Under the Education (No2) Act 1986 and in accordance with Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998, the governing body has a duty to take such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure freedom of speech within the law for students and members of staff of the institution and for visiting speakers. Governing bodies must also ensure that use of the institution’s premises is not denied to any individual or body of people on the grounds of their beliefs, views, policies or objectives. The 1986 Act also requires governing bodies to maintain a code of practice setting out procedures for meetings held on the premises, and the conduct expected of those attending meetings. The registrar or clerk will usually manage these matters.
There is usually a requirement on the governing body to ensure academic freedom, ie. that academic 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 or losing their jobs or any privileges they may have at the institution.