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Howard Stevenson

@howardstevenson.bsky.social
458 followers 362 following 191 posts

Independent trade union research, education and consultancy. Professor Emeritus, School of Education, University of Nottingham.

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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 05/10/2026
Nottingham bought a campus for £37.5m. Spent £40m more on it. Its own accounts say it could now sell for £14m. Staff and students are paying for that. 609 jobs. Three departments. More than 40 courses. That's why we're on strike. www.thetimes.com/uk/education...
thetimes.com
Lecturers on strike till Christmas: welcome to Nottingham University
Bad business decisions have been blamed for the decision to shut entire departments — as academics protest it is students who suffer
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
You are, quite literally, amazing. It’s incredible what’s being thrown at you - job cuts, course closures and a management who refuse to listen tp any of the credible counter-proposals they’ve been presented with. Your determination to keep going is an inspiration.
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
See you Thursday - I’ll be bringing focaccia ✊✊✊
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 29/09/2026
Our members at the University of Nottingham begin strike action tomorrow over devastating job and course cuts. They will walk out tomorrow and Thursday, before beginning sustained strike action from 5 October. Share, like and comment to show your solidarity with our members.
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 28/09/2026
Our members at the University of Nottingham will strike this Wednesday and Thursday in their fight against compulsory redundancies and course cuts. Show your solidarity as they head onto picket lines, ahead of sustained strike action from 5 October to 11 December. www.ucu.org.uk/article/1466...
ucu.org.uk
University of Nottingham staff to strike for three months from October in redundancy fight
Staff at the University of Nottingham will strike on Wednesday 30 September and Thursday 1 October, and then solid strike action from 5th October until 11 December in a row over jobs and course cuts, ...
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Arrested Via G. Battista Morgagni 8 November 1926. Died Via G. Giacomo Porro 27 April 1937. Murdered by fascism.
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
“If you can’t take significant action when there are 750 [people’s] jobs on the line in this job market, then I don’t really know when you can.” www.timeshighereducation.com/news/uk-univ...
timeshighereducation.com
UK universities face autumn of chaos as ‘prolonged’ strikes planned
Unprecedentedly long strikes at Nottingham, Edinburgh and Dundee could be the shape of things to come, observers say
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Nice to be in Rome with FLC-CGIL and southern European education trade unions. Discussing the crises of austerity, authoritarianism and automation in education. Bleak prospects across S Europe - but optimism too.
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
With strike action set to begin in a week and a half, here is a quick overview of what is happening at your university, why it is happening, what UCU is doing about it, and how you can support us as we fight for the future of UoN. #UCU #UoN #UoNUCU #UniversityOfNotting #StopTheCuts #SaveHE
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
Sol Gamsu @solgamsu.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Given the role of the Crown in transatlantic slavery is in the news, resharing our paper on elite schools & their financial ties to enslavement. Charles II's funded maths education at Christ's Hospital deliberately to expand navigation & colonial economic power. www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
tandfonline.com
Elite schools and slavery in the UK – capital, violence and extractivism
Elite schools in the UK are bound to the history of British colonialism. This paper examines the material ties between these schools and the transatlantic slave trade. We combine multiple sources t...
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Our research into standardised curricula showed much the same. The answer to teacher workload problems are not addressed by giving teachers scripts or standardising technologies. neu.org.uk/latest/libra...
neu.org.uk
“Are you on slide 8 yet?” | National Education Union
The impact of standardised curricula on teacher professionalism
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
Ben Williamson @benpatrickwill.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Shaping how AI use will unfold in schools in the future is currently a major policy project of governments around the world. In our new paper from @sociodigfutures.bsky.social we examine a distinctive policy approach to AI in England - prototyping, pilot testing, and scaling doi.org/10.1080/1476...
doi.org
Experimental futuring: AI prototyping and pilot testing as anticipatory governance in education
The future impact of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a major policy concern in education globally. In this article, we identify how policy authorities are engaging in a form of anticipatory...
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
GFTU Educational Trust @gftuet.org.uk · 24/08/2026
The challenges facing trade unions today demand confident, innovative leaders who can organise, inspire and build a strong union movement. 🥁 That's where TULIP w/ @howardstevenson.bsky.social comes in 🥁 🔴 Book now: gftuet.org.uk/courses/trade-union-l… #GFTUET
A person speaking at a podium, with text saying "Trade Union Leadership and Innovation Programme with Howard Stevenson." The GFTU Educational Trust logo is displayed at the bottom.
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
Acyn @acyn.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Phang: So for this federal judge to be at his wit's end, but to still be giving the grace to these people to do the right thing, shows that he's really laying the foundation for them to be held in contempt.
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
AAUP @aaup.org · 08/08/2026
Trump’s Compact 2.0 announced by Linda McMahon this week should be placed in the context of their failed 2025 “loyalty oath” compact that was defeated by students & faculty at every institution they offered it to. Organizing & collective pressure works. 1 🧵 www.aaup.org/issue/winter...
Trump's Compact 2.0
Universities should not be made answerable to the political program of a particular administration.
