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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)

@vickyblake.bsky.social
2.3K followers 1.8K following 520 posts

♥️education ♥️unions ♥️democracy Widening Participation @ Leeds Uni UCU NEC, negotiator, Educ'n Comm Chair, Climate+Ecological Emergency Comm Co-chair @leedsucu Branch Sec vickyblakeucu.uk Neurodivergent, LC #EduSky #AbortionIsHealthcare #CleanTheAir

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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
New-Cleckit Dominie @ncdominie.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Please appreciate this somewhat dubious artist's impression of the engineer Thomé de Gamond, while diving to prospect the geology of a proposed cross-Channel tunnel, being attacked by eels. (Image: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ai... )
A rather badly drawn sketch showing (a) a rowing boat, (b) two people in the boat, (c) a man submerged below the boat, wearing a belt of inflated pig bladders and being attacked by two large eels.
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
Christine Ferguson @cferguson.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Well done to our inspirational colleagues at @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social for holding strong on their first week of strike! So much solidarity is with you across the whole sector ❤️
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
Andrew Schreck @andrewschreck.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
i don't think cis guys realize how much power they can shift in a conversation just by casually telling their friends
"that's fucked up, man" when someone says something
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
UCU Scotland @ucuscotland.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Edinburgh University staff @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social begin five-week strike over £140m cuts #SaveHE #StopTheCuts www.heraldscotland.com/news/2658302...
heraldscotland.com
Edinburgh University staff begin five-week strike over £140m cuts
Members of the University and College Union (UCU) have taken to the picket line in protest over a £140m savings initiative they fear could result…
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
Jessica Ellis @baddestmamajama.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The truth is, you can belittle maskers, shrug off disabled people, and call us all crazy a million times, but you’re going to have to live in the world you’re building with these choices, and outcomes don’t care that your views are popular right now. www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/mor...
cidrap.umn.edu
More than 1 in 10 US healthcare workers report ongoing long-COVID symptoms, study finds
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Here's today's column on the astonishing, ongoing mistreatment of people with #ME/CFS. Please spread it far and wide: the only thing which can break the media's wall of indifference is seeing an article about the issue go viral. Thank you. 1/2 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Abandoned, dismissed and gaslighted: there is no excuse for the way ME sufferers have been betrayed | George Monbiot
Changes in guidance and science seem to have little impact on millions of devastated lives. It’s a social crisis playing out behind closed doors, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
Dundee UCU @ducuuo.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Day 2 of 25 of our strike action. Students, colleagues, members come and join us on the picket line as e fight for the future of the University of Dundee. Who’s University. Our University.
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
Emma Yeomans @yeomans.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Worrying scenes in the Channel today, for all interested in asylum policy and maritime tactics. A small boat from Normandy spent more than 30 hours at sea. Those on board now on their 2nd rescue vessel as Border Force forced to play cat and mouse with far-right activists who have their own boat.
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Where in Bristol do you need to be, ish? Can ask brother and his family for advice - they’ve just moved house and not sure they’re in a state to receive guests but they might know someone who is if you’d like me to ask?
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
Dundee UCU @ducuuo.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
No surrender until the University of Dundee rule out making colleagues compulsory redundant. Donate to our campaign as we seek crowdfund support for a Judicial Review of the governance decisions that led the University Court to approve staff and programme cuts www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/judicial-r...
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
Emma Yeomans @yeomans.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The RNLI has said the abuse of volunteers in Portsmouth has forced it to close the lifeboat station there and stop operating since September 10. Nearby stations have been providing cover to the area instead. One of the UK's largest coastal cities without a lifeboat because of the far-right.
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
nick-allen-poet.bsky.social @nick-allen-poet.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Successive governments and senior management behaving like education is a business have run HE into the ground and now they want to prevent workers defending what little they have left: for shame. Solidarity with Brighton Uni staff & unions.
