This blog is part of a short blog series on freedom of speech, and practical implications for universities.
Part One discussed the ‘objective harassment’ test, and why it is difficult to objectively consider such a subjective issue.
Part Two discussed the difficulties universities face in judging whether a proposed speech is lawful.
The third and final issue focuses on the interactivity of two ‘alternative dispute resolution bodies’. Those are: The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA) and the Office for Students (OfS).
The OIA is an independent body set up to review student complaints about higher education providers in England and Wales. The OIA has been the designated operator of the student complaints scheme since 2005. It is an Ombuds Scheme – so just like you can raise an issue with Ofcom if you are not happy with the service provided by your mobile phone provider, you can raise an issue with the OIA if you aren’t happy with the service provided by your higher education provider.
