Freedom of speech
King's has a strong commitment to the values of freedom of expression.
Application has passed - page retained for reference only
About King’s
King’s College London is ranked 6th the UK in the QS World University Rankings, and 37th in the world, with a turnover exceeding £1.4 Bn. It is the fourth oldest university in England and is based in the heart of London. Kings has over 40,000 students from over 150 countries studying in person and online and over 12,000 employees. King’s academics are members of 9 Faculties, based on 5 campuses in central and SE London. Together the King’s community delivers a comprehensive portfolio of outstanding and impactful research and education in close partnership with the vibrant ecosystem across London along with other universities and partners across the globe. King's College London offers an intellectually stimulating environment in which to work, where staff are dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning in the service of society. We are a multi-Faculty institution, providing high-quality education, research and innovation across the humanities, sciences, medicine, law, dentistry, and social sciences. King’s Strategy 2030 sets out how we take our purpose to make the world a better place forward, with four key priorities including student success in and beyond university, investment in research and education excellence that responds to the changing world, to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and sustainable finances for a secure future. King’s provides world-class education which enables students to become rounded critical thinkers, set up for success and with the character and wisdom to strive for social change. Through enquiry-driven research, King's delivers transformative insights and solutions that have the power to advance and accelerate global progress. Our comprehensive range of disciplines are organised into nine Faculties: • Faculty of Arts & Humanities • Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences • The Dickson Poon School of Law • Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine • Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences • Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy • Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care • Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience • King’s Business School
Appointment details
Reports to: Professor Rachel A. Mills CBE
Salary
£100-105k + LWA
Terms
This is a full time, permanent appointment.
Vacancy ID
154466
Role purpose
The Director of Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression will play a critical leadership role in ensuring King’s meets its statutory and ethical obligations relating to Freedom of Expression (FOE), as captured by the University FOE Code of Practice Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression Code of Practice | King's College London. In doing so, the role-holder will help the University balance these obligations against related obligations to the welfare of the King’s community, including staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders. The management of FOE spans multiple functions at King’s, from policy and governance to security and chaplaincy, HR and student administration, and communications. How King’s manages FOE is of interest to students and staff internally, but also to alumni, regulators and government, media, community groups and wider society. The role of the Director is to support the obligations held by different functional leaders at King’s, including Council, working across different functions, ensuring the University is coordinated internally (and thereby ensuring differences in view and approach are resolved), aligned to an evolving external context, and communicating clearly and consistently, internally and externally. Recognising the sensitivity and profile of matters relating to academic freedom and free expression, the role holder will report to the SVP Academic with a dotted line to the COO and will work closely as strategic advisor and support to the Assistant Principal for Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression, along with other internal stakeholders, listed below.
Specific responsibilities include
Strategy & Policy: • Supporting the further development of the Code of Practice and related University policies and procedures. • Supporting the further development of related policies, including Values-Based Impartiality Guidance for Senior Management. Co-ordination and Issue management: • Acting on behalf of the SVP Academic and COO to ensure matters relating to free expression and academic freedom are coordinated and consistent across policy, governance and operations, and supporting the senior team to navigate complex issues where competing rights, institutional values, and legal duties intersect. • Providing oversight and an escalation route for significant or sensitive cases relating to academic freedom, freedom of expression, protest activity, speaker events, and community tensions. • Overseeing institutional risks relating to freedom of expression, academic freedom and community cohesion, ensuring that risks are identified, mitigated and escalated appropriately. • Providing clear leadership to the management of incidents involving or relevant to the University relating to FOE. • Ensuring that the University Executive remain closely appraised of issues and risks arising and the University’s response, attending Executive meetings as required. • Supporting the Assistant Principal (Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression) in running the FEMG (Freedom of Expression Management Group) and supporting committees. Compliance: • Conducting an annual review of the University Code of Practice, strengthening policies, practices and governance arrangements, as required. • Reporting annually to the Executive and Governing Council (and by exception where the circumstances require) and developing a framework of management information, assurance reporting and institutional metrics to support this. • Ensuring King’s remains sighted to changes to statutory obligations, or changes to the interpretation of existing obligations, and overseeing a timely and appropriate response. Stakeholder Engagement : • Monitoring external/societal developments through sector bodies, government and the media; horizon scanning and ensuring that internal arrangements evolve as appropriate. • Leading on internal stakeholder management with students, staff and KCLSU and their affiliated student societies. • Leading on and building trusted relationships with external stakeholders including with government(s), regulators, sector bodies, community groups, alumni, representing the University to the external world on issues relating to FOE. • Helping articulate the KCL position on FOE through participation in events and symposia; or in articles, letters and OpEds where possible either in their own capacity, or assisting the other leaders in doing so. Capability building: • Supports the development and delivery of plans to grow student and staff understanding of expectations around FOE, and the capability of students and staff in meeting those expectations.
Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression
Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression Code of Practice
Values-Based Impartiality Guidance for Senior Management
Values-Based Impartiality Guidance for Senior Management
This is a fast-evolving space and the expectations of universities are changing. The candidate can expect that this job will evolve and respond under the direction of the SVP-A and COO as required.
Skills/Experience
• Very strong political acumen. • Familiarity with legislation and policy relating to free expression and academic freedom, diversity and inclusion, the Public Sector Equality Duty etc. • Very strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills. • Strong understanding of governance, assurance, and risk management. • Credible acting for the VC and University with senior external stakeholders in govt, community groups, media, faith groups etc. • Credible acting for the VC and University with a range of internal stakeholders, staff and student groups, KCLSU and staff unions. • Comfortable dealing with ambiguity and a dynamic environment. • Calm under pressure and demonstrates personal resilience. • Comfortable managing politically sensitive issues involving multiple stakeholders and competing interests. • Highly collegiate, seeks to build consensus but also comfortable with making risk-informed decisions and providing direction, exercising strong judgement in determining when to escalate. • Proactive in nature, a can-do attitude and approach.
Close colleagues
As described above, the Director will work across multiple functions within King’s to ensure the University is coordinated internally and aligned with an evolving external context. Internal stakeholders include: Assistant Principal for Academic Freedom and Free Expression • Chairs Freedom of Expression Management Group, including sub-committees focusing on students. • Provides advice on FOE complaints received. HR • Policy relating to staff. • Managing the interface with inclusion and diversity. • Case management for staff. Student and Academic Services • Policy relating to student conduct, academic and non-academic, including the Student Charter. • Case management for students. • Leads the University's relationship with the Student Union. • Induction and awareness of students about FOE. Legal Services • Provides legal counsel as required. Dean’s Office and Chaplaincy • Manages community relations with students and staff groups, but distinct from that provided by University management (and deliberately at arm’s length to provide independence and confidence). • Provides support to faith-orientated and secular groups. Campus Operations & Security • Risk assesses events, including protests; develops recommendations on risk mitigation and delivers those mitigations. • Liaises with external security, including police, as required. Communications & External Affairs • Proactive and reactive communications, internal and external. • Government relations (UK). Business Resilience • Provides incident management support to incidents arising. Student Union • Represents the student community. • Accredits student societies. • Policy relating to student conduct. • Co-leads the Free Expression Student Advisory Group. • Responsible with the University for developing student awareness and capability relating to FOE. Philanthropy and Alumni Relations • Owns the relationship with alumni and philanthropists. VP International, Engagement & Service • Owns values-based impartiality on behalf of the Executive Team. • Leads relationship with non-UK government and NGOs. VP Education and Student Success • Provides strategic leadership for education and student success at King's.
Our people
Through all our work, we aim to make the world a better place.
Campuses
King’s College London is the most central university in London, including four Thames-side campuses in a single square mile. • Denmark Hill - Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and also provides facilities to the Dental Institute. • Guy's - The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard. • Strand - Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's five arts and sciences faculties. • St Thomas' - The Florence Nightingale Museum is based at St Thomas', along with medical and dental teaching. • Waterloo - The Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care and most professional services.
Strategy 2030
For almost 200 years, King’s has been a place where ideas turn into action. From revealing the structure of DNA to reimagining nursing, from advances in medicine, law and the study of war and peace to shaping culture and public debate, our work has always been guided by a belief that knowledge should serve society. Over our history, King’s has been home to 14 Nobel Prize winners, and to scholars whose ideas and leadership have shaped thinking, policy and practice around the world. King’s has always been a place where knowledge is put to work for the benefit of others. King’s Strategy 2030 sets out how we take that purpose forward. The environment in which universities operate is shifting: the way higher education is funded is under strain, expectations of students and communities continue to evolve, and universities must increasingly show – through our actions and impact – the value we bring to society. Technology is changing how we teach, learn and research, and public scrutiny has never been stronger. In this context, standing still is not an option but King’s must be both fixed in our purpose and adaptable in our choices.
About King's
King's College London provides a dynamic habitat for individuals looking to expand their career prospects
King’s Strategy 2030
In service of society through academic excellence.
