Strengthening policies, guidance and support | Academic freedom & freedom of expression

The University's commitment to academic freedom and freedom of expression must be reflected in its policies, guidance, decisions, and support arrangements. This work reviewed existing arrangements, developed practical guidance, and considered how the University supports staff and students when these freedoms become contested.

Why this matters

Academic freedom and freedom of expression are protected by law, but their practical exercise is also shaped by everyday University decisions: how events are organised, how peaceful protest is facilitated, how concerns are considered, and what support people can access when difficulties arise.

Staff and students need clear information about what they can expect and where to turn. Colleagues making decisions need processes that take account of academic freedom and lawful expression alongside the University's other legal and institutional responsibilities.

For that reason, the programme considered both accessible guidance for the University community and the policies, decision-making arrangements, and support routes through which these freedoms are sustained.

The institutional challenge

Protect lawful expression while recognising the rights of others and the University's legal responsibilities.
Make guidance accessible for people arranging events, protesting, participating in debate, or raising concerns.
Strengthen consistency within established policy, governance, and support arrangements rather than creating parallel processes.

What we did

The programme reviewed how academic freedom and freedom of expression are supported through University policies and procedures, including their interaction with other legal and institutional responsibilities.

As part of this work, we developed practical guidance for staff and students on protest, organising events, and attending events.

Updated guidance for staff and students

1. Protest on campus

Explains the University's support for peaceful, lawful protest, while clarifying conduct that could interfere with others' rights, safety, or access to University activities.

Staff and student protest guidelines

2. Organising events

Sets out responsibilities for organisers, including booking and notification processes, safety arrangements, and provision for lawful participation and differing views.

Staff and student event organising guidelines

3. Attending events

Explains expected conduct at University events, including respectful participation, lawful disagreement, and the right to protest without preventing events or speakers from being heard.

Staff and student event attendance guidelines

Beyond the three published guides, the programme also considered how academic freedom and freedom of expression interact with other University policies, decision-making processes, and support arrangements.

This included developing further guidance and identifying areas for review through the University's established policy and support structures.

Dignity and Respect

The programme developed guidance clarifying the relationship between the University's Dignity and Respect Policy, academic freedom, freedom of expression, and related rights.

The Legislation and Policy Workstream was subsequently tasked with contributing to the HR-led review of Dignity and Respect arrangements.

Events and decision making

The Legislation and Policy Workstream was tasked with reviewing the Policy on Speakers and Events and associated decision-making arrangements, proposing improvements where necessary.

The University's Speakers and Events Oversight Group considers events assessed as high risk or escalated under the Policy on Speakers and Events, advising on arrangements to enable them to proceed safely and lawfully.

Complaints and investigation

The Institutional Support Task and Finish Group was established to examine complaints policies and investigation processes from an academic freedom and freedom of expression perspective.

Its remit included considering the experiences of those involved, the timeliness of investigations, training needs, and the support available throughout these processes.

Responding to difficult situations

The Institutional Support Task and Finish Group was also tasked with considering how the University could better support colleagues experiencing unwanted publicity, personal attacks, or distress connected with the exercise of academic freedom or freedom of expression, whether by themselves or others.

Where guidance makes a difference

Different situations require different decisions. The published guidance helps people understand the relevant considerations and identifies established procedures to follow.

Before an event: Understanding the process

Event organisers can identify booking and notification requirements, safety responsibilities, and how lawful participation and differing views may be accommodated.

During events and protest: Exercising freedoms lawfully

Participants can distinguish legitimate protest and challenge from actions that obstruct others' ability to speak, attend, or take part lawfully.

When concerns arise: Identifying routes for support

Staff and students can be directed towards the appropriate University policy, reporting mechanism, support service, or person responsible for considering their concern.

What difference is this intended to make?

Greater clarity: Make the University's expectations and procedures easier to understand when staff and students organise events, participate in protest, encounter contested views, or seek support.
More consistent decisions: Provide a clearer basis for considering academic freedom, lawful expression, other people's rights, and relevant duties within established decision-making processes.
Stronger institutional support: Help identify responsibilities and appropriate pathways for colleagues affected by complaints, contested expression, or unwanted publicity, so that support is clearer and more coordinated.