iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Great to be in Cardiff for the @datajusticelab.bsky.social conference! Say hi if you're here 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

conference hall with the programme cover on the front screen

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

It's #FOIFest day! I'm out front wearing bright green, you can't miss me!

a selfie where you can see my bright green jumper and yellow lanyard in front of a printed sign that says Welcome to FOI Fest

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

find out your local daylight dates using this lovely website from @dracos.co.uk dracos.co.uk/made/sunligh...

A screenshot showing a table of dates with sunset and sunrise times

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Call it a tax if you want, but it's an extraordinarily high tax. I pay more to the Student Loans Company than I do in National Insurance or into my pension 🙃 I'm one of the lucky ones - I only paid 3k tuition fees (🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿) and I got max maintenance grants! Yet I have 42k debt (and rising everyday!)

Screenshot of my payslip showing my student loan repayments

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Happy to contribute my real life to the discourse about student loans being a scam 🙃 Last year I paid ~5% of my income (£2.1k) towards my student loans 🙃 That didn't even cover the interest 🙃 My total debt still went up by £700 🙃 Debt that everyone agrees I will never pay off 🙃

a table showing my student loan repayments for 2024/25

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Now Matthew has done the hard work for us all!!

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Over the last few years I've spent hours making a spreadsheet like this!

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Idk how Rachel is finding it but I had a great time!

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Apparently there's another woman from Leeds with a brunette bob talking in a Parliament building about something or other today?? 😅 Anyway, I'm at the Senedd and excited to be appearing alongside @jessblair.bsky.social @lauramcallister30.bsky.social & Mark Drakeford!

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

As with every new release, we made the latest Registers of Interests available in handy explorable datasets as well as highlighting what's new on individual MP pages (as you may have seen in the news, Nigel Farage had a lot of new entries this register) www.theyworkforyou.com/interests/

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

this short and sweet blog from @dracos.co.uk is worth two mins of your time, it's important to us to be able to support other good bits of the internet, and it's important to me that everyone is reminded of this classic @xkcd.com

A cartoon from XKCD which is a stack of different sized boxes, all labelled 'all modern digital infrastructure'. One of the bottom tiny boxes holding up the whole pile is labelled 'a project some random person in nebraska has been thanklessly maintaining since 2003'

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

ok, yes that's strange you think, but what if I told you it was ON THE CEILING DIRECTLY ABOVE THE BED

image showing that the previous graphic is mounted on the ceiling

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

Staying in an very strange hotel in Cardiff with extremely dodgy decor celebrating colonisers "defending British interests"?? "a wealthy sugar plantation owner"??

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

As noted in @clairemiller.bsky.social's brill #FOIFriday round-up, the Scottish government have announced they're seeking views on the new FOI bill, deadline Monday. Hopefully not, as committee website says they're "not currently seeking views" on anything... clairemiller.net/2025/09/free...

Screenshot from press briefing says:
PA Media
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Proposed changes to the public’s right to information and transparency among public authorities are set to be scrutinised in Holyrood.

The Scottish Parliament’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments (SPPA) Committee has launched a call for views on the Scottish Government’s Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill.

The Bill would look to update the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 by making the public’s right to information explicit.

Under new proposals, the only information that would not be disclosed would be if it was classified as absolute exemption.

The proposals would also bring more bodies under freedom of information rules, such as third sector organisations and housing associations.

Martin Whitfield MSP, convener of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, said: “With the original Act now 20 years old, it’s timely to look at how the law might be updated.

“Any new legislation must be clearly defined and workable. The committee is keen to hear views on the Bill’s proposals, and whether its aims to increase transparency, extend coverage and strengthen existing processes are likely to achieve their intended impact.”

The call for views is open and will close to responses on September 22 2025. The Committee plans to hold evidence sessions with stakeholders in November.

Screenshot from the Bill website says "The Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee is not currently seeking views on any of its current inquiries"

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

our wonderful CEO @itscrowbot.bsky.social suggests that in 2050 we'll be very glad we had FOI to assess and scrutinise growing AI use by government. There are discrepancies in power and resources between big tech companies and govt and FOI provides a flexible and powerful tool to assess these

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Legendary journalist @jennacorderoy.bsky.social from Democracy for Sale highlights the need to get the basics right. Deadlines aren't being met, and non-response weakens the overall effectiveness and timeliness of FOI.

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Packed room for the IfG's event on 25 years of FOI ✨ @gavinfreeguard.bsky.social has started us off with a big happy birthday to FOI! 🎂

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

All my neighbours' kids were going back to school this morning and my red jumper was shade perfect for the local school uniform 😅

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

Earlier this week I got to chat with Gabriel from @lighthousereports.com about their amazing Suspicion Machines investigations. Here's a clip, but make sure to come along to our event on Tuesday 19th to see the full interview! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-access...

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

Can a meteorologist explain why Leeds seems to be the hottest place in the country today?! I am used to feeling smug while my southern colleagues are the ones sweating!

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

E.g. The open letter about recognition of a Palestinian state - left is one the images posted on social media, right is searchable list on twfy votes votes.theyworkforyou.com/statement/co...

