iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

84% of staff and research students at Sheffield Uni vote no confidence in the current leadership. This is no surprise after years of upheaval, lack of direction and “change” for the sake of change. Nobody, least of all the VC, knows what he’s doing or why. @sheffielducu.bsky.social

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

I haven’t had much time while back home to relax but I did have a gorgeous day yesterday on Arakwal country, just me, the ocean and a book. I don’t often miss living in Australia, but days like this do remind me of its appeal.

An empty beach at Broken Head on Arakwal country.

A hand holds up a copy of the Helene Giannechinni book “an army of lovers cannot fail” with a beach scene in the background

Rocks in the foreground give way to a wide sandy beach with a headland in the background. Kings Beach, Broken Head.

A sole figure sits in the shallow ocean waters with their back to the camera, with expansive sandy beaches in either direction. Kings Beach, NSW.

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Took a day out of my trip back home to drop in on our sibling union the NTEU for a chat. As employers in the UK and Australia share policies, personnel and overpaid consultants, trade unions too need to be talking across borders and systems so we can better defend workers and public education.

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Great to meet with @alisonbarnes.bsky.social and @nteunion.bsky.social colleagues to take some lessons from their governance campaigns back to @ucu.org.uk Plenty of opportunities for future cross-border collaboration too! Looking forward to hitting the ground running as #ucu VP next month.

NTEU president Alison Barnes and UCU vice president for higher education (elect) Mark Pendleton stand on a footpath outside the NTEU headquarters in Melbourne.

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

I really wanted to see Archie Moore’s kith and kin when it was at the Venice biennale (and won) but couldn’t get there. So I was delighted to find it at GOMA while I’m in Brisbane. Truly monumental work about kinship, time, and the ongoing violence of colonialism.

A segment of Archie Moore’s kith and kin that shows chalk genealogical lines of his ancestors, reflecting the complexities of kinship relationships, and a combination of known people, terms drawn from archival sources and speculative ancestral names.

Archie Moore’s kith and kin: Documents of 557 inquests into Aboriginal deaths in custody between 1991 and 2023 float on a black table over a pool of water. The black walls around the room are cover in intricate drawings in chalk reflecting the genealogies of the artist over tens of thousands of years of ancestors.

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

UCU’s elections concluded this week and I am honoured to have been elected as the next Vice-President for Higher Education, to become President in 2029-30. Thank you for all the support. A short statement about the election and what’s to come after I take up the role in May.

Text reads: I am humbled and excited to be elected the next UCU Vice-President for Higher Education.

Now is a devastatingly difficult and challenging time for our sectors and so many workers in post-16 education, but as a union we cannot succumb to despair. We have the skills, knowledge and capacity to help chart a way out of this mess and restore higher and further education. That you have put your trust in me to help do that is a huge honour and responsibility. I do not take this lightly.

Thank you to the many thousands of members who voted for me and also to those who did not – we need to build better engagement in our union and part of that is voting, no matter who you voted for. I promised in my election materials to work hard to bring our union together and that is what I will do.

Text reads: Thank you to the other HE candidates Sean and Steve, both committed trade unionists. I know they will continue to fight for members and the future of Higher Education and I look forward to doing that alongside them. Congratulations to those elected to the National Executive Committee and commiserations to those who missed out this time. Your willingness to put yourself forward for election is hugely valued and I know you all will continue to contribute in other ways.

So what next? Until the end of May, I’ll be tying up some loose ends and taking some time off to visit family and friends back in Australia. I will take up my role after UCU’s annual Congress at the end of May, this year in Harrogate.

Text reads: For the following three years, I will be lead negotiator for pay and conditions and for USS pensions across UK Higher Education, working with our team of elected negotiators and officials. I will also chair UCU’s Higher Education Committee and HE sector conferences, serve on other national committees and represent you in various forums.

In 2029-30 I will become UCU’s President after the excellent Suzi Toole, who has also been elected as Vice-President for Further Education and will spend two years leading on further education matters before becoming President. She will take over from Dyfrig Jones, who succeeds early to the Presidential role for a two-year term this May, due to the casual vacancy that arose last year, replacing Maria Chondrogianni. Maria stays on as immediate past president, rounding out the presidential team.

