Join the Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression Working Group
Express interest in joining the Working Group or become an 'Expert Contributor'.
The Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression Working Group was established by the University to consider how we can best support these principles across our staff and student community.
Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression Working Group
In 2023, the Working Group made good progress in four Workstreams considering policy, engagement and culture, communications, and education, respectively. A summary of that progress can be found below.
Working Group progress and outcomes in 2023
As agreed by University Executive, the Working Group is being restructured in 2024 to build capacity and expertise to take forward a renewed remit that is aligned to priorities identified by our University community.
Four new Workstreams will replace those already in existence, and will explore:
- the legislative duties and policy aspects of academic freedom and freedom of expression;
- the intersection between academic freedom, freedom of expression, and equality, diversity and inclusion;
- academic freedom and freedom of expression in the context of curriculum, teaching and learning;
- action to consider present and prospective challenges to academic freedom and freedom of expression.
In addition, two new Task and Finish groups will:
- conduct a piece of research to explore understandings and experiences of academic freedom and freedom of expression across our University community;
- ensure effective and consistent pastoral support of individual students, academics, and professional services colleagues who find themselves the focus of adverse attention due to their exercise of academic freedom or freedom of expression, or who experience distress due to somebody else exercising their academic freedom or freedom of expression
We now invite expressions of interest from staff members – academic and professional – who are interested in serving our community through contributing to this work. We are seeking around 40 staff from across the University to populate the new Workstreams and Task and Finish groups. Once the new group is up and running, we will also be looking at how we can build on our current approach to student engagement.
If you are interested in joining the group, please fill in the 'Expressions of Interest’ form. Before submitting the form, please read the additional information about the responsibilities and expectations of Working Group members, including more information on how members will be selected.
If you are not in the position to commit to joining the Working Group, you could contribute through joining a list of Expert Contributors whom the Working Group might draw upon as its work progresses. Please complete the ‘Expression of Interest Form’ indicating that you are interested in joining the Expert Contributors list.
Please submit your expression of interest by Monday 18 March 2024.