External speakers
Anyone organising an event that involves a speaker or speakers to be hosted by UWE Bristol must ensure that the External Speaker Policy and procedure are followed.
The University has a long and rich history of welcoming visiting speakers from around the world to its campuses.
The following policies and procedures are for anyone inviting external speakers into the University, and comply with the legislation required by all Higher Education Institutions in England to put into place External Speaker Policies as part of their implementation of the Prevent Duty. UWE Bristol takes its responsibilities to ensure freedom of speech very seriously and the new Policy intends to ensure external speakers can continue to come and contribute to the life of the campus in their different capacities.
Please note: Anyone inviting external speakers into the University needs to familiarise themselves with the policies displayed on this page. Further university policies can be found on our policies page.
Find out more about booking external speakers by downloading our external speakers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (PDF).
Booking external speakers for events
When booking university facilities you will be asked if you are inviting an external speaker. Where this is the case, you will need to answer four questions which will enable an initial risk assessment to take place.
If no risk is highlighted for the event, it will be allowed to proceed with no further action.
If a risk is highlighted, more information will be sought from the event organiser. The objective will be to facilitate the event but to ensure it can take place safely. Measures may be put in place such as requiring an experienced chair, ensuring controversial views are challenged, and/or requiring the speaker to provide a script of their talk in advance.
The University encourages debate and only if the event is deemed to be unsafe will the decision be taken not to allow the event to go ahead.
External Speaker Policy
The purpose of this policy is to set in place a governing framework for events with external speakers to ensure that debate, challenge and dissent are not only permitted but expected, while safeguarding our institution and its staff, students and visitors.
Guidelines for External Speakers
The following guidelines should be downloaded, you should enter the details of the speakers visit and then send to the external speaker alongside UWE Bristol’s Freedom of Speech policy (available below). You will note that the guidelines state that in being sent and receiving them they are accepting they agree to comply with its content. Please keep a copy of this on file for your records.
Freedom of Speech Policy
Our Freedom of Speech Policy sets out the University's procedures to be followed by members, students and employees.
Students' Union at UWE events
For events hosted by the Students' Union at UWE that involve external speakers, please refer to the Students' Union's External Speakers policy and Booking Form (login required).