Guidance during the period of a General Election

23 May 2024

As you will now be aware, a General Election has now been called and a vote will take place on Thursday 4th July 2024.

During the regulated election period the University must comply with legislation that is regulated by the Electoral Commission, and which requires us to abide by the relevant rules regarding political neutrality.  As a registered charity, the University must also comply with Charity Commission guidelines to ‘retain the essential quality of independence’.

Some of our staff, academics and researchers, as experts in their fields, will be called on to offer expert commentary on a range of policy issues as well as on the election process which is fitting given our role in supporting civil society. However, as an apolitical body, we must avoid our campus or facilities being used for party political purposes during the campaign.

Therefore, no communication or promotion, either online or in campaign material, should be presented or interpreted as any candidate or party receiving endorsement, explicit or implied, from The University of Manchester.

This guidance is effective immediately across the University estate. Further information on the regulated election period can be obtained via The Electoral Commission.

As individuals we will have our own personal views and experiences. The University values this diversity and the principles of academic freedom and freedom of speech.

It is vital that we ensure all political and policy requests, including proposed visits by any elected official (or those seeking election) are handled in a uniform way to ensure consistency, impartiality, and a fairness of approach across the University.

Please ensure all political or policy related approaches are raised with Matthew Moth (matthew.moth@manchester.ac.uk) or Tanya Graham (tanya.graham@manchester.ac.uk) for guidance and support on how best to proceed during the regulated period.

All media approaches should be made to Jamie Brown (Jamie.brown@manchester.ac.uk) or Ben Robinson (ben.robinson@manchester.ac.uk) for guidance.