Please scroll down for information about the University’s organisational governance policies in areas such as academic freedom and free speech, equality and diversity, information governance and research.
Freedom of speech and academic freedom
The University recognises that higher education institutions in the UK play an important role in promoting freedom of speech and academic freedom, which is underpinned by legislation.
The University seeks to protect and promote freedom of speech within the law. The University’s commitment to protecting and promoting freedom of speech and academic freedom is enshrined in the University’s Instrument and Articles of Government.
The University’s Freedom of Speech Code of Practice describes how the University ensures that freedom of speech is secured at the University. Alongside the Freedom of Speech Code of Practice, the External Speakers’ Policy and Procedure sets out our approach for the organisation of meetings and other events on the University campus and online.
In particular, the documents detail:
- The University’s values relating to freedom of speech and an explanation of how those values uphold freedom of speech;
- The procedures to be followed by staff and students in connection with the organisation of specified meetings and activities as detailed in the Code of Practice;
- The conduct required of persons in connection with any such meeting or activity; and
- The criteria to be used by the University in making decisions about whether to allow the use of its premises and on what terms.