Council for the Defence of British Universities
@cdbu.bsky.social
The crisis of marketisation has put universities in danger. We believe that it’s time to fight back. Visit our website to become a member 🎓
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
Excellent launch event for the CDBU Code of Ethical University Governance. Very important principles set out - starting with constructive criticism. There’s been a reminder today from OfS that providers need to meet the public interest governance principles.
December 4, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Excellent launch event for the CDBU Code of Ethical University Governance. Very important principles set out - starting with constructive criticism. There’s been a reminder today from OfS that providers need to meet the public interest governance principles.
“HEPI’s new Policy Note finds striking consensus across the higher education community for more ethical, transparent and balanced university governance.”
@profstevenjones.bsky.social
@profstevenjones.bsky.social
New Post: New HEPI Policy Note: Views on University Governance www.hepi.ac.uk/2025/12/04/n...
December 6, 2025 at 6:40 PM
“HEPI’s new Policy Note finds striking consensus across the higher education community for more ethical, transparent and balanced university governance.”
@profstevenjones.bsky.social
@profstevenjones.bsky.social
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
New Post: New HEPI Policy Note: Views on University Governance www.hepi.ac.uk/2025/12/04/n...
December 4, 2025 at 12:07 AM
New Post: New HEPI Policy Note: Views on University Governance www.hepi.ac.uk/2025/12/04/n...
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
Thank you to everyone who responded to the consultation. This is the first Code of #governance in the #UKHE sector to be grounded in academic research and to reflect a broad spectrum of views. A summary of consultation responses is here. www.hepi.ac.uk/reports/stro...
Strong support for ethical reform of university governance - HEPI
New research suggests there is strong backing for a university governance Code that addresses power imbalances and over-financialisation. This is the first of two reports that HEPI is publishing on un...
www.hepi.ac.uk
December 4, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Thank you to everyone who responded to the consultation. This is the first Code of #governance in the #UKHE sector to be grounded in academic research and to reflect a broad spectrum of views. A summary of consultation responses is here. www.hepi.ac.uk/reports/stro...
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
Well done to Steve & others involved in producing this 👏
Now we just need university governance to live up to such principles! The code, usefully, lays out practical steps towards this. It's collective/political pressure & organising that can make it a widespread reality.
Now we just need university governance to live up to such principles! The code, usefully, lays out practical steps towards this. It's collective/political pressure & organising that can make it a widespread reality.
Excited to see the final version of the @cdbu.bsky.social Code of Ethical University Governance in the public domain, and looking forward to the launch event in Parliament later today. cdbu.org.uk/cdbu-code-20... #UKHE #governance
CDBU Code of Ethical University Governance | CDBU
cdbu.org.uk
December 4, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Well done to Steve & others involved in producing this 👏
Now we just need university governance to live up to such principles! The code, usefully, lays out practical steps towards this. It's collective/political pressure & organising that can make it a widespread reality.
Now we just need university governance to live up to such principles! The code, usefully, lays out practical steps towards this. It's collective/political pressure & organising that can make it a widespread reality.
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
Excited to see the final version of the @cdbu.bsky.social Code of Ethical University Governance in the public domain, and looking forward to the launch event in Parliament later today. cdbu.org.uk/cdbu-code-20... #UKHE #governance
CDBU Code of Ethical University Governance | CDBU
cdbu.org.uk
December 4, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Excited to see the final version of the @cdbu.bsky.social Code of Ethical University Governance in the public domain, and looking forward to the launch event in Parliament later today. cdbu.org.uk/cdbu-code-20... #UKHE #governance
After extensive consultation and development from individuals and organisations across the sector, we are very pleased to publish the CDBU Code of Ethical University Governance.
You can read the code and the tracked changes version here: cdbu.org.uk/cdbu-code-20...
@profstevenjones.bsky.social 👏🏻
You can read the code and the tracked changes version here: cdbu.org.uk/cdbu-code-20...
@profstevenjones.bsky.social 👏🏻
December 4, 2025 at 12:47 PM
After extensive consultation and development from individuals and organisations across the sector, we are very pleased to publish the CDBU Code of Ethical University Governance.
You can read the code and the tracked changes version here: cdbu.org.uk/cdbu-code-20...
@profstevenjones.bsky.social 👏🏻
You can read the code and the tracked changes version here: cdbu.org.uk/cdbu-code-20...
@profstevenjones.bsky.social 👏🏻
There are only a few spaces left! RSVP now to secure your place 👇👇👇
We are pleased to announce that the CDBU Code of Ethical University Governance will be officially launched by @profstevenjones.bsky.social on 4 December, at the House of Commons.
Prof Jones will be joined by an excellent panel of speakers.
There are limited spaces, so RSVP as soon as possible.
Prof Jones will be joined by an excellent panel of speakers.
There are limited spaces, so RSVP as soon as possible.
