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Agreement on academic freedom

between the University of Exeter and the University and College Union (University of Exeter Branch) 

Updated by Senate, November 2022

Statement of Principles and Rights

The University will maintain and promote the academic freedom of all undertaking academic activities. That is to say freedom of education and discussion, freedom in carrying out research and disseminating and publishing the results thereof, freedom from institutional or other forms of censorship and freedom to participate in professional or representative academic bodies.

The University will maintain the rights of those undertaking academic activities, as appropriate to their conditions of employment and contractual responsibilities, as set out in more detail below:

  • To have freedom of expression within the law, including the right to express opinions publicly about the University or the professional eco-system in which an individual works and/or studies, while being mindful of the University’s values as stated in Strategy 2030.
  • To develop and advance new ideas or innovative proposals that meet recognised standards of evidence, including those that test established ideas or received wisdom.
  • To undertake their academic duties without discrimination and interference, including in areas deemed controversial or unpopular.
  • Academic staff should play a significant role in determining curricula and should not be required to teach or undertake research, including with international partners, against their own best knowledge and conscience or to be forced to use curricula and methods contrary to national and international human rights standards.

Statement of Responsibilities

Primary responsibility for ensuing academic freedom across the institution will rest with the Vice-Chancellor and the senior team, including senior academic managers within the faculties and departments who will take responsibility for oversight of this agreement at the relevant local level.

However, those undertaking academic activities should recognise that the exercise of the right of academic freedom carries with it specific duties and responsibilities, which include:

  • The need to tolerate a diversity of opinion, and the rights of individuals from all backgrounds and cultures to hold different beliefs and views and to express them through appropriate and reasonable contribution to discussion and academic debate. This includes supporting the responsibilities of the University under the Equality Act and the Public Sector Equality Duty, and being mindful of the University’s own dignity and respect policy.
  • The need to undertake teaching and research in a manner consistent with the obligation to ensure the search for knowledge and truth.
  • Education and research should be conducted in full accordance with ethical and professional standards.
  • The need to recognise the right of the University to make reasonable business decisions with regard to the provision of academic activities.
  • To undertake education and research in a way that is fair and equitable and recognises the dignity and respect of our staff and students.
  • To observe the ethics of research involving humans, animals, heritage and the environment.

Policy Framework

The definitions of academic freedom set out in this statement of principles and responsibilities are informed by the following policies and procedures.

External

(a) The expectations of the Office for Students Regulatory Framework, particularly the public interest governance principles on academic freedom and freedom of speech.

(b) The Higher Education and Research Act 2017

(c) The Education Acts 1986 and 1988.

(d) The Human Rights Act 1996

(e) The Equality Act 2010

(f) The UNESCO recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel (1997)

(g) The Concordat to Support Research Integrity.

(h) The University and College Union statement on academic freedom.

Internal

(a) The University’s 2030 Strategy.

(b) The University statement and policy on freedom of speech.

(c) The University’s statement and policies on research ethics and integrity.

(d) The University‘s social media policy

(e) The University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Vision and Policy and associated policies.

(f) The student contract and the student protection plan (in the context of the requirement to deliver education to a required standard).

(g) The University’s staff disciplinary and grievance procedures.

Annual Report

This agreement will be subject to regular review by the Senate and the UCU Exeter branch to ensure that it reflects relevant changes in the higher education operating environment.

Agreed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lisa Roberts
and the UCU Exeter Branch
Approved by the Senate, November 2022