iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 22/09/2026

No Shortcuts - A UCU Podcast🎙️ Every month we will bring you the latest industrial, political, and campaigning news. Crucially we will hear from branches, representatives and members. Episode One covers the launch of the #EducationItsOurs campaign. youtu.be/5ZaeM0jLCZM

youtu.be

No Shortcuts - A UCU Podcast | Episode 1

YouTube video by UCU - University and College Union

042

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 22/09/2026

No Shortcuts - A UCU Podcast🎙️ You can listen wherever you get your podcasts. 🎙️Acast: shows.acast.com/noshortcuts 🎙️Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/35Oh... 🎙️Apple Music: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/n...

shows.acast.com

No Shortcuts - A UCU Podcast

055

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Dr Jo Edge 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 @hagenilda.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Hi, #UCU. UCU's Anti-casualisation committee are running an Equality & Anticas webinar on 23rd September, at 12.30pm and 5pm. Come and hear from chair Ben Pope, and speakers Suzi Toole, Andy Ward and Kevin Daws. Links to register and more info in linked post. Please share and pass to contacts!

11814

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

UCU Commons @ucucommons.org · 24/07/2026

Our very own @markpendleton.bsky.social talking to Times Radio about the HE crisis #UCU #UKHE

067

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Dr Matilda Fitzmaurice @matildaf.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Here's the update on the #UCU website: www.ucu.org.uk/article/1458...

ucu.org.uk

277

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Sam Freedman @handle.invalid · 21/06/2026

Labour won by 20 points and net immigration is down by over 80% in two years. But sure write your column again.

1583729801

Dyfrig Jones @dyfrigjones.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Once I have a few spare minutes, I’m going to jot down some thoughts about the @ucu.org.uk Congress that was held last week. But in the meantime, please read this, which is a lovely reflective piece.

0115

Dyfrig Jones @dyfrigjones.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Are you at @ucu.org.uk Congress? Don’t have plans on Wednesday night? The Campaign for UCU Democracy is having a social at Cold Bath Brewing, 44 King’s Road, Harrogate HG1 5JW. Starting at 7:30z Come have a drink with us!

141

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Dr Matilda Fitzmaurice @matildaf.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

I'm so proud of our Congress bulletin! Please share with your branch delegates. #UCU

033

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

UCU Commons @ucucommons.org · 24/05/2026

All are very welcome to come along (whether a Congress delegate or not), and do drop us an email (ucucommons.org/contact-us/) if you have any access or dietary needs that would be useful for us to know about in advance. Please share! 2/2

ucucommons.org

There are lots of ways you can stay in touch and keep up to date with the work of UCU Commons. Join us Find out how to join UCU Commons on our 'Join' page. Subscribe Please hit the subscribe but...

052

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

UCU Commons @ucucommons.org · 24/05/2026

For all attending #UCU Congress 2026! On Tuesday 26th May, 7–10pm, we are hosting an informal social event upstairs at North Bar, 2d Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1DA. The first few arrivals can enjoy a drink (alcoholic or otherwise) on us, and there will be pizza available (also on us). 1/2

1119

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Grumpy Philosopher @stevecooke.org · 12/05/2026

Coincidentally, the number of staff currently at risk of redundancy (2700) at the University of Nottingham is the same as the number of jobs at risk at British Steel. Yesterday, the govt said they aren't neutral on job losses & so pledged to save those steel jobs. Watch as they blithely ignore HE.

520887

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Rob Ford @robfordmancs.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Looked at another way: Leave/Right bloc: 47% ; Remain/Left bloc 51% But Remain/Left bloc more evenly split despite being bigger, so Leave/Right bloc does better under FPP. As in 2019 with Johnson's Leave coalition. But that could change if left bloc vote coalesces nationally or locally

2114459

Dyfrig Jones @dyfrigjones.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Teimlo’n falch, ac am y tro cyntaf ers amser maith, yn obeithiol. Diolch, @plaidcymru.bsky.social

0111

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Marxteg 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 @aled.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Extremely gracious speech from First Minister Eluned Morgan on losing her seat, chwarae teg. Acknowledging that "Wales has rejected the Labour Party", calling Labour to change course and return to being the party of the working class, warning against feeding division and wishing Plaid Cymru well.

211727

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Madeley @madeley.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Well fuck me backwards I never thought I'd see the day, but that's it, whatever happens it's a Plaid-lead government and a step towards And whisper it with me Independent Tropical Walesssss

3849

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Ruth! @ruthholliday.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Yesterday in the media we saw £millions leeching out of UK universities to management consultants. Today it is student agents delivering international students to the highest bidding universities. This is where marketization and commercialization leads. www.theguardian.com/education/ng...

theguardian.com

‘I see it as trafficking’: the brutal reality of life as a foreign student in the UK

The long read: Universities in Britain rely on overseas applicants paying full fees, which has given rise to some unscrupulous recruiters and left many hopefuls and their families deep in debt

01211

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Paul Kirby @paulcinnamon.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

I for one am shocked that the same guy who tried to waste union resources on a plausibly legalistic but doomed hail mary in the courts then also wasted union resources defending against his vexatious allegation of rule breaches after he lost an election.

