BCU guidance
As set out in BCU’s University Community Agreement, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive and stimulating environment where everyone can thrive and where freedom of speech and academic freedom are upheld at all times.
Students
An engaging and interactive course has been designed to equip students with the confidence to understand and exercise their rights to freedom of speech within a university setting, while recognising the boundaries of lawful expression and the importance of respectful engagement.
Moodle training (login required)
The Office for Students (OfS) has published a guide to help students understand their free speech rights. It explains what students can expect from their university, when they can exercise their right to free speech, and when it can be restricted.
Staff
An interactive course has been designed to help staff confidently understand and uphold freedom of speech and academic freedom. Through practical guidance and real-world scenarios, staff can explore how to navigate challenging conversations and events.
A Free Speech Policy Checklist has been created for staff to use when developing and updating policies, procedures, guidance and statements within the University, and when drafting marketing or communications to ensure free speech is secured and upheld.
Events
Event organisers looking to host an external speaker/s should look at our Visiting Speaker and Event Policy Procedure in conjunction with the Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech (Annex2, pages 10-14). It explains what the University will or will not allow when booking visiting speakers at an event. If you have an external speaker visiting for an event, please fill out this form (login required).
We have designed the Chair's Checklist to support anyone leading an event. It offers guidance on setting expectations around free speech, making effective interventions, recognising red lines that require action and managing protests or disruption.