Freedom of Speech: Have you trained your staff?

With the new Office for Students complaints scheme launching at the start of the next academic year, institutions will face greater scrutiny. Ensuring compliance with the duties introduced by the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 is therefore essential, not just in policy, but in day‑to‑day decision making.

As currently drafted, Office for Students Regulatory Advice 24 makes clear that providers are expected to ensure staff are appropriately trained to make decisions involving matters of freedom of speech and academic freedom, and this expectation is unlikely to change.

If you've not yet had the opportunity to train your staff, we can help. We're running a practical, two-hour session designed to support institutions to meet these expectations and respond with confidence. We will cover:

The latest regulatory position on freedom of speech and academic freedom

• What the new complaints regime means in practice
• OfS expectations for decision making in this area
• Where institutions are most exposed to risk and how to manage it
• Practical steps, including scenario planning, to strengthen policies, processes and governance
• How to approach decision making where freedom of speech or academic freedom issues arise

Our aim is to build the confidence of those who will be making day-to-day decisions in this complex and contested area. It is aimed at all staff involved in decision making where freedom of speech considerations may arise, including academic staff, HR professionals and professional services colleagues, whether within the institution or its student union.

The session will be focused and practical, with opportunities for group work, discussion and case study analysis. 

If you or your team would like to attend, please register your interest using the button above.

Cost: £150 per person (details of how to pay will be sent to you after your space is reserved.)

Requirements: If you require adjustments to take part in this training, please complete this requirements form.

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