External Speaker Policy reminder

If you are inviting a guest to speak at a University event, please make sure you are following the guidance in our External Speaker Policy.

The Policy is intended to ensure an external speaker can freely discuss or debate their topic – in accordance with our commitment to academic freedom – while making sure the event can go ahead safely.

Speaker assessment

The Policy requires you assess any speaker you wish to book and seek guidance if you identify any concerns.

Any review process deemed necessary will be aimed at helping the event to go ahead. It means that additional support can be provided if necessary to address any potential risks, for example having Security colleagues present if the event might attract a large crowd or protest.

The Policy steps to take before confirming your guest booking.

Step 1: Locally assess your speaker to consider if they will be sharing views that could be deemed controversial or offensive, or risk being in breach of our External Speaker Code of Conduct.

If they aren’t, the booking can be confirmed, and a copy of the Code of Conduct shared with the speaker.

Step 2: If a concern is identified, you should seek advice from your line manager or Head of School/Function.

Step 3: If concerns remain, the Vice-Chancellor’s Office should be notified to enable further review if necessary.

Please remember to check if an Event Notification Form needs to be filled out ahead of your event. See our tips article for more advice.

The External Speaker Policy will continue to be reviewed as part of our implementation of new laws to protect freedom of speech on university campuses.