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Written question asked by Lord Storey (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 31 March 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 April 2025. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 April 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Religion: Higher Education

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of Office for Students-registered theological colleges’ compliance with academic freedom and freedom of speech.

Answer

As the independent regulator, it is the role of the Office for Students to monitor and assess registered providers’ compliance with all of its conditions of registration, including those relating to freedom of speech and academic freedom, and to take regulatory action where they have been breached. This includes theological colleges.

All higher education (HE) providers have longstanding duties to secure freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law which they must comply with. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education will shortly be making regulations to commence the expanded duties on HE providers in the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023. This will include new duties to promote freedom of speech and academic freedom, to put in place a free speech code of practice and a ban on non-disclosure agreements.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL6374
Session
2024-26
Related items
Office for Students: Freedom of Expression
Wednesday, 9 April 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Higher education Religion Academic freedom
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk