|
Parts of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 come 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. |
The University regards its staff as its greatest asset and is committed to ensuring that all staff members reach their full potential in their roles. The probationary period plays an important part in this process and confirmation that probation has been passed is an important milestone for staff members.
Probation is a formal arrangement at the start of an appointment during which the probationer has the opportunity to understand the requirements of their role and to demonstrate their suitability within a reasonable timescale.
The Probationary Policy and Procedures apply from 1 October 2021 and can be found in the menu on the left of this page.
For staff members who are under probation at the time the new arrangements are introduced, the probationary period as set out in their terms and conditions of employment will continue to apply, but they should be managed under the new relevant procedural arrangements. If departments are unsure how to apply the new arrangements they should speak to their relevant HR School Team.
Please note that the Probationary Policy and Procedures contain references to the new Academic (Teaching and Scholarship) Career Pathway in anticipation of its launch on 25 March 2022.