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Great demo called at short notice in the pouring rain to defend trade union rights and recognition for @ucu.org.uk and @unisoninhe.bsky.social at Brighton Uni. The chant? What do we do when under attack? Stand up fight back!
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Thank you to the #TUC26 President Steve Gillan for such a clear expression of solidarity with Brighton UCU from the chair of conference and especially for asking that delegates who are able show their support for the demo. @ucu.org.uk delegates are on our way 🪧🪧🪧
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
On our way!
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
Lucy Burke @lucyburkemcr.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
This is completely unhinged decision by senior managers at the University of Brighton but says everything about the collapse of our sector. I hope everyone at #TUC26 steps up and turns out at 1.15 today
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 14/09/2026
UCU members at Brighton University face the threat of derecognition. We have called an emergency rally tomorrow at 1:15pm. It would be amazing to see as many #TUC26 delegates as possible in attendance. 58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 0JY
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
Alison Tomlin @alisontomlin.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Am very saddened by this news. Many years ago Megan loaned us some ultrasonic equipment to help solve an experimental problem we were struggling with. We shared some snowy UCU rallies. To transition at the peak of an academic career is very a brave thing. A unique person lost from the University.
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Megan taught me how to carry a banner *properly* on a march, even into high winds, without completely busting a shoulder. There is a particular spot on the campus perimeter where think she had a brilliant track record of convincing delivery vehicles and others not to cross our picket lines.
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
We are devastated by the loss of Professor Megan Povey, our much loved and respected comrade, friend, activist, former branch President, NEC member, negotiator, long serving committee member. She dedicated her life to social justice alongside a truly impressive science career. We remember her here:
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
ProPublica @propublica.org · 09/09/2026
NEW: Our analysis found that from 2020 to 2025, the rate of deaths involving ectopic pregnancies nearly doubled compared with the previous six-year period. The uptick was steeper in states with abortion bans.
propublica.org
Ectopic Pregnancy Deaths Have Nearly Doubled. It’s Worse in States With Abortion Bans.
With prompt and appropriate medical care, experts say, people shouldn’t die from an ectopic pregnancy. Women in Texas and Oklahoma have sued over delays in care, which, coupled with our new analysis, ...
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
Dr. Lucky Tran @luckytran.com · 08/09/2026
Zohran Mamdani released 170K documents revealing that post-9/11 asbestos levels remained dangerous for months, despite officials saying the air was safe. As we saw at the start of COVID, officials still treat essential workers as expendable. This is a long-overdue step in the right direction.
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Dundee UCU @ducuuo.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Supporters of the University of Dundee, join us at 12:30 at Bonar Hall, Nethergate.
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
Leonie V. Hicks @lvhicks.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Just in case you've lost the link to donate to the RNLI rnli.org. The sea does not discriminate, neither does the RNLI and nor should we.
rnli.org
RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution - Saving Lives at Sea
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. We do this through lifeboat search and rescue, lifeguards, water safety education and international interventions.
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
Dundee UCU @ducuuo.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Join the rally to rule out compulsory redundancies at the University of Dundee. Tuesday 8th September 12:30pm Bonar Hall, Nethergate, Dundee. The cuts are not justified and will harm to the city and region. All welcome!
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
Democratic Left Scotland @demleftscotland.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Defending higher education jobs: www.democratic-left.scot/post/what-fu... / @ucuscotland.bsky.social @ducuuo.bsky.social @sheffielducu.bsky.social @ducu.bsky.social @vickyblake.bsky.social @ucuglasgow.bsky.social @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social @ucustandrews.bsky.social @ucuaberdeen.bsky.social
democratic-left.scot
What future for the University of Dundee?
Stuart Fairweather sets the latest developments at the University of Dundee in wider context.The end of August saw the publication of a Scottish Government / Universities Scotland report authored by Professor Anton Muscatelli. The Future Framework for Universities is a serious attempt to outline the pressures on - and possibilities for - Scotland’s higher education institutions.The report, the first ‘pillar’ of ongoing work, focusses on diagnosing the financial issues impacting universities. Fur
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
I think he was cuddling the trophy earlier.
