The University has a code of practice that underpins its commitment to freedom of speech within the law. The code is available on the policies and procedures page of the University’s governance website. This code replaces a previous version that had been put in place to meet the requirements of the Education Act 1986.

The aims of the code are: to provide guidance on freedom of speech within the law; to ensure that any restrictions are kept to a minimum; and to outline measures that might be put in place to support freedom of speech in circumstances where there may be concerns about the maintenance of order or health and safety.

It is the responsibility of the Senate, faculties and academic schools to ensure freedom of speech within the law is protected for academic-led events, research and teaching. If you have concerns that an event needs extra measures to ensure that it goes ahead, for instance that there may be disruptive protests; or that an event may go beyond the law, for instance by inciting racial or religious hatred; please contact Keith Lampard, Secretary to the Council and the Court, at the earliest opportunity so that a course of appropriate action may be agreed.

Annex A of the code sets out procedures for student and Kent Union bookings.

An annual report of the operation of the code is submitted to Council every year. The report for 2016-17 is available at http://bit.ly/2Ed1Mqq