Hillsborough Law Must Not Stop at the University Gates
The LEARN Network fully supports our colleagues at ForThe100 in their campaign to amend the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, known as the Hillsborough Law, so that universities are clearly included within its scope.
The Bill aims to prevent institutional cover-ups by placing public authorities under a legal duty of candour. Yet, as highlighted in a recent Wonkhe article uncertainty remains about which university functions and responsibilities would be covered.
For The LEARN Network, a group of families bereaved by suicide, many of whom have lost children while studying at university, this uncertainty has serious consequences.
When things have gone catastrophically wrong, our experience is that universities have too often prioritised legal defence and reputation management over transparency, accountability and learning. Families deserve honest answers, and institutions must be required to learn from tragedy to help protect other students.
A duty of candour will only be effective if it applies clearly and consistently to universities. They must not be able to avoid accountability through gaps or ambiguity in the legislation.
ForThe100 has set out the amendments needed to strengthen the Bill and remove this uncertainty. We urge supporters of student safety, transparency and justice to read their proposals and take action.
Find out more and support ForThe100’s campaign:
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