Freedom of Speech

Freedom of Speech

What is Freedom of Speech

Freedom of Speech is defined as the legally protected right to express lawful views, opinions, or information through any medium including speech, writing, or images, including those that may be controversial or offensive, as long as they do not constitute unlawful speech such as incitement to violence, harassment or hate speech.

Freedom of speech within the law is protected. This means that speech will not be protected if it contravenes some other law. Illegal or unlawful acts will not be tolerated by Warrington & Vale Royal College.

These freedoms apply to all students, staff, visiting speakers and invited guests engaging in academic, educational or public debate.

What is Academic Freedom

Academic Freedom refers to the freedom of academic staff and visiting academics at a registered higher education provider (or its constituent institutions) to question and test received wisdom; put forward new ideas; and express controversial or unpopular opinions, within the law, and without placing themselves at risk of being adversely affected in any of the following ways:

• Loss of their jobs

• Loss of privileges or promotions

• Other forms of detriment or disadvantage in their professional roles

Commitment to enabling debate, not avoiding it

Warrington & Vale Royal College believes in open discussion, even on controversial issues. We are committed to creating a culture where differing opinions can be expressed respectfully and constructively.

Why do we need to secure Freedom of Speech?

The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 was passed in May 2023 and came into force from 1 August 2025, and will be regulated by the Office for Students (OfS) from this date. The Act imposes new free speech duties on Higher Education Providers (such as Warrington & Vale Royal College), and builds upon the existing duties set out in section 43 of the Education (No.2) Act 1986 that require Higher Education Providers to secure freedom of speech and make reasonably practical steps to do so.

In June 2025, the OfS released new guidance for Higher Education Providers on the Freedom of Speech and the duties therein to the secure freedom of speech and academic freedom. This is called Regulatory Notice 24.

Read our latest Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech here

Read the new 2025 OfS Guidance here