The Office for Students (OfS) launched a new Free Speech Complaints scheme on 1 September 2026. The scheme covers higher education providers registered with the OfS and their constituent institutions, which includes the University of Sussex.
Through the scheme, the OfS reviews complaints about free speech from current and former staff, applicants for academic posts, and (actual or invited) visiting speakers, as well as alumni and members of Court and Council.It cannot intervene or judge general complaints between a student and a university, but there are other routes for students to raise complaints.
Staff with complaints about freedom of speech within the University should use the grievance procedure in the first instance.
Freedom of speech and external speakers
Staff who organise events involving external speakers are reminded that the University has a Freedom of Speech Code of Practice and External Speaker Procedure which applies to University, Students’ Union and partner organisation events on University premises. There is an external speaker request form linked from the page. The University's Freedom of Speech Code of Practice and External Speaker Procedure helps ensure that decisions about external speaker events are lawful, fair and evidence-based. Following this procedure is essential to ensure that the University meets its free speech duties.
If you have any questions about the University's Freedom of Speech Code of Practice and External Speaker Procedure please contact Louise Spenceley, Senior Manager, Governance & Compliance via email at L.Spenceley@sussex.ac.uk.