iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

Disability Rights UK @disrightsuk.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Summer may be gone, but the heat remains, affecting the health and homes of Disabled people. The Disability Rights UK Heatwave Survey is still online! Please share your experience of heat in our survey to help us to make the case for change: surveymonkey.com/r/6GQZ2NW

Image shows a bright blue sky with a yellow sun.

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

Nina Willburger @drnwillburger.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

New discovery: 900 Roman silver coins found by a detectorist on a field in Wesseling, south of Cologne. He called the authorities once his detector kept going off and he realized he’d found something bigger. The hoard dates back to the era of Emperor Hadrian. www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft...

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Dr Amelia Dowler @ameliadowler.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I’m really pleased that my poem ‘Tori line’ has found a home in Consilience Journal - I focus on the work to mitigate risks to the albatross and other diving birds from fisheries. Huge thanks to editors Sam and Vaishnavi (and to the unnamed reviewer!) #poetry www.consilience-journal.com/issue-26

consilience-journal.com

Birds (Issue 26) — Consilience

Issue 26 of Consilience features poetry and artwork that explores the topic of 'birds'.

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Dr Amelia Dowler @ameliadowler.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Phew 😮‍💨 more sorting out of our #allotment today after a difficult summer. We did harvest our pumpkins/squashes though (luckily I wasn’t wheeling them home!) and a few other oddments. The total okra crop this year is four… Might give the space over to something else next year!

A wheelbarrow with 5 large pumpkins and squashes

An assortment of small veg on a kitchen counter. There are tomatoes, okra, a cucumber, a courgette, a small squash and a kohlrabi

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

"It's not that we cannot afford regulation; it's that we cannot afford not to have it" FDA President Leila Kelly speaking in support of Motion 30 at TUC Congress, defending regulators and calling on the government to take an evidence-led approach to regulation and standards across the economy.

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Dr Amelia Dowler @ameliadowler.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

My copy of #14Magazine has arrived! I’m so pleased my poem “Smooth newt” found a home here. Many thanks to editor @richardnskinner.bsky.social. If you’d like your own copy (the other poems are excellent I promise!) you can order from richardskinner.weebly.com/14-magazine.... #poetry

richardskinner.weebly.com

14 magazine

Jill Abram / Clodagh Beresford Dunne / Julian Bishop / Sharon Black / Zelda Cahill-Patten / Hetty Cliss / Claire Collison / Kevin Cormack / Amy Crutchfield / Rachel Curzon / Amelia Dowler / Angie...

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Dr Amelia Dowler @ameliadowler.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

I experimented with some drying beans at our #allotment this year - and here’s the result! On the left, nomadic mix bush beans and on the right, Goût de Chataigne d’Echenans climbing beans. At the back are borlotti beans and a few marrowfat peas, which I have tried before - not a good year for them!

Three blue plates covered in dried beans. The nomadic mix beans are multicoloured with yellow, orange, brown, and burgundy coloured beans, some with patterns. The climbing beans are a violet grey colour. At the back the borlotti beans are swirled in purple and cream patterns. There is a small pot of dried peas on the borlotti bean plate. There aren’t very many of them!

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Dr Amelia Dowler @ameliadowler.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

I have a poem in this year’s issue and I can’t wait to see my copy and read all the other poems too! #14magazine #poetry

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Dr Amelia Dowler @ameliadowler.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

My friend Jasmin is tutor on an upcoming online course: “(M)other Tongue: Writing Between Languages” run by @creativefutureuk.bsky.social - if you’re an underrepresented writer (more info via link) check it out! Concessions available. #poetry (and prose!) www.creativefuture.org.uk/workshop/mot...

creativefuture.org.uk

(M)other Tongue: Writing Between Languages (Online) - Creative Future

How do you build bridges between languages – and what does it take to burn them? Find out in this hybrid poetry/prose workshop on multilingualism and exophony.

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Dr Amelia Dowler @ameliadowler.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Some garden friends this weekend! The grasshoppers have been chirping away for months - I finally got a decent photo so I think we have meadow grasshoppers. There are probably crickets about too… The toadflax brocade moth caterpillars are back and we also had a visit from a hummingbird hawk moth!

A side view of a grasshopper. It is mostly brown but with long green patches along its body.

A toadflax brocade moth caterpillar on the remnants of some toadflax. The caterpillar is green underneath with a black stripe along its back and yellow dots.

A hummingbird hawk moth investigating a patch of thyme. It has a chunky brown body and the base of its blurred wings is orange.

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Dr Amelia Dowler @ameliadowler.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Harvest from an evening trip to our #allotment! The fruit is good this year but we’re harvesting early in comparison to previous years. The main crop potatoes are ok but not brilliant…

Three boxes - one with tomatoes, one with blackberries and one with pears and plums

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Dr Amelia Dowler @ameliadowler.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Best crop of chokeberries ever - and quite a few had gone over and dropped off by the time I got to the plant! Time to make chokeberry jelly… 🫙

A triangular red bowl containing chokeberries. They are very dark purple small berries in sprays with a few green leaves still attached

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

Simon Coupland @scoupland.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Coins from 8th C Chartres and 10th C Cologne both have a barred S. But what does it mean? They've each been interpreted very differently, but surely they're the same symbol. Ideas?

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Statement from the FDA regarding legal action launched today by Sir Olly Robbins, challenging his dismissal:

Copy of FDA statement: Sir Oliver Robbins submits legal challenge of his dismissal

The FDA represents Sir Oliver Robbins. Olly has today issued proceedings requesting a Judicial Review of his dismissal as Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Head of the Diplomatic Service.

The Prime Minister has acknowledged that his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as Ambassador to the United States in December 2024 was a mistake. He should also admit that sacking Olly was a mistake, based on a grievous misunderstanding of how the National Security Vetting (NSV) system worked and a rash response to a media story.

A point of principle is at stake, which affects all FDA members. It damages the core values of a professional and impartial civil service if its most senior officials can be dismissed on a Prime Ministerial whim, without even the semblance of a fair process or considered understanding of the core issue.

Olly’s submission to the Court is that:

The Prime Minister has asserted publicly that it was his decision to dismiss Olly, however the Prime Minister has no statutory authority to dismiss the Head of the Diplomatic Service;
Not only was there no fair procedure involved in his dismissal, there was no process at all; and
Insofar as Olly has been given reasons for his dismissal, they are irrational. Rather than being under a duty to tell ministers about the process leading up to the vetting decision, Olly was under an obligation not to. The process is independent of government ministers, who are only informed of the final outcome. This position was confirmed in a letter of 16 September 2025 that was signed by the Foreign Secretary, using text both drafted and approved by No.10

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Dr Amelia Dowler @ameliadowler.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Extremely dry on the #allotment today - heat and a very dry wind gusting over everything… To be honest even the weeds were struggling 😬

An allotment plot with very dry brown grass paths around it

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

"Excessive workloads are already a huge issue for many of our members in Ofsted. If more monitoring inspections are being pushed towards HMI then Ofsted need to ensure there is adequate resourcing in place." FDA National Officer Matt Newman tells @tesmagazine.bsky.social

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

"The broader inspection framework should ensure every school is held accountable for creating an inclusive environment where all children can succeed." FDA National Officer Matt Newman writes to @theguardian.com on Ofsted's role in addressing the literacy crisis in schools:

theguardian.com

How to solve the literacy crisis in schools | Letters

Letters: Readers respond to a report that disadvantaged white children have lower reading fluency than other groups, leading to disengagement and school absence

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

“Working in partnership with employers is how we deliver what FDA members want from their union, influence over their world of work. It strengthens our influence without compromising our ability to challenge if necessary." @fdagensec.bsky.social on new Partnership Framework with the Cabinet Office.

civilserviceworld.com

Civil service unions agree partnership framework with Cabinet Office

Cabinet Office and trade unions will endeavour to treat others with respect in all means of communication and approach civil service workforce issu...

