External Speakers Policy
If your society, club or group are looking to invite external speakers to the University there are certain steps that you need to fulfil before permission can be granted. The following is a brief explanation of the University’s code of practice which describes the framework within which staff and students of the University and visitors enjoy the right to freedom of expression. For the full detailed version of the Freedom of Expression Code of Practice click here.
Your society, club or group must designate a ‘Principal Organiser’ who is required to notify the relevant Sabbatical Officer of the Students’ Union as far as possible in advance of the meeting, and in any case at least two weeks before it. The Sabbatical Officer will then pass this information on to the University Secretary who shall grant or withhold permission for the use of University premises including, as appropriate, space used by the Students’ Union for the meeting proposed.
The Principal Organiser will be asked to provide information including in particular the name of the principal speaker, the theme of the speech, the name of the person who will chair the meeting, the subject of the address and other logistical information.
In considering whether or not to permit its premises to be used for a particular event, the University has to consider:
- whether the views or ideas to be put forward (or the manner of their expression)
- infringe the rights of others, or
- discriminate against them
- whether the activity in question
- constitutes a criminal offence
- constitutes a threat to public order or to the health and safety of individuals
- incites others to commit criminal acts, or
- is contrary to the civil and human rights of individuals
The second key test is whether adequate arrangements can be made to safeguard the safety of participants in the event, and other people within the vicinity, and to ensure that public order is maintained.