Codes of Practice

Statutes and Regulations

Quick Links to our Codes of Practice

Academic Progress: A Code of Good Practice

Controlled Drugs: A Code of Practice

Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech

Academic Progress: A Code of Good Practice

The following Code of Good Practice is intended to assist students and staff in matters of academic progress.

(1) Academic Progress

(a) If a student engaged in full or part-time study (excluding those registered on a Continuation Fee basis) is absent from courses of instruction, or fails to meet his/her academic commitments(defined in accordance with General Regulation V), the staff concerned should seek to contact the student as soon as they consider appropriate. A departmental warning may avoid the necessity to issue an Academic Progress Notice under General Regulation V.

(b) If there is concern about any aspect of a student's attendance or work, the Departments and College concerned should keep each other informed of action required or taken.

(c) Careful records must be kept of all communications with students arising from concern about their academic progress. Copies of formal communications must be sent to the relevant College.

(d) A request to issue an Academic Progress Notice under General Regulation V should be made when a student's performance does not improve after a departmental warning.

(2) Monitoring Academic Progress

(a) At the start of a programme, and at the start of each new level of a programme, Departments should inform students of the extent to which examination performance, course work, subsidiary subjects and other academic requirements will be taken into account when students' results are being assessed and/or degrees are awarded.

(b) Departments should explain their system of marking and correcting course and class work, and should indicate any differences between the marking of tutorial work and of examinations.

(c) Students should be issued with guidelines on the writing of course work (eg to avoid charges of plagiarism).

(d) Departments should explain to students the requirements for demonstrating academic progress in relation to their particular programme and modules. Reference should be made to the records that are kept of a student's attendance and work.

(e) Students should be told to report special factors and circumstances affecting their academic performance to members of staff in the Department concerned.

(3) Examinations and Assessment

Every Department should inform students of the procedures that will be used by its Board of Examiners. This information should include:

(a) the contribution of each piece of assessed work to the outcome of each module, and their degree programme as a whole.

(b) the regulations that will be applied by the Board of Examiners in making decisions about progression within a programme of study; whether to make an award; and the classification of award to be made.

(4) Appeals

Refer to General Regulation VII Academic Appeals.

Controlled Drugs: A Code of Practice

The purpose of this code is to ensure that students are aware of the law with regard to the supply, use and possession by students of controlled drugs, with the overall objective of minimising the harmful effects of these substances.

Controlled Drugs¹

(1) The University does not allow, in any way, the use of controlled drugs. The possession of controlled drugs is a criminal offence and the possession with intent to supply is a more serious offence. The University would break the law if it permitted controlled drugs to be used or supplied on its property.

(2) The University will not tolerate the use of, or dealing in, controlled drugs on its property. Any students found to be using or in possession of any controlled drug, including cannabis, on University premises will be subject to its disciplinary procedures and the police will be informed.

(3) The University will inform the police of any student suspected of dealing in drugs. We also reserve the right to inform the police about students found to be using or in possession of drugs.

University Disciplinary Procedures²

The University's disciplinary procedures are set out under Section IV of the General Regulations. Major offences include:

Serious instances of disorderly conduct causing serious damage to or on University property or premises or seriously affecting good order within or without the University;
Conduct which brings the University into serious disrepute, by causing serious reputational damage;
Possession of controlled drugs;
Offences against the Criminal Law.

A major offence may be punished by rustication (exclusion from the University for one year) or expulsion from the University³.

The University cannot and will not condone any controlled activity committed on University premises but it will endeavour to respond considerately to students who accept that they are having problems related to the use of controlled drugs, provided that the individual concerned co-operates with such treatment and care plans as may be developed for them by health care professionals or other appropriate agencies⁴.

¹ Students and their Visitors affected by these issues are advised to review the advice issued by the National Health Service (NHS) and the Public Health England concerning the significant health effects of drug abuse. The NHS pages also outline the counselling and treatment options that are available, see:

www.nhs.uk/Livewell/drugs/Pages/Drugshome.aspx www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

² Within the legal jurisdiction of “England and Wales”, the law regulating dangerous and otherwise harmful drugs is the “Misuse of Drugs Act 1971”

(www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/38/contents).

This legislation defines the concept of criminal offence that underpins the University’s obligation to make a report to the Police. The legal sanctions available to the State are outlined by the Home Office at www.gov.uk/penalties-drug-possession-dealing and all staff, students and visitors are advised that these may be enforced after conviction of drug abuse or selling.

³ Durham University is a collegiate university, with 16 colleges admitting students. If an incident of student misconduct involving illegal drugs arises that is not in violation of the law or a major offence under the University’s General Regulations, the college may apply its own regulations and disciplinary processes to the student member of the college.