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Dr Amelia Dowler @ameliadowler.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

This was a great event! Thank you @emmabastin.bsky.social @lucyjanesantos.bsky.social and @seasideferry.bsky.social for organising us all! I’m looking forward to future network events

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

Katherine McDonald @katherinemcdon.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

All welcome!

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Dr Amelia Dowler @ameliadowler.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

A quick trip to our #allotment tonight to strim and harvest! More beans and loganberries… And our first proper cherry harvest! Lots more to come if we get there before the birds do!

A kitchen work surface with a large bag of broad beans, two boxes of loganberries and one box of cherries

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Dr Amelia Dowler @ameliadowler.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Today’s #allotment harvest! Now to pod some beans…

A selection of fruit and veg in boxes and bags. There are lots of broad beans, potatoes, two artichokes and three boxes of loganberries.

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Our Carers’ Report emphasises the evident impact of knowledgeable & confident managers in supporting carers. As @ameliadowler.bsky.social told @civilserviceworld.bsky.social this Carers’ Week, we want to see this as a model for civil service managers. www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...

civilserviceworld.com

Helping carers to reach their potential in the civil service – what’s improved and what needs to get better?

A new survey of carers who work in the civil service shows there has been positive change in the last five years, but some employers have a way to ...

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Following the publication of the FDA's own report looking at the experiences of carers in the civil service, the FDA will be contributing to the government's consultation and we encourage members to engage with the consultation process. #CarersWeek www.gov.uk/government/c...

gov.uk

Make Work Pay: employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children

We are seeking views on the employment rights that are available to people with unpaid caring responsibilities and parents who have a seriously ill child.

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

To mark #CarersWeek, the FDA have today published a new report, which uses the experiences of our members with caring responsibilities to understand the working lives of carers in the civil service and highlight the barriers they face. Find out more 👇 www.fda.org.uk/news/changin...

fda.org.uk

86% of carers are not aware of their civil service employer complying with new regulations, FDA report finds - FDA

To mark Carers Week, the FDA have published a new report, Changing Perceptions: Helping carers in the civil service reach their potential, which uses the experiences of our members with caring respons...

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Dr Amelia Dowler @ameliadowler.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

There’s a really nice write up of the Orbis Poetry Prize 2025 in Ars Notoria by Yogesh Patel - it’s lovely to be featured alongside Jenna Plewes, Jan FitzGerald, and Lynne Taylor! You can read all our poems in Yogesh’s review #poetry arsnotoria.com/2026/05/19/t...

arsnotoria.com

The Orbis Poetry Prize 2025: A Subscribers’ Choice

Crystal Orb. Photograph Phil Hall by Yogesh Patel There is a particular genuine sincerity in a prize decided not by…

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

Simon Coupland @scoupland.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

For #FindsFriday one of 258 early Danish pennies of the face/deer type found at Damhus in 2018. The hoard showed there was a controlled economy in nearby Ribe in the 820s and a mint striking probably hundreds of 000s of coins. Four halfpennies (ship/deer) were also present. 📷 Sydvestjyske Museer

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

Women’s Classical Committee UK @womeninclassicsuk.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Join this month’s #WCCWIKI editing session 🏛️🏛️ Zoom link below! us06web.zoom.us/j/85192010168

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Pay progression for Senior Civil Servants is welcome, but remains ‘top pay priority’ for other grades after ‘lack of meaningful change for two decades’

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

Writers' Guild of Great Britain @writersguildgb.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Today we launch ‘How to protect against scammers – a guide for authors’ with @societyofauthors.bsky.social following an uptick in enquiries from writers who are being targeted by ever more sophisticated fraudulent activity, often driven by AI Download the free guide www.writersguild.org.uk/scams

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Congratulations to Anna Whittaker from Welsh Government, winner of the 2026 FDA Wendy Jones Equality Award, presented by Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister @darrenpjones.bsky.social

Anna Whittaker is presented with the 2026 FDA Wendy Jones Equality Award by Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister @darrenpjones.bsky.social opened his address to ADC by thanking FDA members "for your service and all of your work" and defending the impartiality of the civil service as one of the "foundations of our democracy".

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

At this year’s ADC we are pleased to be joined by Political Editor of the i Newspaper Caroline Wheeler for an ‘in conversation’ discussion on the state of the political landscape.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

“It is what you do Prime Minister, not what you say, that matters.” At our Annual Delegate Conference, FDA General Secretary Dave Penman warns that “trust is required for good, effective, and agile government. But I’m afraid that trust is in short supply”.

FDA General Secretary speaks at Annual Delegate Conference in London

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

We’re hiring! As an FDA National Officer you’ll have the opportunity to join a strong, pragmatic union representing public sector professionals working in the civil service and parliaments across the UK. Apply by 5pm, Monday 18 May. www.fda.org.uk/news/job-adv...

fda.org.uk

Job Advert: FDA National Officer - FDA

An opportunity to join the fastest growing union in the UK.

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

Lev Parikian @levparikian.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

It’s World Migratory Bird Day. Say hello to this Manx shearwater chick, sitting on Skokholm Island off the coast of Pembrokeshire in late August 2019, like the contents of a Hoover bag.

Pretty much as described in the post. A small downy bundle of grey, sitting on grass.

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Dr Amelia Dowler @ameliadowler.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Good #poetry news! My poem, ‘Kitchen, Evening’, was chosen joint 1st, alongside ‘Tipping Point’ by Jenna Plewes, in the inaugural Annual Orbis Poetry Prize sponsored by Word Masala. Thanks to Carole Baldock, Yogesh Patel, and Orbis readers! 🎉

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Dave Penman @fdagensec.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

As I told Channel 5's Storm & Alexis show, when done well, hybrid working can boost productivity and save taxpayer money. These constant attacks against civil servants for working from home, when many can't even find a desk to work from, need to stop.

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

"What makes a good and efficient government is stability, clear priorities for ministers and the right resources and skills to be able to deliver for the public" Speaking to Channel 5's Storm & Alexis show @fdagensec.bsky.social pushes back against claims that hybrid working damages productivity.

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Archifau Prifysgol Bangor University Archives @archpbu.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Tocynnau os gwelwch yn dda / Tickets please

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FDA Union @fdaunion.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Day 1 of TUC Black Workers Conference in Bournemouth draws to a close. The FDA delegation in attendance moved our motion on tackling micro-aggressions in the workplace.

FDA delegation at TUC Black Workers Conference 2026

FDA delegate moves motion at TUC Black Workers Conference

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Simon Coupland @scoupland.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

For #FindsFriday a beautiful little halfpenny (obole) of Louis the Pious, minted between 814 and 816 at Melle. The coin dies and hammers on the reverse reflect the fact that as a silver mine, Melle was by far the empire's most productive mint.

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Reposted by Dr Amelia Dowler

Alexandra Corrin-Tachibana @corrintachibana.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Still a few places left and concessionary places, first come, first served.

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Garstang Museum and Research Centre @garstangmuseum.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

#OnThisDay in 145 C.E., the future Roman emperor Septimius Severus was born. He reigned until 211 C.E., when he died in Eboracum, modern York & was succeeded by his two sons, Caracalla and Geta. This silver denarius shows a bust of the emperor on its obverse, and was minded in 200/201 C.E. CC.538

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Alexandra Corrin-Tachibana @corrintachibana.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Early bird 10% discount until midnight tomorrow with the code BRUSH.

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Dover Museum & Bronze Age Boat Gallery @dovermuseum.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

On the 99th day of the year we look to this Roman minted coin for the emperor, Pupienus Maximus (164-238AD), who, with his co-emperor, Balbinus, ruled for just 99 days. They were two of the six men who ruled as emperor of Rome in 238 AD in the politically turbulent Year of the Six Emperors

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