Freedom of Speech Speaker Request Form

All external speakers need to be submitted with at least 21 days notice so that we can check your speakers. External speakers are any speaker who are not a current MMU Student or MMU/Union member of staff. This includes persons who have previously been staff and / or students at MMU.

Please complete one form for each speaker.

The organiser of the event must make themselves sufficiently aware of the speaker’s background and reputation to be able to take a considered view as to whether it is appropriate to host the proposed event. The primary consideration is whether the event can be managed safely and whether any additional measures should be put in place to enable the event to go ahead. The following questions will enable the organiser of the event to consider how to mitigate any risks the speaker’s attendance might bring, and ensure that the event can be managed appropriately.
An external speaker is anyone who is speaking to an audience at your physical or virtual event who is not a current MMU Student or member of Staff. This includes students from other institutions and MMU Alumni.
You can find the full University Code of Practise on Freedom of Speech here:

https://www.mmu.ac.uk/media/mmuacuk/content/documents/policy/policy_ref_code_of_practice_on_freedom_of_speech.pdf

SECTION 1: ABOUT YOU
Your Name
Club / Society Name:
Committee Role:
Telephone
Email
SECTION 2: ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Please fill in the full details in the section below. Any gaps in information may result in the delay of approval and mean your event may have to be postponed.
Full Name:
What organisation does the speaker represent or speak for?

If the speaker isn't from an organisation please state this.
What is the speaker talking about at your event?

Please give detail. Stating the topic or name of your event is not enough detail. For example: Are they speaking about personal experience in that area or a specific element of the topic?
Has the speaker spoken at the University or Students’ Union previously?
If Yes, please provide details.
SECTION 3: LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
Are there any concerns about unlawful content or content that might encourage terrorism or violent extremism?
Are they representing an organisation proscribed by the UK Government?

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/proscribed-terror-groups-or-organisations--2
Are they likely to breach UK laws on Hate Speech?

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/publication-download/freedom-expression-guide-higher-education-providers-and-students-unions-england
Are they likely to raise concerns under the Prevent duty guidance in terms of encouraging violent extremism or terrorism, or drawing people into terrorism?

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance
Are they likely to raise concerns under the Prevent duty guidance in terms of encouraging violent extremism or terrorism, or drawing people into terrorism?

Under the Equality Act 2010, gender segregation at meetings and events is not normally permissible. Please indicate whether the proposed meeting, event or activity is to be segregated by gender.

[Note: if the answer is Yes, the organiser of the event should consult with the University’s Legal Department to establish whether a sufficient basis exists for exemption from the Act.]
If yes to any of the above please give more information.
SECTION 4: ABOUT THE EVENT
When is your event taking place (date and time)
Where is your event taking place (if online please state the platform)
What is your event about? (Please give a description)
Could there be a public order issue?

Concern about public order issues does not automatically block an event taking place, but it is important to seek advice. For example:
Is the subject of their talk or the organisation they represent likely to mobilise significant opposition such that there might be a risk to safety of the public or members of the University/Student Union community?
Is there any evidence that this has been the case on other occasions?
Does the speaker, or the organisation they represent have a controversial profile in the media?
Is the event likely to attract a heightened media interest?
Is the event likely to attract unusual interest or unusually large numbers?
If yes to any of the above please give more information.
NEXT STEPS:
Once you submit this form it will be sent to s.u.societies@mmu.ac.uk where your speaker application will be reviewed. All external speakers need to be submitted with at least 21 days notice so that we can check your speakers. External speakers are any speaker who are not an MMU Student or MMU/Union member of staff.
Data

Thanks for completing the form. We only collect the information you tell us with for legitimate purposes and to fulfil your request and/or to deliver our services to you
(e.g. supporting your student group).

For further information on how we manage and store your personal data, please visit: www.theunionmmu.org/privacy

Freedom of Speech Speaker Request Form

Freedom of Speech Speaker Request Form

SECTION 1: ABOUT YOU

SECTION 2: ABOUT THE SPEAKER

SECTION 3: LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

SECTION 4: ABOUT THE EVENT

Could there be a public order issue? Concern about public order issues does not automatically block an event taking place, but it is important to seek advice. For example:

Data

Could there be a public order issue?

Concern about public order issues does not automatically block an event taking place, but it is important to seek advice. For example: