Governance and Freedom of Speech

Details on governance of freedom of speech

Currently, the OfS regulates matters relating to free speech and academic freedom through the conditions of registration concerning management and governance (the ‘E conditions’) and the relevant public interest governance principles that underpin those conditions. 

Principle VII on freedom of speech states: 

‘The governing body takes such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that freedom of speech within the law is secured within the provider.’ 

Principle I on academic freedom states: 

‘Academic staff at an English higher education provider have freedom within the law: 

  • to question and test received wisdom; and 
  • to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions 

without placing themselves in jeopardy of losing their jobs or privileges they may have at the provider.’ 

For more about these requirements see the OfS regulatory framework. 

What do these requirements mean? 

In brief, the existing requirements of the OfS mean that the governing documents of our University must uphold the principles on freedom of speech and academic freedom. We must also have adequate and effective management and governance arrangements to deliver those principles in practice. 

Read the OfS insight brief on free speech for more about their current approach.