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Finally got my film developed - wish I could time travel back to eating icecream in mechelen with the amazing #tictec crew! @democracyclub.org.uk @symroe.bsky.social @myfanwytristram.bsky.social @zarino.co.uk @dracos.co.uk @mysociety.org @societyworks.org

a group of people eating ice-cream in front of the tower in Mechelen, Belgium

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

📰 We're front page news! 📰 Come and find @zarino.co.uk & I on floor 6 of the QEII centre and grab a postcard! #ActNowChangeForever

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

IYKYK- used @realtimetrains.co.uk to find the platform before it was announced and saw a Minister (& a lot of cops) board at the same time! Last train of the day, here we go!!

screenshot from realtimetrains.co.uk showing stops and platforms

outside of the train showing a digital display that says Leeds 20:03

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Is now the right time to I admit I paid the £29 to upgrade? 10 hours into travelling and 12 hours after my alarm this morning it feels very worth it - solo seat, small but nice meal, and... wine! 🍷

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

The brussels midi eurostar waiting bit is still grim (when is renovation due to finish??) but tbf security was quick and I'm now on train 3/4 🎉 About half way in terms of distance but only 5.5 hours til I'm home! Easy peasy so far, would recommend the journey to anyone!

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Took the advice of @seatsixtyone.bsky.social and headed to the Pullman bar. Through the doors next to the hagen daaz shop, round the corner, up the elevator you'll find relative peace and quiet, free wifi, a comfy chair and a cup of tea with milk (not coffee creamer!)

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

One huge coffee later we're pulling into Brussels past some graffiti that I can get behind 💗 Now the big question is, given the eurostar waiting area is so grim, where's the best place to kill 2 hours in/around Midi station?

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Just leaving Aachen, the town with three borders 🇩🇪 🇧🇪 🇳🇱

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Restaurant car is great fun! Table service with a huge menu but given I've already had lunch, just a drink and a snack to justify being here! Spezi is a uniquely german thing - like fanta and coke mixed together, it's pretty good! Spot the cute berlin green man paperclip I got at the ICIC too!

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

train 2/4 here we go! btw the DB app is excellent, even tells you where to go for the restaurant car!

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

approx 8 steps from the door of one train to the platform for the next 😎

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Sure the train takes longer than flying, but I've got some work done, had two nice meals, and look at this view! Into Köln 3 minutes early, and I don't even have to change platforms for my connection to Brussels!

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Just about to stop at Wuppertal, famous for its amazing suspended monorail. Sadly I don't have time to get off and have a look!

a photo of wuppertal's suspended monorail which is red and blue, above a shopping street.

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

No room to sit in the restaurant car but perfectly serviceable soup & bread roll. Love this smash cutlery travel cutlery set so I don't have to use the wooden stuff

bright red tomato soup in a cardboard bowl with some metal cutlery

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Coffee secured, time to write up my (brilliant!) experience at the Information Commissioners Conference and tackle my inbox 🫣

the cafe bar on the DB train, showing a glass cabinet full of cakes and sandwiches

a cinnamon bun in a cardboard box and black coffee in a reusable mug

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Morning! 🚂 Train nerds assemble- today I'm going from Berlin home to Leeds all by train, all in one day! First train of the day, the 08:17 to Köln. I've only got 23 minutes to make my connection in Köln to Brussels so wish me luck! 🍀 Train is moving, time to get some coffee ☕️

Inside the train, the information board reads 'Köln Hbf'

A busy scene at Berlin Hbf where there are lots of people standing with big backpacks and brightly coloured suitcases

A screenshot of the DB trains app showing departure and arrival times

A screenshot of a map that shows the route

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

Guten morgen from a very sunny Berlin at the Information Comissioners International Conference! Looking forward to spending 3 days talking about freedom of information rights around the world 📄🌏 Did you know our platform alaveteli (which powers WhatDoTheyKnow) is used in more than 25 countries?!

a blue banner that reads. "ICIC Germany 2025' in front of a grand chandelier

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

Found this bookmark and two lovely photos in a copy of @nigelslater.bsky.social's Real Fast Food in a book swap box in Pontrieux, France! Anyone up for reviving this thing we used to do on twitter? Can we find these people? Might be someone's Dad and a nice thing to do on Fathers' day!

A paper bookmark from 'Cambridge International Book Centre at the 30th IATEFL Conference Keele University 9-12th April 1996', a photo of two young people who appear to be a couple, and another photo of two people in a suit

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

If you're scared about the state of democracy in your country and/or globally you should get in touch and/or donate to @mysociety.org so we can do more tictecs that help solve the worlds big problems and (not or this time) eat more delicious icecream

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

Goes without saying that hanging out with my @mysociety.org colleagues is such a blast I think we should run more conferences just so I can eat laugh, drink beer & eat ice cream with @dracos.co.uk @itscrowbot.bsky.social @alexparsons.bsky.social @myfanwytristram.bsky.social & the team!

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

I think very few people get paid to talk about a) really interesting stuff b) with really nice people c) in a really cool place and this week I got to do all 3 at #tictec in Mechelen! Sorry (not sorry) to brag but @mysociety.org are the best and I just wanna say thanks to everyone who came!

Gemma & Alex on the bridge outside the venue in Mechelen

our 3 unconfernce sessions which are covered in colourful sticky notes

me next to a sign that says 'restaurant julia'

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Fantastic panel at #TICTeC Day 2 ✨ @fecampagnucci.com ✨Lula Chen from MIT GOV/LAB ✨ @colinmegill.com from Pol.is

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

The @mysociety.org team made it to Mechelen! Looking forward to seeing everyone for #TICTeC tomorrow! ✨

mySociety staff sat on the top deck of the train from Brussels to Mechelen

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

Really interesting social media trends

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Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

Great to hear from the fantastic @joe-mitchell.com at the @publicinterestnews.org.uk launch of their 2025 Survey of independent news providers 🗞️🗞️ 2024 was a big year for democracy and great to hear that the public interest news sector felt they had a big social impact!

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