Faculties and departments
We’re a friendly, diverse community committed to the highest quality teaching and research.
Application has passed - page retained for reference only
Please quote the vacancy id: 154466 in all correspondence.
Closing date for applications: 09 September 2026 23:59
Application process
To apply for this post you will need to register on the King’s College London Job application portal and submit the application form, along with the following: • a statement setting out your reasons for applying for the post and highlighting the particular skill and experience which demonstrates your fit to the role (2 pages max) • a curriculum vitae We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement (circa 2 pages), detailing how they meet the essential requirements in the person specification. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
Contact the team
For an informal discussion or to find out more about the role please contact the King’s Search Team.
Selection process
We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.
Jobs at King's
Current vacancies and career opportunities
Role purpose
The Director of Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression will play a critical leadership role in ensuring King’s meets its statutory and ethical obligations relating to Freedom of Expression (FOE), as captured by the University FOE Code of Practice Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression Code of Practice | King's College London. In doing so, the role-holder will help the University balance these obligations against related obligations to the welfare of the King’s community, including staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders. The management of FOE spans multiple functions at King’s, from policy and governance to security and chaplaincy, HR and student administration, and communications. How King’s manages FOE is of interest to students and staff internally, but also to alumni, regulators and government, media, community groups and wider society. The role of the Director is to support the obligations held by different functional leaders at King’s, including Council, working across different functions, ensuring the University is coordinated internally (and thereby ensuring differences in view and approach are resolved), aligned to an evolving external context, and communicating clearly and consistently, internally and externally. Recognising the sensitivity and profile of matters relating to academic freedom and free expression, the role holder will report to the SVP Academic with a dotted line to the COO and will work closely as strategic advisor and support to the Assistant Principal for Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression, along with other internal stakeholders, listed below.
Specific responsibilities include
Strategy & Policy: • Supporting the further development of the Code of Practice and related University policies and procedures. • Supporting the further development of related policies, including Values-Based Impartiality Guidance for Senior Management. Co-ordination and Issue management: • Acting on behalf of the SVP Academic and COO to ensure matters relating to free expression and academic freedom are coordinated and consistent across policy, governance and operations, and supporting the senior team to navigate complex issues where competing rights, institutional values, and legal duties intersect. • Providing oversight and an escalation route for significant or sensitive cases relating to academic freedom, freedom of expression, protest activity, speaker events, and community tensions. • Overseeing institutional risks relating to freedom of expression, academic freedom and community cohesion, ensuring that risks are identified, mitigated and escalated appropriately. • Providing clear leadership to the management of incidents involving or relevant to the University relating to FOE. • Ensuring that the University Executive remain closely appraised of issues and risks arising and the University’s response, attending Executive meetings as required. • Supporting the Assistant Principal (Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression) in running the FEMG (Freedom of Expression Management Group) and supporting committees. Compliance: • Conducting an annual review of the University Code of Practice, strengthening policies, practices and governance arrangements, as required. • Reporting annually to the Executive and Governing Council (and by exception where the circumstances require) and developing a framework of management information, assurance reporting and institutional metrics to support this. • Ensuring King’s remains sighted to changes to statutory obligations, or changes to the interpretation of existing obligations, and overseeing a timely and appropriate response. Stakeholder Engagement : • Monitoring external/societal developments through sector bodies, government and the media; horizon scanning and ensuring that internal arrangements evolve as appropriate. • Leading on internal stakeholder management with students, staff and KCLSU and their affiliated student societies. • Leading on and building trusted relationships with external stakeholders including with government(s), regulators, sector bodies, community groups, alumni, representing the University to the external world on issues relating to FOE. • Helping articulate the KCL position on FOE through participation in events and symposia; or in articles, letters and OpEds where possible either in their own capacity, or assisting the other leaders in doing so. Capability building: • Supports the development and delivery of plans to grow student and staff understanding of expectations around FOE, and the capability of students and staff in meeting those expectations.
Freedom of speech
King's has a strong commitment to the values of freedom of expression.
Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression
Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression Code of Practice
Values-Based Impartiality Guidance for Senior Management
Values-Based Impartiality Guidance for Senior Management
This is a fast-evolving space and the expectations of universities are changing. The candidate can expect that this job will evolve and respond under the direction of the SVP-A and COO as required.