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Many more people in universities will lose their jobs if nothing changes in the way HE is (under) funded. Even more prospective students will not be able to go to university, especially here in the Norheast. @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social @markfergusonmp.bsky.social @chionwurah.bsky.social
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
If you’re at #Tolpuddle pop along to our #UCU stall where we are playing Workload Bingo, talking about issues that matter to members, and how we can work and organise across sectors + unions. Bags, caps, beanies & lanyards in return for suggested donations to the fighting fund tinyurl.com/UCUfund
Head on view of UCU stall in white gazebo, with table at the front and back covered in union “merch” (mostly tote bags and posters), with bunting made of tote bags with different campaign slogans, UCU flags, and UCU baseball caps (pink and white available!). On the right hand side part of the UCU national banner is visible hanging up inside the gazebo. On the front table, left( whiteboard reads “HOW’S YOUR WORKLOAD BING-GOing? - and Workload Bingo posters and UCU joining cards underneath it. View of side of the UCU gazebo stall looking at the UCU national banner which has a pink border, purple background, logo in centre and artwork depicting people standing together with signs and placards  with slogans including “FAIR FUNDING FAIR PAY”, “LOVE OUR COLLEGES”, “EQUALITY THROUGH EDUCATION AND STRUGGLE”. The motto at the bottom is “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER”.Another view of the UCU gazebo with lots of lanyards hanging up in the foreground - LGBT+, Palestine solidarity, Build the Union logos
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
Liesbeth Corens @onslies.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
OOOOO. Exeter's got Nous in as well... Of course... (@exeterucu.bsky.social, have you FOIed how much they're paid?) Can we PLEASE put an end to the involvement of these consultancies? They have done nothing but vandalism.
nousdatainsights.com
A best practice approach to academic restructure at Exeter
Explore Part 2 of Exeter Uni's major transformation case study. Learn how collaboration & strategic alignment drove restructure.
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
I've not been here much recently but popping back to ask if anyone can spare a donation for or share a friend's crowdfunder for urgently needed medical care complicated by #EhlersDanlos. She's been housebound for months & really struggling to access care she needs www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/9lxXdpEl
crowdfunder.co.uk
Medical treatment
I need to raise money to pay for private physio therapy and to get me to turkey to decompress my spine and fuse my pelvis.
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Reposted by Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)
Michael Carley @drmcarley.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Enjoying the opening session of #NEONsymposium2026 with the upbeat chairing of NEON’s director Martin Webster. NEON doesn’t seem to be on Bluesky / #EduSky, but perhaps others attending are? (Think NEON focus more on LinkedIn etc now)
Slightly dingy photo of Martin Webster at the lecturn in a darkened lecture hall underneath a bright projector slide introducing Professor Chris Millward, interim director of Fair Access and Participation, Office for Students. Slide has NEON HE branding.
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Disability Rights UK @disrightsuk.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
🚨DR UK's Statement on the EHRC's New Code of Practice "We are appalled at implications that an adequate workaround is trans people using Disabled toilets instead. We will not be used as a loophole in the wider erosion of trans rights." Full statement👇 www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/disabil...
Disability Rights UK’s Statement on the EHRC’s New Code of Practice
As the makers of the original RADAR key and custodian of the National Key Scheme, Disability Rights UK issues our unequivocal solidarity with trans people, who should not be forced to choose between risking harassment in public facilities – or not using them at all. 
Image of Disability Rights UK logo in a purple box.
We are appalled at implications from the Code that an adequate workaround is trans people using Disabled toilets instead. It is a vain attempt to get two marginalised groups to blame one another for our lack of facilities, when the blame lies firmly at the feet of policymakers. We will not fall for it. We will not be used as a ‘loophole’ in the wider erosion of trans rights.  
