1. Purpose and Values

1.1 Results Consortium (hereafter ‘the College’) affirms that freedom of speech and academic freedom are fundamental to higher education. These principles support the exchange of ideas and the advancement of knowledge, including views that may be unpopular or controversial.

1.2 In line with statutory duties under the Education (No. 2) Act 1986, the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 and the Education Reform Act 1988, the College will protect lawful freedom of speech and academic freedom for staff, students, visitors, and external speakers. At the same time, the College will meet its
responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 to safeguard dignity and respect.

1.3 This Code sets out how the College will uphold freedom of speech in line with the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 and the Office for Students (OfS) Regulatory Advice 24 (2025).

1.4 The College is committed to balancing these rights with our duty to protect staff, students and visitors from unlawful harassment and discrimination, ensuring dignity and respect across our community

2. Definitions

2.1 Freedom of Speech

The right to express lawful views, ideas and information, in any medium, subject only to legal limits (e.g. national security, prevention of crime, safeguarding rights of others).

2.2 Academic Freedom

The definition of academic freedom is set out in the Education Reform Act 1988 and states that UK academics ‘shall have freedom within the law to question and test received wisdom and put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions without placing themselves in jeopardy of losing their jobs’. The college’s commitment to protect the principle of academic freedom is set out in its Instruments of Governance.

3. Scope

This Code applies to:

3.1 All College staff, students, governors and visiting speakers.

3.2 All College-organised activities, including those on campus, online, or at partner premises.

3.3 Events hosted by students, or collaborative partners using College facilities.

4. Principles

The College will:

Secure lawful freedom of speech for staff, students, visitors and external
speakers.
• Secure academic freedom for academic staff. Staff must not be put at risk of losing their job, privileges, or promotion. External applicants for academic roles must also be protected from any detriment arising from their lawful views.
• Ensure access to the College premises is not denied on the basis of lawful beliefs, ideas, opinions or a body’s policy or objectives.
• Avoid imposing security costs on individuals, bodies or event organisers, except in exceptional circumstances that use the College premises.
• Protect free speech only within the law. Expression that incites violence, terrorism, hatred or unlawful harassment will not be permitted.
• Ensure free speech rights are exercised consistently with duties under the Equality Act 2010, safeguarding dignity and respect.
• Prohibit the use of non-disclosure agreements in relation to complaints of harassment, sexual misconduct or bullying.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

6. Institutional Measures

6.1The College will ensure that teaching, curriculum, policies and procedures comply with the legal duty to secure freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law. This applies to programme development, approval, assessment, research and scholarly activities.

6.2 The College will:

Bring relevant statutory provisions on freedom of speech and academic freedom
to the attention of students every year
• Make this Code available to all staff and students
• Introduce the Code during staff and student induction
• Provide training for staff on freedom of speech and academic freedom
• Seek periodic feedback from staff and students on whether rights are being upheld
• Monitor concerns raised and take proportionate action
• Apply this Code alongside other College policies, including the External Speakers and Events Policy, Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy, Student Code of Conduct and partner agreements.
• Provide additional training to event organisers and student representatives on applying the Code and balancing free speech with equality and safety.
• Provide relevant staff with annual refresher training on freedom of speech and academic freedom
• Ensure staff, students and visitors will not face disciplinary action or less favourable treatment for lawful exercise of these rights.

7. Complaints and Appeals

7.1 The statutory complaints scheme is to be operated by the OfS. While the legal framework is in place, the scheme is not yet operational. The OfS has published interim guidance confirming that, until launch, students must use the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) for unresolved complaints. In addition, the OfS published Regulatory Advice 24, effective from 1 August 2025, strengthening statutory guidance.

7.2 The College adheres to guidance provided by the OfS and promotes this complaints procedure and communicated through student induction, student representative meetings, staff briefings and staff handbooks.

7.3 Complaints about restrictions on free speech will be considered under the College Complaints Policy.

7.4 If a speaker or organiser disagrees with a decision (e.g. conditions imposed or cancellation), they may appeal to the Principal.

7.4 Records of complaints and appeals will be reviewed annually to ensure fairness and compliance.

8. Review and Publication

8.1 This Code will be published on the College website.

8.2 It will be reviewed annually, or earlier if required by changes in legislation or OfS guidance.

8.3 Updates will be communicated to staff, students and partners.

8.4 The Governing Body will approve updates following recommendation from the
Academic Board.