, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Don't forget we've got a branch meeting today on Teams at 1pm. Check your email for the invite.
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
I just don't think we are taking the interaction of this tech with our cognitive processes and known psychological weaknesses as a species anything like seriously enough. The tech companies want us to think this kind of thing is an aberration and a distraction. I'm no psychologist, but you...
I am by no means a prominent public intellectual, but my inbox is increasingly filled with messages from people who have been convinced by sycophantic chatbots that they have discovered revolutionary theories that entirely upend our scientific understanding of the universe.
November 21, 2025 at 8:45 AM
I just don't think we are taking the interaction of this tech with our cognitive processes and known psychological weaknesses as a species anything like seriously enough. The tech companies want us to think this kind of thing is an aberration and a distraction. I'm no psychologist, but you...
It's been a short but very intense term here at Kent. Everyone I've spoken to is exhausted.
We're nearly there.
Don't forget to send off your #vote
#StrongerTogether
We're nearly there.
Don't forget to send off your #vote
#StrongerTogether
It's Friday. I'm already at work. I need coffee and my weekly croissant treat.
Let's do this.
#TwoWeeksLeft
#AcademicSky
Let's do this.
#TwoWeeksLeft
#AcademicSky
a woman is wearing a scarf and a jacket and says two weeks .
Alt: a woman is wearing a scarf and a jacket and says two weeks .
media.tenor.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:48 AM
It's been a short but very intense term here at Kent. Everyone I've spoken to is exhausted.
We're nearly there.
Don't forget to send off your #vote
#StrongerTogether
We're nearly there.
Don't forget to send off your #vote
#StrongerTogether
November 21, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
Almost as if managers are too removed from students to actually understand what they need/want? Almost as if managers relying solely on consultants and not staff is creating a top layer of the university devoid of any input by reality?
What I've been noticing lately in convos with students is that they *despise* the AI-slopification of everything as much or even more than I do. And yet our universities & their admin seem to believe that students for some reason want it integrated into everything. THEY DON'T.
“To be sat there with this material in front of you that is just really not worth anyone’s time, when you could be spending that time actually engaging with something worthwhile, is really frustrating,” he said.
November 21, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Almost as if managers are too removed from students to actually understand what they need/want? Almost as if managers relying solely on consultants and not staff is creating a top layer of the university devoid of any input by reality?
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
If you've not voted, VOTE. We can (and I'm sure will) argue at length about what that vote should be, just like we always do. Just like a union is SUPPOSED to do. But if we don't reach that aburd Tory-spawned anti-union threshold, that argument gets taken out of our hands.
November 21, 2025 at 8:37 AM
If you've not voted, VOTE. We can (and I'm sure will) argue at length about what that vote should be, just like we always do. Just like a union is SUPPOSED to do. But if we don't reach that aburd Tory-spawned anti-union threshold, that argument gets taken out of our hands.
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
As we near the last safe day for ballot posting in the current national UCU ballot (get 'em in by Wed, preferably sooner), let's remember what we're fighting for. We'll start with the graphs we made last week. Decades of pay erosion has left many of us a full pay spine point below where we should be
And here we are! Literally every spine point is paying less in real terms than it was back in 2008. Spine point 5 (now replaced by the real living wage) is down by about 3.4%. By spine point 10, we're down over 10%. By spine point 23, over 20%, ultimately reaching a 22.1% reduction. 3/3
November 21, 2025 at 8:11 AM
As we near the last safe day for ballot posting in the current national UCU ballot (get 'em in by Wed, preferably sooner), let's remember what we're fighting for. We'll start with the graphs we made last week. Decades of pay erosion has left many of us a full pay spine point below where we should be
Reposted by UCU University of Kent branch
We hope that everyone at Kent is surviving this term - so many new systems, new modules, a shorter term; lots and lots of changes.
Make sure you're resting when you can. We keep hearing of colleagues who are exhausted - we've still another 3 weeks to go.
We can do it!
#StrongerTogether #VoteYes
Make sure you're resting when you can. We keep hearing of colleagues who are exhausted - we've still another 3 weeks to go.
We can do it!
#StrongerTogether #VoteYes
November 13, 2025 at 12:48 PM
We hope that everyone at Kent is surviving this term - so many new systems, new modules, a shorter term; lots and lots of changes.
Make sure you're resting when you can. We keep hearing of colleagues who are exhausted - we've still another 3 weeks to go.
We can do it!
#StrongerTogether #VoteYes
Make sure you're resting when you can. We keep hearing of colleagues who are exhausted - we've still another 3 weeks to go.
We can do it!
#StrongerTogether #VoteYes