Securing free speech
This is a short introduction. For more detailed information, see Regulatory advice 24: Guidance related to freedom of speech.
The main duties of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act on registered providers and their constituent institutions will commence on 1 August 2025.
This guide sets out the main points that providers and constituent institutions need to think about in their approach to free speech and illustrates some of the steps that providers may be able to take to secure free speech within the law.
It also helps members of staff at providers to understand what they can expect from their provider and where the limits of free speech lie.
Providers must take reasonably practicable steps to secure freedom of speech within the law for their students, staff members and visiting speakers.
In this guide the term ‘providers and constituent institutions’ covers further education colleges and universities and their ‘constituent institutions’. These refer to any college, school hall or other institution of the provider.
Concerns about free speech
If you have a concern or complaint about free speech at a university or college, we have explained what you can do.
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