I want to again acknowledge David Hunter who stepped down as President-Elect last year for health reasons and continue to wish him and his family all the best.

A picture of two smiling people (Suzi Toole and Mark Pendleton) wearing UCU beanies.

Text reads: That’s a lot of work, and a lot of moving parts, but at the heart of it will be my commitment to build a better union, alongside members and branches, and through that transform our sectors.

I am ready and I know from the responses to this election that many of you are too. I’m looking forward to getting to work, together with you all.

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Spotted this nice combo of stickers after I voted just now, which pretty much capture where I’m at. Vote Love and Anti-Reform. When Labour offers nothing but more hatred and division, it has to be Hannah Spencer and the Greens this time.

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Forgot about a third vote today! My @sheffielducu.bsky.social ballot for industrial action over threats to jobs is in the post. Yes to striking, yes to action short of a strike of course!

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Tomorrow my local area will vote for a new MP. That matters. But what’s more important is how we build a community with real bonds, and that stands up for our neighbours and holds our reps accountable. On Saturday we organise for whatever is next. Join us. www.tickettailor.com/events/local...

Flyer for community organising training at Levy Old Library on 28th February. More details at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/localvoices/2056960

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

And that’s my #ucu ballot in the post! A reminder: these do need to be at the Civiva head office by 5pm on Monday 2 March. Get them in the post by this coming Thursday to make sure they arrive!

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

Last night I caught up with UCU’s prison educators, exceptional members doing amazing work to change lives. They deserve safety on the job, job security, decent pay and respect. I’m proud to have their support, and all of us should back their campaign for change: www.ucu.org.uk/UnlockingFut...

UCU’s vision for prison education. More details at https://www.ucu.org.uk/UnlockingFutures

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

It’s a secret ballot Jo. But this was a helpful guide…

UCU commons recommended voting list. Also available at https://ucucommons.org/who-else-should-i-vote-for/

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

Well I finally got my #ucu voting papers! If you haven’t, get a request in ASAP at yoursay.ucu.org.uk/s3/UCU-elect... And if you have received yours and haven’t sent them off yet, just do it! You’ve only got a few days left for your vote to count.

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

The final #ucu VP hustings question asks whether we need a national campaign to defend the sector. Of course we do, but it can’t be just tacked onto a pay dispute as HEC voted to do last year, despite the evidence it wouldn’t work. Focus, strategy, creativity and unity. That’s what’s needed.

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

The penultimate #ucu VP hustings question is about overcoming division. As a political organization, disagreements are inevitable. But we have to disagree better and get on and do the work. It’s the only way we can bring our union together again to be an effective force for change.

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Day 4 of my responses to #ucu VP hustings. This one speaks to the detachment of senior managers, the collapse of university governance, and the erosion of democracy and our own ability as university workers to influence what happens in our workplaces.

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Today’s clip addresses a question on excessive workloads, a problem for #ucu members from further ed to universities. This intersects with health & safety, pay, casualisation, etc. We can and should come at it from all these angles but ultimately need proper jobs. That’s the #1 priority.

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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?”

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 15/02/2026

Full recordings of the #ucu VP hustings will (I think) be up this week, but with the voting deadline looming I’m going to be posting my clips myself over the next few days. First, some introductory comments in two short clips (2 mins each). More about me also at: ucucommons.org/mark4vp/

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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!

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

Early morning start after a quick swing through the southwest, meeting UCU members in Bristol and Exeter. Thanks to @profalexp.bsky.social for facilitating the visits and for standing for election to the #ucu national executive committee! More people to vote for at ucucommons.org/who-else-sho...

List of UCU Commons recommended candidates for the 2026 UCU elections. List can also be found at: https://ucucommons.org/who-else-should-i-vote-for/

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Was glad I could get along to today’s lunchtime London Metropolitan University rally against threats to cut 120 academic jobs to offer a few words of solidarity. Institutions like London Met have been hugely important in advancing educational opportunities for all. They must and will be defended.

Dozens of protestors stand with placards and banners in the rain at a demonstration outside London Metropolitan University over threats to 120 academic jobs.

