Our commitment to freedom of speech and academic freedom
30 Jul 2025
Our new Policy on Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom and updated Code of Practice, in line with changes to the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 and regulatory advice from the Office for Students (OfS), will come into effect from 1 August 2025.
The University is committed to securing and actively promoting the importance of freedom of speech and academic freedom within our community and across our campus. This is fundamental to our purpose of advancing education, knowledge and wisdom for the good of society.
On 1 August 2025 new legal duties under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 come into effect, and we have introduced a new Policy on Freedom of Speech which affirms our commitment in this area.
We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate and strive to provide a safe environment for students, staff and speakers invited to the University to be able to freely express their ideas, however; we recognise that this will not always feel comfortable.
As such, promoting and securing free speech must go alongside embodying our values of mutual understanding, respect and tolerance towards each other when sharing our thoughts.
Alongside the University’s Policy on Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom, the associated Code of Practice sets out how these principles shall be applied, in practice.
Training to support colleagues and students
In the near future, our Learning and Professional Development Team will be developing training for our community on freedom of speech and academic freedom, including regarding the application of the Policy and Code.
Further review
OfS guidance was published very close to the implementation date, leaving little time for consultation. Board of Governors agreed that we should consult on the Policy and Code with Senate and the campus Trade Unions in the autumn, with any revisions to be presented back to the Board in November 2025.