Image of Disability Rights UK logo in a purple box.
Our RADAR key scheme began in 1981, rooted in the understanding that accessible facilities can be the difference between living the lives we deserve – socialising, travelling and working – and complete social exclusion.  

Our community knows how it feels to be scapegoated simply for trying to access the necessities we need to live. Trans rights do not come at the expense of Disabled, nor anyone else’s.
Image of Disability Rights UK logo in a purple box.
As is clear from this Code of Practice, it sets a dangerous precedent for the erosion of other protected characteristics. If the Equality Act can be up for debate in this arena, who is to say this will not be the case when it comes to disability in the near future? 

As a result, the Disabled-led movement must make a clear stand against this ruling, not to mention because 52% of trans people are Disabled themselves.  
Image of Disability Rights UK logo in a purple box.
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Esther @elhopkins.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Everyone has the right to protect themselves by wearing a respirator. We need safer concerts. Thank you to @mudlarklives.bsky.social for his account.
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Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
2,700 letters sent last month warning staff that they are at risk of redundancy, with Nottingham senior management's goal to shed 608 academic posts, following the 350 professional services staff lost last year. 1/3
timeshighereducation.com
‘Careers are going up in flames’: inside Nottingham’s cuts crisis
With hundreds of jobs on the line and dozens of courses at risk, staff living through one of the biggest university restructuring projects of recent years fear they are shouldering the blame for wider...
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Jacquelyn Gill @jacquelyngill.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
🧵 Public science in the US has taken some heavy hits over the last year, but the White House OMB is proposing a series of changes that will result in a TKO for science as we know it unless we fight back. Here's what's happening, and why it matters. 1/n
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Omg just seen all this - horrible! Glad you’re out and ok… 30 mins is about 29m30s too long!
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Tagging @lopa.bsky.social
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UCU Solidarity Movement @ucu-solidarity.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝗘 Guest Speakers: * Lopa Leach, President, University of Nottingham UCU * Tom Hickey, Convention for Higher Education 2016-17 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟵 𝗠𝗮𝘆, 𝟲𝗽𝗺 Zoom: bit.ly/UCUSM_org Build Solidarity with MABbing Branches Build a Grassroots Political Campaign to Save HE
Demonstration at the University of Nottingham over redundancies called by UoN UCU!
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Carsten Timmermann @ctimmermann.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
I'm looking for colleagues in the UK, #HistSTM, #HistMed, or #STS who work in institutional settings where they find it is difficult to place them in the right Unit of Assessment for REF2029. DM if that's you?
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Ah yes the so called “chaos with Ed Milliband” timeline.
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Ben Bowsher @benbowsher.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
As the crowdfunder for the first radical bookshop icon Newcastle for 40 years gets closer to the end I’m making the bold move of calling on all the academics I sort of vaguely know and also those I don’t to share the link for our crowdfunder: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/booksfromb...
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Solidarity from all of us at @leedsucu.bsky.social
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UCU Ulster @ucu-ulster.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
@ulsteruni.bsky.social - Announces intention to make 450 colleagues redundant University decimated 🤬😡 @caoimhearchibald.bsky.social @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
What an incredibly polite rejection letter!
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Rachel Maddow @maddow.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
"This pattern raises serious concerns that certain market participants may have had access to material nonpublic information regarding a market-moving geopolitical event..." www.npr.org/2026/04/10/n...
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
That framing is SO grim. Also official figures put disability at about 25% of the UK population, so ~6% of adults having a Blue Badge (and not all disabled people are eligible or necessarily even apply for one) doesn’t look remotely outlandish. commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
commonslibrary.parliament.uk
UK disability statistics: Prevalence and life experiences
An estimated 16.8 million people in the UK had a disability in 2023/24, accounting for 25% of the total population.
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Esther @elhopkins.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
Throughout the last five years, if you ever want to check the truth of a situation- follow the money. The insurance companies haven’t glossed over either COVID or Climate change.
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