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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”

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Management at the University of Sheffield has created a crisis. Staff want to work but are being denied that opportunity, causing great damage to staff, students and the wider community. Today @sheffielducu.bsky.social members are rallying to say #StoptheLockout #ucu

Dozens of UCU members outside Firth Court at the University of Sheffield, an ivy covered red brick building that houses the vice chancellor’s office.

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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.”

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

Well that’s me locked out. No pay for the foreseeable future, all because I refuse to reschedule lost teaching, for which I have already lost pay as part of the strike. Please donate to support @sheffielducu.bsky.social members like me at www.gofundme.com/f/heubvb-sup...

Screenshot of email that reads: “This status will remain in place until the University receives notification that you are no longer participating in that action. During this period, any work undertaken will be regarded as voluntary.”

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

We don’t mourn non-familial kinship very well, but seven years ago today I had the last of many drinks with my excellent friend Masaki. He was important in my early queer life, and then for 20+ years until he died a few years ago. He wasn’t a daily presence in later years, but I miss him often.

Three friends pose for a drink at an izakaya in Japan

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

This is my “left home at 7am to get to @sheffielducu.bsky.social pickets only to be stuck over 90 minutes later in a stationary train a few miles from home” face. I also did not bring coffee.

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Day six going strong at the Jessop West picke, joined by today’s running picket! Sun’s out too so at least we’re not tooooo cold @sheffielducu.bsky.social

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

What a privilege tonight to hear the iconic feminist poet Hiromi Itō, translator Jeffrey Angles and daughter, composer/sound artist Kanoko Nishi, as part of Asia Triennial Manchester. Their reading/performance of Killing Kanoko, with Kanoko herself accompanying, was mindblowingly powerful!

Hiromi Itō performs Killing Kanako, with her daughter Kanako on the koto and translator Jeffrey Angles

The hard copy version of Killing Kanoko resting on a table

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

Been a while since the pink beanie came out. Sheffield pickets here we come. Our message to management is simple: No redundancies. Stop the incessant restructures. Listen to your staff. There is no University of Sheffield without us.

Mark Pendleton wears a pink UCU beanie, while standing on a train platform in the dawn light

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

It’s Day 3 of @sheffielducu.bsky.social strike today and also the national day of action for trans rights. I can’t make it to pickets today, but whether on the line, striking from home, or when back at work, this trade unionist will always back my trans colleagues and students! #unions4transrights

Text reads: “Trade Unions 4 Trans Rights” in block text over a trans flag (pink, white and blue horizontal stripes)

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 19/04/2025

Love to the hundreds of Manchester queer and trans folk and allies that showed up yesterday and/or today. No time now for backing off - in every community and every workplace we will continue to demand justice, until the institutions that have so dramatically failed us and our kin change course. 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

Hundreds join the Manchester trans rights demonstration on 18th April 2025. Banner reads “Manchester Lesbians stand by your Trans”

Hundreds more join a second trans rights demonstration on 19th April 2025

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

Proud as always of our union’s unequivocal support of trans people. There’s also a demo Friday afternoon at 3pm in Manchester. Hope to see many of you there.

Trans rights peaceful protest. Friday 18th April. Meet: St Peter’s Square, 3pm. All LGBTQIA+ and allies welcome.

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

I’m terrible at social media these days, but if anyone happens to be in Rome tomorrow, please come along to my public lecture at 4pm at Sapienza about the history of HIV and AIDS in Japan in a transnational frame.

Poster for public lecture on “Towards a transnational cultural history of HIV and AIDS from Japan” by Mark Pendleton in Rome, at Sapienza Marco Polo building, from 4pm, 3 December. Image is of Japanese AIDS activist Ōishi Toshihiro holding a Silence = Death placard.

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Well the Romans certainly have a very picturesque setting for demonstrations and I couldn’t think of a better demand right now than today’s call to “disarm the patriarchy”

A pink flare and a sea of demonstrators in front of Rome’s Piramide

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Mark Pendleton @markpendleton.bsky.social · 12/11/2024

For the next month, I’m a visiting professor at the Istituto Italiano di Studi Orientali at Sapienza University of Rome. Looking forward to meeting students and working on some research collaboration. Stay tuned too for details of a public lecture in a few weeks, if any of you happen to be nearby!

Plaque for the Istituto Italiano di Studi Orientali

The Marco Polo Building, housing the Institute

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