Durham

AFFS reports Durham to the OfS for likely free speech compliance failures in its recruitment practices

(06.01.26) AFFS is conducting an ongoing review of UK universities’ free speech legal and regulatory compliance in their recruitment practices. In December 2024, AFFS found that Durham University required applicants to certain academic jobs to provide an “EDI & values statement – (of no more than 500 words)” which “demonstrates your commitment to EDI and our values”. Universities are required by their legal duties not to place requirements on applicants to be committed to values, beliefs, and ideas, including EDI, so Durham’s requirements were very likely unlawful.