Articles
Equality action plans meet the new union equality representative role: what Universities need to know
06 Oct 2026The Employment Rights Act 2025 creates two interconnected equality mechanisms that University HR teams and executive and governance boards will need to understand and engage with.
The OfS free speech complaints scheme is now live: what providers need to know
06 Oct 2026In May 2026, we reported on the Government’s plans for an Office for Students (OfS) free speech complaints scheme (Scheme) under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 (HEFSA), expected to launch in September.
The Scheme went live on 1 September 2026. This update summarises the main rules, exclusions and some practical implications, particularly where an employment tribunal claim may also arise.
OfS streamlines requirements for further education colleges offering higher education
06 Oct 2026The Office for Students (OfS) has confirmed changes to the conditions of registration applying to further education colleges offering higher education in England. The changes remove certain OfS requirements where colleges are already subject to Department for Education oversight, including requirements relating to access and participation, financial viability and sustainability and governance. They have applied since 9 July 2026.
EAT clarifies when tribunals must consider Article 10 in speech-related dismissals
11 Aug 2026The EAT has confirmed that employment tribunals are not generally required to consider human rights arguments about freedom of expression where the claimant has not relied upon them.
Universities and precautionary injunctions against protestors: navigating rising challenges
05 Aug 2026Recent global conflicts have led to a noticeable increase in protests and encampments across university campuses.
Many universities are now managing organised demonstrations, “sit-ins” and, in some cases, sustained occupations of their buildings or open spaces.
Managing Subsidy control risk in the HE sector
04 Jun 2026An update on recent caselaw, reports from the Subsidy Advice Unit and what they mean for universities and research organisations.
