External Speaker Guidance
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Under the PREVENT legislation, Universities have a duty to "have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.
An important aspect of this is to ensure that external speakers are not promoting extremist views on campus. -
It is the view of the University and the CSA that this is best achieved through co‑operation between the two organisations. Being involved in the process allows CSA Officers and staff to provide advice and support to groups wishing to invite speakers to the University. It also ensures that student opinion is considered in the development of policy and procedures.
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There are a number of named contacts for anyone within the University community to report any suspicions or concerns about individuals, groups or incidents whilst feeling supported and safe.
The CSA contact is the General Manager, Lorraine Wright, and the others are advertised on the University websites. One of these people should be approached in the first instance if anyone is concerned. -
Groups or individuals intending to invite a speaker to campus should contact the CSA at the earliest possible opportunity if the event is in any way being promoted as part of CSA operations, for examples on CSA premises or through CSA Clubs & Societies.
They must also check and consider any relevant University policies on external speakers and/or freedom of speech in operation at the time. The CSA has produced a simple form below, to enable organisers to supply the necessary information. -
Should a request to allow a speaker on to campus be rejected, the organisers should contact the CSA to discuss options. These will depend upon the reason for the rejection, but the CSA will normally be prepared to act as an intermediary with the University as far as is practicable and beneficial.
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Should there be issues at an approved event, such as the speaker moving into unacceptable statements, unauthorised speakers or hecklers doing likewise or general disorder, prompt reporting is vital.
Organisers should report incidents to the CSA (and the University as required) and include notes made as soon as possible after the incident.