November 21, 2025 at 8:27 PM
There are only a few spaces left! RSVP now to secure your place 👇👇👇
We are pleased to announce that the CDBU Code of Ethical University Governance will be officially launched by @profstevenjones.bsky.social on 4 December, at the House of Commons.
Prof Jones will be joined by an excellent panel of speakers.
There are limited spaces, so RSVP as soon as possible.
Prof Jones will be joined by an excellent panel of speakers.
There are limited spaces, so RSVP as soon as possible.
November 14, 2025 at 10:27 AM
We are pleased to announce that the CDBU Code of Ethical University Governance will be officially launched by @profstevenjones.bsky.social on 4 December, at the House of Commons.
Prof Jones will be joined by an excellent panel of speakers.
There are limited spaces, so RSVP as soon as possible.
Prof Jones will be joined by an excellent panel of speakers.
There are limited spaces, so RSVP as soon as possible.
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
We need to begin to tell these stories about universities as well. So — what did university mean to you? Contact @cdbu.bsky.social at cdbupress@gmail.com with your story. You can read some previous submissions here: cdbu.org.uk/stories/
Stories Gallery | CDBU
cdbu.org.uk
October 25, 2025 at 2:05 PM
We need to begin to tell these stories about universities as well. So — what did university mean to you? Contact @cdbu.bsky.social at cdbupress@gmail.com with your story. You can read some previous submissions here: cdbu.org.uk/stories/
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
... but they are also places that foster the messier and less quantifiable aspects of understanding ourselves, each other and the world around us. They are places whose value we only really come to understand years after we have left them.
October 25, 2025 at 2:05 PM
... but they are also places that foster the messier and less quantifiable aspects of understanding ourselves, each other and the world around us. They are places whose value we only really come to understand years after we have left them.
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
So often universities are spoken about in instrumental language: as institutions that confer skills and training, and as engines of economic growth. Universities are both these things of course...
October 25, 2025 at 2:05 PM
So often universities are spoken about in instrumental language: as institutions that confer skills and training, and as engines of economic growth. Universities are both these things of course...
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
Thinking of using #ChatGPT for 'help' with assessments? Think again. #university #AI
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
How AI is undermining learning and teaching in universities | Letter
Letter: Prof Leo McCann and Prof Simon Sweeney say student misuse of generative artificial intelligence is widespread and we must be sceptical of its usefulness
www.theguardian.com
September 16, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Thinking of using #ChatGPT for 'help' with assessments? Think again. #university #AI
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
We are pleased to share this letter written by one of our members, Professor Leo McCann 👏https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/16/how-ai-is-undermining-learning-and-teaching-in-universities
How AI is undermining learning and teaching in universities | Letter
Letter: Prof Leo McCann and Prof Simon Sweeney say student misuse of generative artificial intelligence is widespread and we must be sceptical of its usefulness
www.theguardian.com
September 25, 2025 at 5:57 PM
We are pleased to share this letter written by one of our members, Professor Leo McCann 👏https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/16/how-ai-is-undermining-learning-and-teaching-in-universities
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
My new paper is out: "Students as (More Than) Consumers? An Exploration of Undergraduates' Discourses and Practices in Marketised Higher Education."
The full article can be found here: dx.doi.org/10.1111/hequ...
1/2
The full article can be found here: dx.doi.org/10.1111/hequ...
1/2
September 1, 2025 at 1:42 PM
My new paper is out: "Students as (More Than) Consumers? An Exploration of Undergraduates' Discourses and Practices in Marketised Higher Education."
The full article can be found here: dx.doi.org/10.1111/hequ...
1/2
The full article can be found here: dx.doi.org/10.1111/hequ...
1/2
We are pleased to publish our Position on the Unsustainability of UK University Funding Models. Visit our website to read it in full:
The Unsustainability of University Funding Models | CDBU
cdbu.org.uk
September 22, 2025 at 8:06 PM
We are pleased to publish our Position on the Unsustainability of UK University Funding Models. Visit our website to read it in full:
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
✍🏻 WRITE FOR US! ✍🏻
We welcome pieces on anything related to higher education. Previous topics include governance, student experience, free speech, and academic freedom.
We offer a fee for our writers – particularly the precariously employed and students.
Please send pitches to cdbupress@gmail.com
We welcome pieces on anything related to higher education. Previous topics include governance, student experience, free speech, and academic freedom.
We offer a fee for our writers – particularly the precariously employed and students.
Please send pitches to cdbupress@gmail.com
Blog | CDBU
cdbu.org.uk
August 15, 2025 at 8:44 PM
✍🏻 WRITE FOR US! ✍🏻
We welcome pieces on anything related to higher education. Previous topics include governance, student experience, free speech, and academic freedom.
We offer a fee for our writers – particularly the precariously employed and students.
Please send pitches to cdbupress@gmail.com
We welcome pieces on anything related to higher education. Previous topics include governance, student experience, free speech, and academic freedom.
We offer a fee for our writers – particularly the precariously employed and students.