⁴ In addition the Durham University Counselling Service offers help and guidance and counselling on addictive behaviours, including for drug and alcohol abuse, both in terms of outlining the various counselling options (for example Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and health risks. The Counselling Service also has participation agreements with local health providers to widen the range of services that students can access. Additionally the Counselling Service will work with individuals not-only on the actual substance abuse concerns, but also on the underlying motivators s that may have led to this abuse. A description of the services offered by the University Counselling can be found at: www.dur.ac.uk/counselling.service/selfhelp/

Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech

Scope:

This Code of Practice (‘the Code’) aims to outline Durham University’s (‘the University’) responsibilities in relation to Freedom of Speech. The Code details: definitions of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom; the University’s values in relation to Freedom of Speech; the Procedures for the organisation of events and other activities; the process for raising a Complaint; and Monitoring and Review of the Code.

The Code applies to all Durham University staff and students, and any visiting speakers or other persons invited to speak by the University’s staff or students.

The Durham Students’ Union (‘the DSU’) is the University’s recognised Students’ Union but is an independent organisation and, therefore, has its own Code. Any event and other activity occurring under the auspices of the DSU and its related organisations must follow the DSU Code in upholding the values of Freedom of Speech.

Freedom of Speech:

The University defines Freedom of Speech as “the freedom to impart ideas, opinions or information (referred to in Article 10(1) of the Convention as it has effect for the purposes of the Human Rights Act 1998) by means of speech, writing or images (including in electronic form),” This freedom must be exercised within the law.

The University recognises that Freedom of Speech is a fundamental right, essential for upholding democracy, a free media, and political, artistic, and scientific development. It is a right protected under the Human Rights Act 1998, Counter Terrorism & Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty), Equality Act 2010, by Articles 9 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and Charity law (hereafter called ‘the Acts’). Protection extends to the expression of views which may shock, disturb, or offend the deeply held beliefs of others.

Academic Freedom:

The University defines Academic Freedom as detailed in our Statutes and drawn from section 202 Education Reform Act 1988, specifically Clause 20.3.1 “To ensure 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 of losing their jobs or privileges”.

The University values academic freedom and is committed to promoting and positively encouraging free expression and debate amongst its staff, students and visitors. The pursuit of knowledge and the exchange of ideas should be conducted within the University in a tolerant manner, and without interference from internal or external parties.

University Values and Freedom of Speech:

The University ensures that the values relating to Freedom of Speech are reflected in our purpose and core lived values. Through “supporting staff and students” and “promoting inclusivity” our purpose captures how we create an environment where staff and students can be fully themselves, respecting our differences and similarities. Within our core lived values, we “celebrate difference, value one another” in creating “an inclusive community”, where we “listen to each other, disagree well, with a commitment to academic freedom.” It is a fundamental policy of the University, as an academic institution, that in its activities there should be freedom of speech within the law.

Procedures for Organising Meetings or Other Activities:

The University has a legal duty to take such steps as is reasonably practicable to ensure that freedom of speech within the law is secured for its staff, students, and visiting speakers. This duty includes a responsibility to ensure that the use of University premises is not denied to any individual or group on the grounds of the belief or views of that individual or any member of that group or on the grounds of the policy or objectives of the group.

In some situations the University will, however, prevent forms of expression which spread, incite, or seek to justify hatred based on intolerance in relation to any of the protected characteristics as set out in the Equality Act 2010. (The protected characteristics are: age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships, race, religion and belief, sex, or sexual orientation.)

The University expects all its members and visitors to respect those values and to be sensitive to its diverse and inclusive community, and the University recognises its duty to promote good campus relations under the terms of the Equality Act. The University aims to ensure that its staff and students are able to work, study, and live in an environment free from unlawful intimidation, harassment or abuse. Hate crime and incitement to commit illegal acts will not be tolerated. The University recognises that the right of each person to be protected from discrimination and violence are fundamental human rights.

The University must, therefore, balance its legal duties in terms of ensuring freedom of speech with its need to ensure its duties under the Acts, and its responsibility to protect staff and student safety. For this purpose a Procedure for Meetings or Other Activities is available on SharePoint for current University staff and students.

Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs):

The University confirms that it does not use NDAs to silence victims of sexual misconduct, violence, or harassment.

Overseas Funding:

The University is aware of its obligations in upholding Freedom of Speech in relation to overseas funding and has governance processes in place to scrutinize consideration of funding via grants and philanthropic donations. The University will continue to review its processes to ensure they continue to be robust and responsive in upholding the principles of Freedom of Speech.

Complaints:

Anyone who believes that their rights in relation to Freedom of Speech have been infringed can raise a complaint following the University’s procedures under the Student Complaint Procedure, the Staff Concerns Policy (internal only) or by reference to the University Secretary (university.secretary@durham.ac.uk).

Review:

The University will review its Code on an annual basis and will ensure that it is updated in accordance to the latest guidance issued or any other legal requirements.

Further Information

Procedure for Meetings or Other Activities (internal only)

The Code of Practice

1. This Code of Practice applies to all staff and students who wish to host an activity that is affiliated to[2], funded/partially funded by, or branded as Durham University, to distribute written or on-line materials, or undertake any other activity which is covered by this Code.

2. This Code of Practice is issued by, and with the authority of, the Council as governing body of the University with a view to taking all reasonable steps to ensure that freedom of expression within the law is secured for members, students and employees of the University and for visiting speakers. It aims to assist the University in discharging its duty under the Equality Act (2010), and in general to promote good relations within the University. It also enables the University to respond to the Prevent Duty detailed within Section 26(I) of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 which places a statutory duty on the University to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

3. The procedures set out below must be followed by students and staff of the University and persons hiring venues in the University in respect of meetings or any other similar activities. They cover the conduct required of all persons in connection with any such meetings or activities.

4. Members, students and employees of the University who are planning activities off the University’s premises but which are clearly affiliated to, funded or branded as associated with the University and engage the provisions of this code, must familiarise themselves with the code and follow the requirements laid down within it.

Authority

5. The Council authorises the University Secretary to act on its behalf to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable that all staff and students of the University, and all visiting speakers, comply with the provisions of this Code. The University Secretary may further delegate his/her authority in general or in particular instances to other members of staff of the University, and, in the absence of the University Secretary, another member of the University’s Executive Committee may act on his/her behalf.

6. The University Secretary is supported by the Director of Student Support and Wellbeing in the administration of this Code of Practice. The Director of Student Support and Wellbeing acts as a first point of contact for any member of the University community who may wish to be involved in an activity that engages the provisions of the code. The Director of Student Support and Wellbeing can be contacted at director.wellbeing@durham.ac.uk or by telephone on 0191 334 6120. In the absence of the Director of Student Support and Wellbeing, the Head of the Student Conduct Office will fulfil this role.

Procedure

Activities and Meetings Which Must be Notified to the University Secretary

7. Any activity, including but not limited to holding a meeting or a demonstration, or distributing leaflets or other written or on-line material, which is likely to engage the provisions of this Code must be notified in writing to the University Secretary at least 7 days before the activity is due to take place.

8. In considering whether or not to permit an activity to go ahead, the University Secretary, on behalf of the University, shall consider and take advice on the following matters:

a) whether the views or ideas to be put forward (or the manner of their expression):

i) discriminate against any individual or group (with a protected characteristic) on any of the grounds of discrimination provided in the Equality Act 2010. Formal requests for gender segregation at meetings (save for those solely used for religious worship or practice) is prohibited on these grounds in accordance with the Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance[3];

ii) are to be presented by any person who has previously been prevented from delivering a speech at the University; or

iii) incite hatred or are considered within the law to be obscene or grossly defamatory.

b) whether the activity in question:

i) constitutes a criminal offence;

ii) constitutes a threat to public order or to the health and safety of individuals;

iii) incites others to commit criminal acts;

iv) incites others to hatred; or

v) brings the possibility of disruption or disorder because of the timing or location of the activity and its coincidence with other local or national occasions or events.

9. The second key test is whether adequate arrangements can be made to ensure the safety of participants in the activity, and other people within the vicinity, and to ensure that public order is maintained.

10. The organisers of the activity shall ensure that a ‘Principal Organiser[4]’ is appointed who must be a current member of staff or student of the University and who will be responsible for ensuring that the organisers comply with the obligations placed upon them under this Code of Practice[5]. If the activity concerned involves a meeting or other type of gathering then the Principal Organiser and/or the person responsible for processing the booking of rooms or space are taken to have read and agreed by the provisions of this Code of Practice. The Principal Organiser shall ensure that appropriate information is provided on the booking form regarding the nature and topic of the meeting.

11. The Principal Organiser is normally required to inform the University Secretary as far as possible in advance and, in any case at least 7 days in advance of any activity which falls within the provisions of this Code. This will allow him/her to ensure that any necessary arrangements are made, where there are reasonable grounds to believe that:

a) The activity may be disrupted (to the extent that public order is not maintained, the law may be broken, or the safety of participants/others in the vicinity is not guaranteed) due to:

i) The public profile of the speaker; or

ii) The nature of any subjects to be discussed or contained in written material; or

iii) The views or beliefs (whether or not related to the activity) of any person attending; or

iv) The coincidence of the activity with another activity.

b) The personal safety or property of any person attending, proceeding to or leaving the activity may be at risk by reason of their involvement in the activity; or

c) Intimidation, duress or harassment might be applied to any person in an attempt to prevent their attending the activity.

Action to be Taken by the University Secretary

12. The Principal Organiser shall, on request, provide the University Secretary with such information as he/she may require. The University Secretary will request the completion of a Freedom of Expression booking form, a copy of which is attached to this Code as Appendix A where an activity falls within the remit of this Code. The University Secretary will also seek advice from the Free Speech Group (membership details may be found at Appendix B) as to whether the activity can safely go ahead.

The Group will be convened by the Director of Student Support and Wellbeing/Head of the Student Conduct Office and will make recommendations to the University Secretary. Any advice received will be used by the University Secretary to make a final decision, which will be communicated to the Principal Organiser, wherever possible, no later than two days before the planned activity.

13. On receiving such information as he/she requires, the University Secretary shall have the following options:

a) Indicate that he/she is content for the activity to go ahead without taking any action; or

b) Lay down such special conditions as he/she considers necessary for the holding of the activity; or

c) Indicate that he/she does not consider it possible, within the resources reasonably available to the University, for the proposed meeting to take place within the law and in accordance with this Code. Therefore the activity is proscribed from taking place.

14. The University Secretary’s decision will be communicated to the Principal Organiser in writing no later than two days before the planned activity.

15. Failure or refusal to observe the University Secretary's ruling will result in disciplinary action as noted in paragraph 27 below.

Special Conditions or Arrangements that may be Required

16. The University Secretary may lay down such special conditions as he/she considers necessary. These may include (but are not limited to):

a) a requirement that the activity be ticket only and/or a restriction on the numbers of people attending;

b) that an adequate number of suitable stewards must be available, in addition to any University security staff that the University Secretary may feel should be present to maintain good order;

c) special arrangements for the chairing of a meeting, and as to the circumstances in which the meeting may or must be terminated prematurely;

d) that the activity be restricted to staff and students of the University[6];

e) imposing conditions on whether and how the activity is advertised;

f) varying the time and location of the activity from the original request;

g) refusing admission to media representatives.

17. In addition, the University Secretary has discretion to require any further and subsequent conditions, where appropriate, after consultation with the police for example, requiring the meeting or activity to be declared public (which would permit a police presence). Alternatively all security arrangements connected with the meeting or activity may be handled by the University’s Business Resilience Manager (or delegate) who will deal with safety concerns for the occasion.

18. The University Secretary will normally require the organisers of the activity to meet any reasonable costs incurred as a result of any special conditions or arrangements required by the University Secretary.

19. If the University Secretary permits an activity to go ahead in accordance with this Code, the Principal Organiser must immediately notify the University Secretary of any material changes to an approved activity; for example if there was a change in the speakers who had been approved for a debate. Failure to disclose any material changes may be regarded as a major offence for students under the University’s Disciplinary Regulations, whilst staff may be subject to disciplinary action.

20. The Principal Organiser should also share a copy of the Policy Statement and this Code of Practice with the speaker(s) concerned to ensure that the University’s position and protocols are clearly understood.

21. The Principal Organiser must also inform the University Secretary of any concerns relating to any activities which fall within the remit of this Code, and is required to report back following the completion of the activity, even if there is nothing of concern to report.

22. Notwithstanding the provisions contained within this Code, where an activity takes place which generates concerns received by either the Director of Student Support and Wellbeing or the University Secretary, the University Secretary can request that a senior officer of the University should undertake a review of the activity in question, and bring a report on the findings to UEC.

Request for a Review

23. If the Principal Organiser considers that the request to undertake an activity under the terms of the Code of Practice has not been handled in accordance with the practices of the Code they can request a review. They can do this by writing to the Chair of Council within 14 days of receipt of the outcome of the decision in relation to the activity. The request must state the grounds for requesting a review.

24. The Chair of Council (or their Deputy in his/her absence) may seek any further information they require to reach a view on the request. If the review is upheld, the Chair of Council will ensure that appropriate action is taken to remedy the situation and will inform the Principal Organiser in writing of the outcome. If the review is dismissed then the Principal Organiser will be informed in writing of this and there will be no further opportunity to pursue the matter within the University.

