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A collection of 157 issues

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Setting The Agenda for Change in Higher Education: Lessons from Australia

A discussion paper by Mark Pendleton (UK-elected HE) Preface UCU Commons has long argued for more deliberation and discussion in our union, rather than simple polarised debate. In that spirit, this year we’ll be increasing our submission to UCU’s structures of papers that seek to open up discussion,

Asking questions and claiming “Democracy” in UCU

By Mark Pendleton On 1 September, our Higher Education Committee (HEC) met to decide how to respond to the latest offer from our employers on a UK-wide uplift on pay and negotiations on pay-related conditions (what we used to call the Four Fights). While there was a pretty clear result

UCU Commons Report from Special HEC - 1st September 2025

By UCU Commons HEC members Note: the explicit permission of the chair of HEC was sought, and granted, before publishing this report. Headlines: * HEC voted by 20-19 in favour of calling a UK-wide statutory industrial action ballot on pay * In a farcical vote, UCU Left members voted for a ballot

Higher Education Committee Report: 4 July 2025

Headlines: * HEC approved a consultation of members on an industrial action ballot on pay and conditions starting soon * HEC approved coordination with other unions in JNCHES negotiations with UCEA on a shared timetable for industrial action next academic year Overview This meeting was the first for this year’s cohort

Congress and NEC sub-committee election results, 25-26

We are delighted that several UCU Commons members have been elected as chairs and members of NEC subcommittees for 2025–26 (as voted by the new formation of NEC) and to Congress-elected roles. These are: NEC subcommittees Recruitment, Organising and Campaigns Committee (ROCC) Chair: Mark Pendleton Member: Matilda Fitzmaurice Equality