Skills/Experience
• Very strong political acumen. • Familiarity with legislation and policy relating to free expression and academic freedom, diversity and inclusion, the Public Sector Equality Duty etc. • Very strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills. • Strong understanding of governance, assurance, and risk management. • Credible acting for the VC and University with senior external stakeholders in govt, community groups, media, faith groups etc. • Credible acting for the VC and University with a range of internal stakeholders, staff and student groups, KCLSU and staff unions. • Comfortable dealing with ambiguity and a dynamic environment. • Calm under pressure and demonstrates personal resilience. • Comfortable managing politically sensitive issues involving multiple stakeholders and competing interests. • Highly collegiate, seeks to build consensus but also comfortable with making risk-informed decisions and providing direction, exercising strong judgement in determining when to escalate. • Proactive in nature, a can-do attitude and approach.
Close colleagues
As described above, the Director will work across multiple functions within King’s to ensure the University is coordinated internally and aligned with an evolving external context. Internal stakeholders include: Assistant Principal for Academic Freedom and Free Expression • Chairs Freedom of Expression Management Group, including sub-committees focusing on students. • Provides advice on FOE complaints received. HR • Policy relating to staff. • Managing the interface with inclusion and diversity. • Case management for staff. Student and Academic Services • Policy relating to student conduct, academic and non-academic, including the Student Charter. • Case management for students. • Leads the University's relationship with the Student Union. • Induction and awareness of students about FOE. Legal Services • Provides legal counsel as required. Dean’s Office and Chaplaincy • Manages community relations with students and staff groups, but distinct from that provided by University management (and deliberately at arm’s length to provide independence and confidence). • Provides support to faith-orientated and secular groups. Campus Operations & Security • Risk assesses events, including protests; develops recommendations on risk mitigation and delivers those mitigations. • Liaises with external security, including police, as required. Communications & External Affairs • Proactive and reactive communications, internal and external. • Government relations (UK). Business Resilience • Provides incident management support to incidents arising. Student Union • Represents the student community. • Accredits student societies. • Policy relating to student conduct. • Co-leads the Free Expression Student Advisory Group. • Responsible with the University for developing student awareness and capability relating to FOE. Philanthropy and Alumni Relations • Owns the relationship with alumni and philanthropists. VP International, Engagement & Service • Owns values-based impartiality on behalf of the Executive Team. • Leads relationship with non-UK government and NGOs. VP Education and Student Success • Provides strategic leadership for education and student success at King's.
Our people
Through all our work, we aim to make the world a better place.
Campuses
King’s College London is the most central university in London, including four Thames-side campuses in a single square mile. • Denmark Hill - Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and also provides facilities to the Dental Institute. • Guy's - The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard. • Strand - Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's five arts and sciences faculties. • St Thomas' - The Florence Nightingale Museum is based at St Thomas', along with medical and dental teaching. • Waterloo - The Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care and most professional services.
Strategy 2030
For almost 200 years, King’s has been a place where ideas turn into action. From revealing the structure of DNA to reimagining nursing, from advances in medicine, law and the study of war and peace to shaping culture and public debate, our work has always been guided by a belief that knowledge should serve society. Over our history, King’s has been home to 14 Nobel Prize winners, and to scholars whose ideas and leadership have shaped thinking, policy and practice around the world. King’s has always been a place where knowledge is put to work for the benefit of others. King’s Strategy 2030 sets out how we take that purpose forward. The environment in which universities operate is shifting: the way higher education is funded is under strain, expectations of students and communities continue to evolve, and universities must increasingly show – through our actions and impact – the value we bring to society. Technology is changing how we teach, learn and research, and public scrutiny has never been stronger. In this context, standing still is not an option but King’s must be both fixed in our purpose and adaptable in our choices.
About King's
King's College London provides a dynamic habitat for individuals looking to expand their career prospects
King’s Strategy 2030
In service of society through academic excellence.
Faculties and departments
We’re a friendly, diverse community committed to the highest quality teaching and research.
Application has passed - page retained for reference only
Please quote the vacancy id: 154466 in all correspondence.
Closing date for applications: 09 September 2026 23:59
Application process
To apply for this post you will need to register on the King’s College London Job application portal and submit the application form, along with the following: • a statement setting out your reasons for applying for the post and highlighting the particular skill and experience which demonstrates your fit to the role (2 pages max) • a curriculum vitae We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement (circa 2 pages), detailing how they meet the essential requirements in the person specification. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
Contact the team
For an informal discussion or to find out more about the role please contact the King’s Search Team.
Selection process
We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.
Jobs at King's
Current vacancies and career opportunities