Arrangements for Booking Rooms and off campus activities

25. Each Booking Authority[7] shall introduce or modify booking forms in order that the attention of organisers of meetings or other activities is drawn to this Code. Each Booking Authority shall be responsible for ensuring that those who operate room bookings within their jurisdiction are aware of and fulfil their personal responsibilities under this Code.

Reporting and Infringements of the Code of Practice

26. The University’s Executive Committee will receive a report annually on the number and type of activities considered in relation to this Code as part of the Office for Students annual assurance monitoring process. The University Secretary may recommend any changes to the Code at any time. Any substantive changes to the Code arising from the annual review are reported to Council for consideration and approval. The Students’ Union will provide a report to the University on its engagement with its own arrangements for freedom of expression as part of its annual assurance process.

27. The University Secretary shall report to Council the circumstances of any significant infringements of, and departures from, the provisions of this Code. Infringements of, or departures from, these procedures by staff and students, will render them liable to disciplinary action. As noted in the preamble above, this includes staff and students who engage in activities that do not allow legitimate free speech to take place and/or contravene the principle of academic freedom. If infringement is by a student they may be liable to disciplinary action and their actions may be regarded as a major offence under the University's Disciplinary Regulations. If infringement is by those hiring accommodation on University premises, there may be an immediate termination of the agreement to use the University premises.

28. Where any infringement of the Code results in breaches of the law, the University will report these to the appropriate prosecuting authorities and assist the relevant authorities to implement the process of law.

Appendix A

The University Secretary will request that the following form is completed in relation to those activities which fall within the scope of the Code, to help facilitate a judgement about whether or not an activity can go ahead in accordance with the Code of Practice.

Name and contact details of the Principal Organiser

Name and details of the activity requested in accordance with the code

Name and details of any visiting speakers – what organisation do they represent? Have they spoken at the University before or at another higher education institution?

Date, time and place of meeting or activity

Overview of the activity – for example the subject matter, appointed chairperson etc.

What topic will any external speakers be talking about?

How will the activity be advertised?

The numbers expected to attend (staff, students, members of the University, guests, general public)

Conditions applying to the activity (will it be ticketed? Open to the public?)

Do the organisers have any reason to believe that there may be a threat of disruption caused by the proposed meeting or activity and what is the substance of that threat?

Any other reason known to the Principal Organiser or others involved in organising the event as to why issues may arise with any external speaker(s).

Will members of the press, TV or radio be permitted to attend?

Is the activity being sponsored? If so, who by?

Appendix B

In reaching a decision about whether an activity can go ahead, the University Secretary will receive recommendations from the Free Speech Group, which is made up of the following people:

The Director of Student Support and Wellbeing (convener)
The Deputy Provost
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education)
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Warden
The Head of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Unit
The President of the Students’ Union (or his/her representative)
A representative of Council

It is anticipated that input from the Group will, on most occasions, be sought by email although meetings may be called if the situation demands it.

The following individuals may also be consulted by the Free Speech Group in recognition of their particular areas of expertise:

The Principal Organiser
The Chief Executive of the Students’ Union
The Security and Resilience Manager
The Head of Legal Services
The Chair of the Safeguarding Operations Group
The Chaplains
The Director of Marketing and Communications
Local Police
The BIS Regional Prevent Co-ordinator
Higher Education Institutions known to have hosted or refused activities previously

(Last reviewed January 2020)

[1] Activities refer to events including, but not limited to, meetings, demonstrations, debates, marches etc.

[2] For clarity, activities which are affiliated to the University include those arranged by the Union Society, Common Rooms Recognised Common Rooms in Maintained Colleges of the University. Some activities run by the Students’ Union will be affiliated with the University and fall under this code.

[3] EHRC (2014) Gender Segregation at Events and Meetings: Guidance for Universities and Students’ Unions (Available online at https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/publication-download/gender-segregation-events-and-meetings-guidance-universities-and-students)

[4] If the activity concerned involves the publication and/or distribution of written material that is likely to engage the provisions of this Code, then the ‘’Principal Organiser’’ shall be identified as either the author of the material and/or the person responsible for co-ordinating the dissemination of material on the University’s premises or via its electronic infrastructure.

[5] For the purposes of this code, the definition of staff and student includes the Sabbatical Officers and staff members of the Students’ Union.

[6] The University is under no legal obligation to allow meetings to be open to members of the public.

[7] A Booking Authority is responsible for accepting and monitoring bookings, for a specific room or multiple rooms in university premises. They include the Students’ Union, Event Durham, Maintained Colleges and Societies and their common rooms, Recognised Colleges and their common rooms, Academic Departments, Durham Union Society, Experience Durham and Student Planning and Assessment.