There has been increased focus on protecting and promoting freedom of speech and academic freedom in recent years. In England, this includes the passage of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act and associated new duties for institutions.

The operational reality of this increased focus is the main theme of this one day in-person conference, which goes beyond the initial legislative debate. University leaders must balance the duty to protect and promote freedom of speech and academic freedom with the need to maintain cohesive campuses, support staff and student belonging and tackle harassment.

Join us to examine the operational impact of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 and of increased campus tensions over the past few years, and what leadership, student services, and communications teams must do differently to secure freedom of speech while maintaining campus cohesion.