External Speakers Policy

Introduction & Statement

Multiverse is committed to fostering an open and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives and ideas can be explored and discussed. Engaging with external speakers can enrich the learning experience of our learners and staff, providing valuable insights and broadening horizons.

The Prevent duty places a responsibility on specified authorities, like Multiverse, to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. This policy reflects Multiverse’s commitment to safeguarding our
learners and staff from extremist ideologies and ensuring that our platform is not used to promote intolerance, hatred, or violence.

Definitions

External speaker: Any non-Multiverse employee, contractor, or enrolled learner, invited to speak to a gathering of any size in the Multiverse UK office, online, or at a Multiverse-branded event off-site. Invited guests from outside Multiverse are not to be regarded as 'external speakers' for Prevent duty compliance unless they intend to speak to a gathering at any point during their attendance.

This includes but is not limited to:

1. Guest lecturers and presenters
2. Industry experts and professionals
3. Thought leaders and commentators
4. Individuals invited to share their personal experiences or perspectives
5. Representatives from external organisations

Event organiser: The person(s) primarily responsible for organising the event and liaising with external speakers. They must understand and comply with this policy.

Purpose and scope

This policy outlines the procedures and principles for inviting and hosting external speakers at Multiverse events and sessions. It ensures all external speaker engagements:

1. Align with Multiverse’s values
2. Promote a respectful and safe environment
3. Comply with all relevant legislation, including the Prevent duty (Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015)

All employees and learners involved in organising events with external speakers must familiarise themselves with and follow this policy.

Scope

1. This policy and procedure covers any external speaker that may be invited or may invite themselves into college to speak to staff or apprentices. It also covers any event or activity organised by Multiverse involving external organisations.
2. Multiverse also reserves the right to hire its facilities to a range of external organisations for events and activities and this policy and related procedure also covers those types of activities within our premises.
3. This procedure does not constitute contractual terms and conditions. Multiverse reserves the right to amend any provision of this procedure subsequent to appropriate consultation.

Freedom of Speech and Expression

Multiverse is committed to freedom of speech and expression within the law and encourages civil debate.

However, Multiverse also has a duty to ensure the safety of staff, learners, and visitors from violence, intimidation, discrimination, harassment, and incitement to hatred or terrorism.

The right to freedom of speech must be balanced with the Prevent duty. External speakers must engage responsibly and in line with legal and organisational values.

Principles for Inviting External Speakers

All invitations must follow these principles:

1. Alignment with Multiverse Values: The speaker’s topic/message should align with our values.
2. Educational Value: The engagement must offer clear educational or professional development benefits.
3. Respect for Diverse Views: We will not provide a platform to views that promote hatred, discrimination, violence, or undermine democracy and the rule of law.
4. Compliance with Prevent Duty: Due diligence must ensure the speaker does not support or promote extremist ideologies.
5. Openness and Transparency: The speaker’s purpose and audience should be clearly communicated in advance.

Procedure for Inviting External Speakers

Conduct and Submit the External Speaker Risk Assessment
Event organisers must complete and sign off an External Speaker Risk Assessment, submitted at least 7 days before the event.

Only the Safeguarding Team has access to these forms and can support as needed.

Formal Invitation and Briefing
After submission, formally invite the speaker with a clear outline of:

1. Topic
2. Format
3. Intended audience
4. Expectations regarding respectful discourse and values adherence

The speaker must agree in writing that:

1. They will not incite hatred, violence, or lawbreaking
2. They will not encourage or glorify terrorism or related organisations
3. They will not spread hatred or intolerance
4. They will avoid insulting other faiths or groups
5. Any intent to fundraise must be declared in advance

Raising Concerns
Concerns about a proposed speaker or their content must be raised immediately with the Safeguarding Team: Safeguarding@multiverse.io

Failure to Comply

Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action under Multiverse's relevant disciplinary procedures.

Responsibilities

1. All Multiverse Employees: Must follow the policy and report concerns to the Safeguarding Team.
2. All Event Organisers: Must submit the External Speaker Request Form at least 7 days in advance and follow decisions made based on risk.
3. Safeguarding Team: Provides Prevent duty guidance, supports risk assessments, and audits speaker assessments.

Relevant Policies

1. Multiverse Safeguarding Policy
2. Multiverse Prevent Policy

Version control

1. Policy Owner - Julia Bindley (Designed Safeguarding Lead)
2. Policy Author(s) - Jemma Ansell (Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead)
3. Effective Date - June 2025
4. Version Number - V1.0
5. Date of Next Review - June 2026