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
‘It raises troubling questions about the use of harassment law as a shield against awkward scholarly scrutiny in an increasingly litigious, low-trust society’ - on the completely inappropriate use of legal threats, rather than debate, within the academic community. A growing problem.
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
It was such a honour to give the second annual Agnes Flues memorial lecture. I never listen to myself after the event, but on this occasion I hope I did both Agnes, and @uonucu.bsky.social, proud. It has always been a privilege to work with such an exceptional branch. Remembering you, Agnes.
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
The state of things ….
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
John Heathershaw @jheathershaw.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
I never thought that I would have to write this piece about my university. But after weeks of demonstrating privately to senior managers that their case is based on a false prospectus, that their data are inaccurate and their claims misleading, there was little choice. substack.com/@lucasamin/n...
substack.com
Inside Britain's university crisis
As teaching staff face job loss, their bosses have netted pay rises and bought advice from a “vampiric” management consultancy, writes Prof. John Heathershaw of the University of Exeter
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Burnham 1 - Infantino 0 www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Fifa scraps proposal to sell off stakes in World Cup after widespread backlash
Gianni ⁠Infantino has said Fifa ​has scrapped plans to ⁠sell a stake in the World ⁠Cup to private ​investors ‌after widespread ‌backlash
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
A big solidarity hug to my friend and comrade @lopa.bsky.social - her final day as an inspirational President of @uonucu.bsky.social. It has been a pure pleasure to see her grow into that role and to lead the union through such difficult times. An extraordinary inspiration. Solidarity Lopa xx
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
With our current marking and assessment boycott coming to a close, we want to share @howardstevenson.bsky.social 's reflections on this action within our broader campaign. post16educator.org.uk/resources/ar...
post16educator.org.uk
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Anyone who has seen a close family member go through the care system must relate to this. It is hard and complex work and those most marginalised cover some of the toughest wards and the worst shifts. It’s time for change.
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
AFT @aft.org · 26/07/2026
"Bending to politicians’ preferred viewpoints over what the experts know to be true and right sets a dangerous precedent for higher education nationwide.” - TJ Geiger, Texas Tech University @texasaaup.bsky.social
aft.org
American Association of University Professors and Texas AAUP-AFT fight back against academic censorship
The American Association of University Professors and Texas AAUP-AFT are suing the Texas Tech University System, claiming its policies restrict professors from using course material about race, gender...
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
My reflections on the extraordinary, and inspiring, campaign by @uonucu.bsky.social members fighting job losses and course closures at University of Nottingham. In part based on my Agnes Flues memorial lecture. post16educator.org.uk/resources/ar...
post16educator.org.uk
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
The endless need to fill up ‘space’ or generate ‘content’ - the industrial production of nothingness.
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Nail. Head.
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
Sol Gamsu @solgamsu.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
On the class dynamics of education policy, the preservation of elite education & Labour's inability to articulate class struggle thru education. "Unless Burnham offers a substantial change there is little reason for anyone involved in education to vote Labour at all." lwbooks.co.uk/why-does-edu...
lwbooks.co.uk
Why does education stay the same? - Lawrence Wishart
Class inequality endures throughout England’s education system, argues Sol Gamsu, in part because of the shared educational background of those who have wielded power. Will Andy Burnham break with the...
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
AAUP @aaup.org · 20/07/2026
"Nice federal science grant you got there, shame if someone cut it off because you didn't swear your ideological allegiance like we told you to...👀
highereddive.com
‘A razor’s edge’: How colleges are navigating civil rights probes under Trump
Some colleges have cut deals, while others have fought back against federal officials. Both come with risks, legal experts say.
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
Jon Bloomfield @jonbloomfield.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
With an exciting World Cup reaching its climax a few hopeful reflections on the politics, especially as regards integration. @sundersays.bsky.social @stephenkb.bsky.social @jdportes.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/bylineti...
open.substack.com
What the World Cup Showed Us About Politics
As the tournament comes to its final game, Jon Bloomfield and David Edgar reflect on what it has demonstrated about nationhood, identity and the global rules-based order
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
All the chaos and corruption of the Trump-Infantino debacle chronicled in one place tracker.footballagainstfascism.org
tracker.footballagainstfascism.org
Trump World Cup Chaos Tracker
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Apropos not very much, and being rather parochial - imagine how (un)popular it would be if anyone suggested introducing a 3rd place play-off match into the FA cup. Surely these fixtures in the World Cup and Euros should be binned/banned. Utterly pointless and borderline cruel to those playing.
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
GFTU Educational Trust @gftuet.org.uk · 11/07/2026
🚨 IT'S HERE. ✨ One of the most ambitious trade union education programmes anywhere. 🔥 Learn from leading organisers, campaigners and thinkers - including the legendary Angela Davis. 📌 Register your place on our unbeatable programme now - gftuet.org.uk/education #GFTUET
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
The worst of all outcomes for Trump. He cheats, is on the sharp end of a completely justified global backlash and the USA gets dumped out of the World Cup. 😀