197

Dyfrig Jones @dyfrigjones.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

The Certificiation Officer has now ruled on the complaint against UCU bought by @ewanmg.bsky.social and @vickyblake.bsky.social. A summary of the decision can be found by following this link: www.ucu.org.uk/media/15693/...

ucu.org.uk

362

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Alex Goldman @agoldman.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

GIVEAWAY OF GOOD STUFF!!!! We’re trying to add 100 premium @hyperfixedpod.bsky.social subscribers by the end of April. If we manage to do it, 5 of you will get free hyperfixed swag! I mean look at this stuff! Hyperfixedpod.com/join

1247

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Plaid Cymru @plaidcymru.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Today, Plaid Cymru launched our Senedd election campaign to offer new leadership for 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Leadership which offers hope, new ambition and ideas - and always fights for our communities ✊ Join Plaid Cymru today to help us change Wales for the better 💚 🔗 partyof.wales/join

15022

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Alex Goldman @agoldman.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

I have decided to be a lot more shameless about promoting my work because what good is being ashamed of my work? I am very proud of it! Please check out @hyperfixedpod — documentary audio journalism where I solve problems for listeners who write in. Here are some of my fav eps!

18116

Dyfrig Jones @dyfrigjones.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

UCU NEC election results were published a few weeks ago. Some people have asked what this means for the factional make-up of the Higher Education Committee (HEC), so I've put together this short blog breaking down the results. open.substack.com/pub/dyfrigjo...

Title image reads "UCU HEC Election Results"

0155

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

UCU Commons @ucucommons.org · 11/03/2026

UCU Commons newsletter #12 just landed! Election results, ARPS & Anticas conference reports, Women’s TUC, opposing the Iran war, Equality Research conference, @alanlester.bsky.social on defamatory attacks & Adam Tickell punching down on tuition fees #UCU #UKHE ucucommons.org/ucu-commons-...

ucucommons.org

UCU Commons newsletter #12, 11 March 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...

088

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Bijan Parsia @bparsia.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

The #UCU election results are quite good overall. We could use more good people running. The turnout, unsurprisingly was worse than the baseline though I’m gonna have to dig out all the numbers again. However having @markpe as chair of HEC is a relief for me.

182

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Suzi Toole @suzitoole.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Delighted to announce I have been elected UCU Vice President from the FE sector. I am honoured by all those who voted for me and endlessly thankful to everyone who supported my campaign. I pledge to listen to members and fight for our sector with fierce energy and integrity. Let's do this 💪

4236

Dyfrig Jones @dyfrigjones.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

If you're a USS member of @ucu.org.uk , then you've probably heard some talk of Conditional Indexation. It'll likely be on the agenda at this year's HE Sector Conference, and I've written a very basic primer for anyone that's interested. open.substack.com/pub/dyfrigjo...

open.substack.com

What is Conditional Indexation?

A very quick guide for UCU members who are interested in the USS pension scheme

032

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

flyingrodent @flyingrodent.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

What else is there to say but: these people were warned and warned and warned again about this, going back well over ten years and further, and their constant response was: absolutely fuck you, you are all idiots and we are the smart, Sensible people whom understand what the public like and want.

14530130

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Sophia Woodman @sophisteria.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

I've voted in #ucu elections, have you? Last chance to post your ballot! If you'd like a better UCU (the one we have is sometimes pretty dreadful), please vote for @markpendleton.bsky.social @suzitoole.bsky.social and the list here: ucucommons.org/who-else-sho...

0125

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

It’s not all elections at #ucu. This afternoon I’m joining the induction for the new Congress Business Committee, the elected body that determines how our annual congress runs. This year it will be in Harrogate at the end of May. Congress is our peak democratic body, but how democratic is it?

185

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

For the Monday morning folk: I’ll be skeeting my answers to the #ucu VP hustings each day this week. Intro comments out yesterday and now the first member-submitted question (and my shortest answer at 42 seconds): “What political parties, if any, are you a member of?”

0109

Dyfrig Jones @dyfrigjones.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

I went along to the Certification Office today, so you didn’t have to. A brief update on McGaughey and Blake vs UCU dyfrigjones.substack.com/p/brief-repo...

dyfrigjones.substack.com

Brief report from the Certification Officer hearing

McGaughey and Blake vs UCU

042

Dyfrig Jones @dyfrigjones.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

I’m really proud of Bangor University students today. Very much in the spirit of Penrhyndeudraeth lad Bertrand Russell, when he said that “nothing fruitful or sincere could ever emerge from an association between us”, when invited to debate Oswald Mosley.

Official statement from Bangor University Debating and Political Society, rejecting Reform UK’s demand that they be allowed to address the society.

15515

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Vivek Thuppil @vthuppil.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Excellent as always from @markpendleton.bsky.social I just posted my ballot voting for @markpendleton.bsky.social @suzitoole.bsky.social and the entire @ucucommons.org slate!

