<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">The Government has announced that key provisions of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 will be brought into force. This will include the ban on English higher education providers entering into non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in relation to sexual misconduct or any bullying or harassment allegations. It is not yet clear when this ban will be implemented. Having been passed by the previous Conservative Government, the Act was due to come into force on 1 August 2024 but was paused after the general election as the new Government was concerned that it was too broad and potentially burdensome for higher education institutions. Following a period of consultation and review, the Government has now confirmed that it will proceed with the ban on NDAs that prevent students, staff, or visiting speakers from speaking about their experiences of sexual misconduct, harassment, or bullying. All universities will be required to have robust codes of practice ensuring the protection of free speech, which will be enforced by the Office for Students. The Government has also confirmed that provisions of the Act considered to be disproportionate or unnecessary will be removed or amended. A policy paper setting out further details on the proposed changes will be published in due course.</p>