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Parts of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 came into effect on 1 August 2025. These strengthen the legal duties of universities in relation to free speech and academic freedom. Regulation of the new duties is undertaken by the Office for Students (OfS), which has published regulatory guidance on the topic. The University is fully committed to securing and promoting freedom of speech within the law for staff, students and visiting speakers in all activities relating to academic life. The University’s Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech sets out the University’s values, approach and associated procedures in detail. This policy/guidance/information is currently being reviewed against the OfS’ regulatory guidance. Any amendments arising from the review will be subject to approval being sought through the University’s normal governance processes. In the meantime, this policy/guidance/information is to be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with the Code of Practice; in the case of any perceived conflict, the provisions of the Code of Practice will take precedence insofar as that is lawful and reasonably practicable. For further information on the new legislation, please see the Governance and Compliance Division website. |
For academic, academic-related and research staff
The Staff Guide provides a wide-range of valuable information for academic, academic-related and research staff on employment matters. It is an essential guide to key policies, practices, terms of employment and facilities and should be referred to when an individual joins the University and throughout their career with us.
Further information can be found via the various links provided throughout the Staff Guide, on the HR Division pages and on the main University website.
The full Staff Guide is also available as a PDF (see Staff Guide PDF)