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Trying to win by ignoring international rules - right out of the Trump play book. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Uefa accuses Fifa of ‘crossing a red line’ over lifting of Folarin Balogun’s red card
Uefa has hit out at Fifa’s decision to lift US striker Folarin Balogun’s one-game suspension for Monday’s last-16 tie with Belgium
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
A World Cup in Trump’s America becomes corrupted. Who ever saw that coming?
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Ending the academic year in Brussels. Presenting our Your Turn 2 research at @eduinternational.bsky.social, and our research report on education unions, AI and collective bargaining also published this week. Plus - no better place to watch Belgium vs Senegal :-)
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
@tregenza.bsky.social Hi Chris. Good to meet you at the lecture on Wednesday. Please could you email me at howard.stevenson@nottingham.ac.uk - so I can email you back and ask a favour :-) thank you.
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
More clear evidence that the community has our back: city council and members of parliament have joined our president to craft this important joint appeal condemning the horrific financial strategy that our administration continues force on the university.
Joint Statement from Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of
Nottingham City Council, Nottingham MPs and the
University and College Union
The University of Nottingham is one of Nottingham’s most important institutions.
It is a globally recognised centre of teaching and research, one of the city’s
largest employers, and a major contributor to Nottingham’s economy,
innovation ecosystem and international reputation.
We recognise that universities across the country are facing significant financial
challenges and that difficult decisions are being made throughout the higher
education sector. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of our universities is
important not only for students and staff, but also for the communities and
economies that depend on them.
However, we share concerns about the potential economic impact that
significant reductions in staffing and academic capacity could have on
Nottingham.
The University is a major driver of economic activity across the city. Thousands
of local joWe believe every effort should be made to explore options that can secure the
University’s financial future while minimising the impact on employment,
research excellence, teaching provision and the broader contribution the
University makes to Nottingham’s economy.
The proposals and alternatives currently being discussed demonstrate the
importance of continued dialogue and engagement. Especially the finance
counterproposal by UCU indicates that the required savings are possible
without the need for large-scale job cuts and the closure of whole Departments.
We encourage University management to work constructively together with
UCU to identify solutions that protect the long-term sustainability of the
institution while preserving the skills, expertise and economic activity that are so
important to our city.
The success of the University of Nottingham and the success of Nottingham as
a city are closely linked. Our shared objective must be to ensure that the
University remains financially
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Totally agree. Landed more political punches than the film too (which was perhaps directed with a nod to US audiences?). But totally agree with your assessment Rachel - a fabulous production. I hope they’ve kept the ‘in jokes’ for a Welsh audience in the London version!
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
I saw it in Cardiff and thoroughly enjoyed it. Really enjoyed it. I knew Mark Ashton through membership of the CPGB. I found myself unaffected by the film portrayal, but the theatre production was quite different - and much better. Definitely not a ‘cut and paste’ of the film.
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
I could not have been more honoured than to be asked to do this. Agnes had such a huge impact on so many people in Nottingham. She would be horrified to see what’s happening to the institution she worked so hard for.
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
In the School of Physics and Astronomy at University of Nottingham. Being greeted by lots of redundancy notices pinned to the noticeboard tells you everything you need to know about the current state of UK higher education.
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
In the School of Physics and Astronomy at University of Nottingham. Being greeted by lots of redundancy notices pinned to the noticeboard tells you everything you need to know about the current state of UK higher education.
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
UPDATE: It has come to our attention that this room has air con. So now you can celebrate Agnes, listen to Howard, learn about labour organising, AND beat the heat!
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
This event tomorrow is definitely ON. Nearly rescheduled due to weather issues - but it is ON. In person and online. There will be hydration breaks :-)
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Howard Stevenson @howardstevenson.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Delighted to be doing this on Wednesday. Feels like today is a moment - an opportunity. But how to build the movement that defeats the bonds markets when the bonds markets say no? My thoughts on Wednesday - in person and online.
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Please join us as we celebrate Agnes' legacy in the best way we know how: looking to the future as we continue to organise togther 🗓️ 2pm, Wednesday 24th June 📍 B21 School of Physics, & Online
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Stevenson is a Professor Emeritus in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from UoN. His research interests have focused mainly on industrial relations in the education sector (schools, further, higher and adult education).
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Reposted by Howard Stevenson
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
AGNES FLUES MEMORIAL LECTURE 🎟️ Book your tickets here 👉 www.tickettailor.com/events/uonuc...
A photo of Agnes Flues with the text:

HOW WE WIN:
BUILDING UNION POWER IN WORKPLACES

A Talk by Howard Stevenson

2PM, 24th June
Physics B21 & Online

Agnes Flues Memorial Lecture 2026
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