0105

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

David Hopps @davidkhopps.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

“ I want to live in Dubai” said nobody ever

38712

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Ukraine Solidarity Campaign 🇺🇦✊🏽🚩 @ukrainesol.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

📅 24 February marks 4 years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Four years of resistance. Four years of solidarity. But the fight for justice isn’t over. 🧵⬇️

12011

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Alex Prichard @profalexp.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

I really did intend to read all the election addresses, but then decided not to bother and used the @ucucommons.org cheat sheet (below) instead. Apologies to my fellow candidates, and good luck!

193

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

A huge turnout of staff, students and community members against the proposed closure of the Uni of Essex campus in Southend. Thanks to @ucuessex.bsky.social for the invitation to speak about what’s happening at Sheffield - your fight is our fight! And solidarity for your picket lines next week!

02314

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Michael Abberton 🇺🇦🇸🇩 @michaelabberton.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

Just published this - UCU belongs to its members - these elections matter! Please use your vote in the upcoming union election. michaelabberton.medium.com/ucu-belongs-...

michaelabberton.medium.com

UCU Belongs to Its Members — These Elections Matter

UCU is about to begin elections for its officers and national committees at a difficult and, frankly, exhausting moment. We are dealing…

5128

Dyfrig Jones @dyfrigjones.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

My ballot papers just arrived for the @ucu.org.uk NEC and VP elections. I’ll be voting for @markpendleton.bsky.social and @suzitoole.bsky.social for the Vice Presidential posts, as well as the candidates on this slate: campaignforucudemocracy.com/2025/11/26/2...

295

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

Today’s start of LGBT+ history month is a great time to focus on and recommit to the important work UCU does to advance LGBTQ+ and wider equality. My contributions to that have led to endorsement from the chairs of all five of UCU’s equality committees. Thank you. ucucommons.org/endorsements/

Text reads: “Tomorrow is the start of LGBT+ History Month, a time when we acknowledge, remember and celebrate our queer pasts. Our union has a strong history of advancing LGBTQ+ equality in our workplaces, in the trade union movement and beyond.”

Text reads: “At a time when the rights of marginalised people are under attack, we need people across our institutions to stand up for all of us - that classic trade union line of ‘an injury to one is an injury to all’ has never been more important.”

Text reads: “That’s why we’re proud today to be endorsed by the chairs of all five of UCU’s equality committees - Black members, disabled members, LGBTQ+ members, migrant members and women members.”

A photograph of Suzi Toole and Mark Pendleton wearing UCU beanies, accompanied by this text: “Our commitment to advancing the union’s equality agenda is unwavering and will be a cornerstone of our work as hopefully your next UCU vice-presidents. Suzi Toole & Mark Pendleton”

02115

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

From this Friday, #ucu members will receive ballot papers for this year’s elections. I am running for election as Vice-President (Higher Education), to become President in 2029–30. Read why below and at ucucommons.org/mark4vp/ I also support @suzitoole.bsky.social for VP (Further Education).

Text reads: “Our union needs to come together and work across differences. Years of neglect and often outright hostility have taken post-16 education very close to the edge. Our employers don’t have a plan, and neither do successive governments, including the deeply disappointing current one. This can and must change.

“In that climate of neglect, we as education workers must make the case for education as a public good, change the narrative and build more coherent and impactful campaigns using the full resources of the union.”

Text reads: “We also need to be better at harnessing the brilliant expertise, experience and potential of you, our members. I know that is possible from the work we’ve done in my local branch at Sheffield. We have developed ways to work alongside each other, despite differences, and have increased membership density in key areas and built member confidence and engagement in challenging management’s agenda of job cuts and spiraling workloads.

“I am asking for your vote as I believe I am best placed to help our union become a more effective force for change over the next four years. Read more about my background and what I bring to this role at commons.org/mark4vp”

Text reads: “Unusually this year we have a double vice-presidential election, one from higher education and one from further education. All members should vote for both positions, regardless of which sector you vote in. I’m proud to be supporting Suzi Toole for the VP (FE) post. Suzi and I know each other well from joint work across the union’s equalities agenda, and on national committees.

“As a resident of the northwest, I’ve also witnessed first-hand Suzi’s brilliant leadership at Bolton College, building a strong and engaged membership that has achieved significant wins, including two pay uplifts in a single year. Check out Suzi’s website at www.suzitooleforvp.com if you want to know more about why you should vote for her.”

Image of Suzi Toole and Mark Pendleton wearing pink UCU beanies outside Bolton College. Text reads: “Alongside a suite of exceptional candidates for other posts, Suzi and I are committed to helping guide our union to be more responsive, effective and powerful. We will help build a member-led union that can lead the change we so desperately need across post-16 education.”

13214

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Suzi Toole @suzitoole.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

From Friday 30th of Jan, you will receive ballot papers for this year’s UCU elections. I am standing for election as Vice-President (Further Education) of #UCU and am asking for your vote. Find out more about me and the candidates I support at suzitooleforvp.com I hope I can count on your support

155

Reposted by Dyfrig Jones

Education International @eduinternational.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

📣Education International sends a strong message to #Palestinian educators after a delegation of education leaders from 15 countries was detained and interrogated for hours. ‼️Attempts to intimidate, isolate, or silence educators will only strengthen our collective determination and solidarity.

32820