David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion) wrote to all staff on Thursday 18 July. You can read his message in full:

Dear Colleague, 

On 19 June, new freedom of speech guidance was published on the Office for Students (OfS) website, coming into force from 1 August 2025. The guidance will apply to all higher education providers in England. Whilst the University has already done substantial work to meet the requirements of Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, the new guidance provides a level of detail we have not had before. 

The guidance, publication of which is not related to the recent OfS findings against the University of Sussex, has a number of implications and we are in the process of considering these.

This month, I highlight:

• new guidance and training on harassment and sexual misconduct
• a call to join our LGBTQ+ Steering Group
• celebrating Black culture at Brighton BASH Carnival on 26 July
• the Play with Pride football tournament, 27 July

New guidance and training on harassment and sexual misconduct

The Office for Students has also introduced a new condition of registration, which comes into effect on 1 August, requiring institutions to meet a range of obligations to protect students from harassment and sexual misconduct. Separately, there are also relatively new obligations to protect staff pursuant to the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) which came into force in October 2024. Together, these obligations require steps which build on our existing work to prevent sexual misconduct and harassment and foster a safe and inclusive environment for all. Comprehensive guidance will be available on new webpages launching soon, and all staff and students will be required to complete online training to support understanding. You can find out more on the Staff Hub.  

Alongside this, the University is also updating its existing relationships policy which will be published following approval by Council. The new Personal Relationships Policy outlines expectations around intimate relationships, including steps to prevent conflicts of interest, and abuses of power and trust, and aims to help safeguard and protect students and staff from inappropriate behaviour.

Join our LGBTQ+ Steering Group

Staff are invited to help shape LGBTQ+ inclusion work at the University by joining the LGBTQ+ Steering Group. You will have the opportunity to influence institutional change and contribute to meaningful progress, supporting the development and delivery of the LGBTQ+ Action Plan which outlines key actions to help us build an inclusive culture. Recent Steering Group achievements include work towards our Stonewall Top 100 Employer listing (2024) and the Pride at Sussex photography exhibition (2025). LGBTQ+ staff and allies, especially those with intersecting marginalised identities, are encouraged to consider joining. Diverse voices and perspectives are essential to this work, and we are committed to broad representation across roles and departments. If you are interested in joining, email edi.unit@sussex.ac.uk with up to 300 words about your role, motivation, and relevant experience.

Celebrating Black culture at Brighton BASH Carnival on 26 July

The Black at Sussex programme is supporting this year’s Brighton BASH Carnival at St. Ann’s Well Gardens on Saturday 26 July. The BASH Carnival (BASH stands for building alliance, solidary and hope) will bring together artists, performers, activities, and families in a vibrant display of heritage, music, food, storytelling, and resistance. Returning for its fifth year, the event is set to feature collaborations with Brighton & Hove Albion, Sussex FA, Audio Active and BN1 Arts college. There will be a showcase of Black at Sussex projects and students will be on hand to share more information about the initiative and promote opportunities for collaboration. Open to all, the event is free of charge, but booking is required. Tickets are available online.

Play with Pride football tournament, 27 July

Ahead of Brighton Pride in early August, we are set to host the first Play with Pride football tournament on campus, in partnership with Sussex FA and Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation. Local seven-a-side teams will be competing, including members of local clubs and groups that support the LGBTQ+ community. The tournament is part of a wider event to be hosted at The Terrace at the Amex Stadium on the day, which will also feature live entertainment and a screening of the Women’s Euros 2025 final. Find out more and book tickets.

And finally, on 9 August some Hindu staff and students may be observing the festival of Raksha Bandhan. It is traditional for Hindus to visit relatives at this time to recognise the bond between brothers and sisters, and familial relationships in general. I wish a joyful day to all who are celebrating.

With good wishes,

David

David Ruebain
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion)

Recent events:

• International Non-Binary People’s Day, 14 July

Underway and coming up:

• Pride at Sussex Exhibition, 17 June–31 July
• South Asian Heritage Month, 18 July–17 August
• Trans Pride Brighton, 19 July
• Brighton Pride, 1-3 August
• International Youth Day, 12 August

Information about upcoming awareness days will be shared on the Staff Hub.

Religious days and observances:

• Chokhor Düchen (Buddhist), 28 July
• Lughnasadh/Lammas (Pagan), to be celebrated 30 July at 1.30pm outside the Meeting House (or in the Chapel if weather is inclement)
• Tish'a B'Av (Jewish), 2-3 August (some staff and students may be fasting)
• Assumption (Roman Catholic), 15 August  

This work supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 10 (reduced inequalities). You can read more about our work on the SDGs.