Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech

FutureLearn is committed to upholding the principle of free expression within the law. We support the right of individuals to express their ideas and opinions freely, within the boundaries of the law. We encourage open, respectful, and dignified debate on a wide range of topics, including those that may be controversial or unpopular, without fear of disciplinary action or reprisal.

Through its platform, FutureLearn enables its registered students and staff to access a diverse array of views and information, fostering learning, critical thinking, and informed discussion.

FutureLearn does not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment or victimisation and expects all members of the community and its visitors to treat each other with respect, courtesy and consideration. FutureLearn is committed to fostering an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all members of the community are respected. However, the expression of views which are unpopular, controversial or provocative or which cause offense, can still be lawful and will not constitute grounds for curtailing an individual’s rights under this Code.

Scope of the Code

This Code applies to all staff (whether academic staff or otherwise), registered students (whether full or part-time learners), visiting speakers, visitors and contributors to FutureLearn. The Code applies to all forms of communication, whether verbal or written, and applies across all settings, including in-person/physical, remote, digitally live streamed or recorded and any other activities (referred to in this Code as “events”) proposed, planned or due to take place on or using FutureLearn’s facilities or online platforms or endorsed by it.

This Code does not apply to premises or platforms provided by validated partner institutions, who are expected to have their own Freedom of Speech Code or equivalent policy in place to govern their rights and obligations in relation to their staff, registered students and visiting speakers. In the event that matters relate to the actions of a validated partner institution or their staff or students FutureLearn may be required to refer that matter to the relevant institution for consideration under its code or related procedures.

This Code does not remove the obligation on staff to act at all times in accordance with FutureLearn’s various staff policies. This Code does not remove the obligation on students to act at all times in accordance with the relevant student policies.

Nothing in this Code shall be interpreted as limiting the rights of individuals to engage in lawful industrial action or peaceful protest.

FutureLearn does not take a formal position on political or international disputes. Instead, it endeavours to provide a platform to facilitate discourse on contemporary issues by encouraging critical debate, where the views of all parties are exchanged and challenged within the law.

The duties and obligations arising from this Code will be considered in the context of other activities and relevant policies and procedures.

Duties & Responsibilities

FutureLearn is bound by statutory duty to take all reasonable and practicable steps to secure freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law. FutureLearn operates with a presumption in favour of freedom of speech. It shall be the duty of all those subject to this Code to assist FutureLearn in upholding freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law.

Staff (and students where relevant) of FutureLearn should bring this Code to the attention of any outside organisations who are providing speakers or are responsible for organising events. Such organisations/speakers are expected to uphold the principles of this Code, respect FutureLearn’s values and be sensitive to the diversity of the student community.

It shall be the duty of any person engaged in the organisation of any guest lecture or other similar event under this Code to ensure the proper security and organisation (including stewarding and chairing of that event) for the purpose of upholding the duty to take all reasonable and practicable steps to secure freedom of speech within the law and complying with the provisions of this Code.

Reporting and Complaints

FutureLearn is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all stakeholders. It will ensure that clear and accessible procedures are in place for reporting any alleged incidents of hate crime, harassment, threats, or intimidation. All reports will be investigated promptly and thoroughly, with appropriate action taken, which may include referral to the Police or other external authorities where necessary.

Any breach or departure from the provisions of this Code may result in disciplinary action under FutureLearn’s staff or student procedures, as appropriate. Allegations may be investigated under FutureLearn’s disciplinary, grievance, or complaints procedures, depending on the nature of the concern and the individuals involved.

If an offence is alleged to have occurred in connection with an event or activity governed by this Code, FutureLearn may cooperate with law enforcement authorities to identify individuals involved. Internal disciplinary proceedings may be suspended pending the outcome of any external investigation.

In the event that a registered student or member of staff has a complaint relating to freedom of speech at FutureLearn this can be referred through FutureLearn’s designated Student Complaints Procedure in the case of a registered student and its Grievance Procedure in the case of a staff member.

FutureLearn will not investigate complaints relating to the activities, events, or decisions of validated or partner institutions. Such matters should be addressed through the relevant partner’s own Code of Practice and complaints procedures.

Academic Freedom

Academic staff are protected in their teaching, research and speech by the provision on Academic Freedom expressed within FutureLearn’s policies, procedures, regulations and contracts of employment. In summary, staff have freedom within the law to question, and test received wisdom and to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions without placing themselves in jeopardy of losing their jobs or privileges.

FutureLearn has a particular regard to securing academic freedom and freedom of speech within the law, but this must be set within the context of FutureLearn’s values and those of a civilised, democratic, inclusive society.

FutureLearn expects its members and speakers and those taking part in activities to respect those values and to be sensitive to the diversity of its diverse community. While these precepts are not within themselves grounds to restrict lawful free speech or academic freedom they apply even in relation to the way views are expressed and any form of protest activity.

Social and Electronic Media

The principles of freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law apply to the use of electronic and social media and FutureLearn requires responsible and legal use of the technologies and facilities available to its staff and students including the use of the internet, e-mail and social media.