Safe Spaces for the Snowflake Generation or for Genuine Freedom of Speech?
Posted by Alison Jones on In her latest blog post, Alison Jones, University Secretary at the University of Bradford, asks whether safe spaces on university campuses just offer protection for the "snowflake generation" of students, or are they part of the answer to an inclusive approach to freedom of speech.
Universities and General Elections – The Rules
Posted by Guest Author on With the General Election taking place on Thursday 8 June, Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, and Mark Garratt, Director of External Affairs at the University of Bradford give advice on the potential issues that universities should be aware of when supporting the election process.
Changing the Culture in Universities
Posted by Alison Jones on Alison Jones, University Secretary at the University of Bradford, has been reflecting on the challenge of culture change in our universities. How can we ensure our institutions are inclusive and diverse communities where tolerance, dignity and respect are practiced, and processes and support are in place to handle allegations of misconduct?
May No-platforms the No-platformers
Posted by Guest Author on How do universities balance freedom of expression and intellectual advancement whilst maintaining safe spaces for staff, students and the university community? In light of Theresa May’s recent criticism of safe spaces, Geraldine Swanton, Legal Director at Shakespeare Martineau, considers the legal implications for universities in providing those safe spaces and maintaining freedom of expression.
Reputation Management – the Legal Challenges
Posted by Guest Author on Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, the AHUA’s national sponsor, reviews current threats to universities’ reputations and the challenges institutions face in dealing with them. This blog post follows a workshop delivered by Smita at the AHUA Autumn Conference 2016 in Birmingham.
Can Universities Learn Anything from Chilcot?
Posted by Gerry Webber on The Chilcot Report was released earlier this month, examining the circumstances of the UK’s involvement in the 2003 Iraq War. Gerry Webber, University Secretary at Edinburgh Napier University considers the report and the lessons to be learned from it.
Prevent monitoring and the detailed submission
Posted by Michaela Boryslawskyj on On the 1st April 2016, HEFCE-funded institutions are required to make a detailed submission in response to the Prevent duty. Michaela Boryslawskyj looks at the recent advice note from HEFCE issued on 16th February.
FREE(?)dom of Information and the uneven playing field
Posted by Michaela Boryslawskyj on What is the cost of the Freedom of Information Act to universities? Michaela Boryslawskyj, University Secretary at the University of Huddersfield, considers the impact of FOI and alternative ways universities show transparency and accountability.
On the Radar: The Modern Slavery Act 2015 and HE
Posted by Graham Donelan on Graham Donelan, University Secretary at Liverpool Hope University, reviews the Modern Slavery Act, a piece of legislation which has appeared to attract little attention to date, but which could have big consequences for the sector’s supply chains.
Compliance with the CMA’s Guidance on Consumer Protection – Mid-term Report
Posted by Nathan Monk on In this blog post, Smita Jamdar, Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau considers the challenges faced by universities in implementing and complying with the CMA’s recent consumer protection guidance.