Please send pitches to cdbupress@gmail.com
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
Vacuous, generic and scattershot advice for incoming 1st years on the use of AI at university. Especially liking 'Chin recommends giving it class notes and asking it to generate practice exam questions.' Surely we can't be the only programme that supplies students with past & practice exams?
How to use ChatGPT at university without cheating: ‘Now it’s more like a study partner’
The ubiquitous AI tool has a divisive effect on educators with some seeing it a boon and others a menace. So what should you know about where to draw the line between check and cheat?
www.theguardian.com
September 14, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Vacuous, generic and scattershot advice for incoming 1st years on the use of AI at university. Especially liking 'Chin recommends giving it class notes and asking it to generate practice exam questions.' Surely we can't be the only programme that supplies students with past & practice exams?
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
Between them, politicians and employers are destroying our great higher education sector.
We won't sit back and let it happen.
#WeAreTheUniversity
We won't sit back and let it happen.
#WeAreTheUniversity
September 17, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Between them, politicians and employers are destroying our great higher education sector.
We won't sit back and let it happen.
#WeAreTheUniversity
We won't sit back and let it happen.
#WeAreTheUniversity
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
UCU Bangor pass a motion of no confidence in the VC and CFO of @bangoruniversity.bsky.social over sweeping cuts
Members are now balloting for industrial action with staff at "breaking point" over 200 potential job losses
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Members are now balloting for industrial action with staff at "breaking point" over 200 potential job losses
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Bangor University staff in vice chancellor vote of no confidence
UCU union members at Bangor University passed a motion of no confidence due to staff and budget cuts.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 19, 2025 at 10:36 AM
UCU Bangor pass a motion of no confidence in the VC and CFO of @bangoruniversity.bsky.social over sweeping cuts
Members are now balloting for industrial action with staff at "breaking point" over 200 potential job losses
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Members are now balloting for industrial action with staff at "breaking point" over 200 potential job losses
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
For those in UK #academia, please give @cdbu.bsky.social a follow and think about joining us. CDBU's work to influence UK university policy and governance on behalf of academic values is very much needed in the present polycrisis. For some reason we never got much attention on Twitter... cdbu.org.uk
Council for the Defence of British Universities | CDBU
The Council for the Defence of British Universities is proud to fund research into many aspects of higher education in the UK, including governance, policy, ...
cdbu.org.uk
September 16, 2025 at 9:44 PM
For those in UK #academia, please give @cdbu.bsky.social a follow and think about joining us. CDBU's work to influence UK university policy and governance on behalf of academic values is very much needed in the present polycrisis. For some reason we never got much attention on Twitter... cdbu.org.uk
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
4,000 university courses closed in last academic year, with nearly half of these at 'low-tariff' institutions. 47% of history/philosophy/religion courses at low tariff providers have closed in the last year alone www.timeshighereducation.com/news/almost-... via @patrickjack.bsky.social
Almost 4,000 courses closed at UK universities since 2024
Analysis reveals half of closures have come at lower-tariff universities, creating a ‘vicious cycle’ for institutions struggling to attract students
www.timeshighereducation.com
September 12, 2025 at 8:41 AM
4,000 university courses closed in last academic year, with nearly half of these at 'low-tariff' institutions. 47% of history/philosophy/religion courses at low tariff providers have closed in the last year alone www.timeshighereducation.com/news/almost-... via @patrickjack.bsky.social
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
I spoke to Jane Harrington, the current vice-chancellor of the University of Greenwich, who is set to lead the 'Kentwich' merger. She said:
- Other universities could join the group at a later stage
- She could not rule out job cuts
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/more-un...
- Other universities could join the group at a later stage
- She could not rule out job cuts
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/more-un...
More universities could join new Kent-Greenwich group, says v-c
Incoming leader of new entity says course sharing on the cards ‘where it makes sense’ as unions fear merger will result in more job cuts
www.timeshighereducation.com
September 11, 2025 at 8:38 AM
I spoke to Jane Harrington, the current vice-chancellor of the University of Greenwich, who is set to lead the 'Kentwich' merger. She said:
- Other universities could join the group at a later stage
- She could not rule out job cuts
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/more-un...
- Other universities could join the group at a later stage
- She could not rule out job cuts
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/more-un...
Reposted by Council for the Defence of British Universities
UK universities could be hit with nationwide strikes after the University and College Union announced it will ballot its members over pay, reports @julietterowsell.bsky.social
#academicsky #strikeballot
#academicsky #strikeballot
UCU to hold nationwide strike ballot after ‘insulting’ pay offer
Union threatens ‘coordinated’ strikes to cause ‘maximum disruption’ at UK universities
www.timeshighereducation.com
September 8, 2025 at 3:22 PM
UK universities could be hit with nationwide strikes after the University and College Union announced it will ballot its members over pay, reports @julietterowsell.bsky.social
#academicsky #strikeballot
#academicsky #strikeballot