Be connected: Higher education, Spring 2026

13 February 2026

Welcome to Be connected, our update for higher education institutions.

Our national team of legal experts delivers content that provides real value and relevant, actionable insights for higher education leaders.

In this edition we have updates, support and resources covering:

Sector insight.
New legislation and regulatory developments.
Case law.
Support and guidance.
Upcoming events.
…and more!

Be connected is your platform. Share your feedback and tell us what you would like to see in future editions to help us serve you better.

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Sector insights

Judicial review into OfS freedom of speech decision

The University of Sussex has launched a High Court challenge against the Office for Students’ (OfS) decision to issue a £585,000 fine.

The regulator issued the fine after making an assessment that Sussex has breached conditions of registration in its governance and policy arrangements related to diversity, equity and inclusion, freedom of speech and academic freedom.

Read our comment

Hickson review on university-investor relations

Improving access to finance and entrepreneurship skills for university spin-outs are among the key recommendations in a new independent report into the relationships between universities and investors.

UK Research and Innovation has published the report, titled Deepening university-investor links and authored by Tony Hickson, Chief Business Officer at Cancer Research UK, following his review of Britain’s research and innovation sector.

Read our comment

The UK as a global life sciences innovation hub

The recent agreement between the UK and US on pharmaceuticals tariffs reinforces how Britain’s life sciences sector is undergoing transformation. To attract global investment and foster innovation in its life sciences sector, we believe Britain must reshape its legal and policy frameworks.

Navigating UK and Ireland data centre development in 2026

In 2026, the UK and Ireland remain critical hubs for data centre development. We review the key trends and their implications for investors and operators navigating an increasingly cross-border landscape.

New OIA guidance on harassment cases

The Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) is updating its guidance on harassment and sexual misconduct - cases where it upholds complaints at higher rates than any other category.

From trauma-informed approaches to outcome transparency, these changes will reshape institutional practices. Is your institution ready to meet the new standards?

Employment rights changes coming into force this month

The Employment Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025, with changes implemented on a ‘staged basis’.

The first major tranche of reforms, which will impact trade unions, industrial action and some family related leave entitlements, will come into force on 18 February 2026. We set out the most significant changes and advise on what employers need to do to prepare.

Tribunal ruling on use of changing rooms by trans woman

A recent employment tribunal handed down its long-awaited judgment in Hutchison and others v County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, the latest high-profile case relating to the use of single-sex facilities by trans employees in the workplace.

These claims were brought by eight female employees of the trust, who alleged that its policy of permitting trans women to use the female changing facilities amounted to unlawful discrimination against them.

Collective redundancy consultation duty

In Micro Focus Ltd v Mildenhall, the Employment Appeal Tribunal's ruling provides much needed clarity on when the duty to collectively consult regarding redundancies is triggered. 

Reasonable adjustments for disabled students: Universities guide

With nearly one in five undergraduates now reporting a disability and persistent gaps in student satisfaction scores, universities face mounting pressure to provide effective reasonable adjustments.

Assessing and implementing reasonable adjustments remains a significant challenge for higher education institutions so we’ve shared our advice and guidance.

Read our guidance

Workshops and webinars

Ascensus: AI legal bytes

Mondays (fortnightly), 12.30pm - 1pm, live online

Everyone left our recent flagship Ascensus event energised by our conversation around artificial intelligence. To keep that momentum alive, we’re inviting you to our ongoing series for you to hear updates and insights on the different areas of AI and explore how they will impact you in your roles as in-house lawyers.

Net Zero and sustainability: Re-imagining the education estate

25 February 2026, 8.30am - 12.40pm, Cardiff

This event aims to empower and inspire higher and further education providers to re-imagine the education estate and deliver on Net Zero and sustainability, whilst ensuring longevity and a market-leading student experience.

Sector events

We’ll be in attendance at the following sector events, pop over and say hello if you’re there too!

You may also be interested in…

#PositivePurpose: Education at the heart of community

We’re proud to support The Elliot Foundation, a charitable trust transforming lives through community hubs, collaborative support programmes, and partnerships. Find out how they’re supporting vulnerable families, creating dedicated spaces where third-party organisations can offer vital services for free and where they’re going next.

Watch the video

#EdInfluence podcast: Lessons from Liberia to the classroom

Edward Vitalis from Invictus Education Trust shares his journey from accountant to trust CEO in the latest episode of our EdInfluence podcast, discussing resilience, innovation, and why collaborative leadership matters.

Listen and subscribe via your preferred podcast channel to hear how Edward’s financial expertise transformed his approach to education, or read our blog to learn more.

Read our blog

#DigitalFrontiers podcast: AI, law and technology insights

Our #DigitalFrontiers podcast brings together influential voices to share their expert insights and practical wisdom on the intersection of law, AI and emerging technology.

Hosted by our Partner and technology law expert Richard Nicholas, #DigitalFrontiers features down-to-earth conversations with leaders from the legal sector and beyond, exploring the human side of AI innovation and digital transformation.

Listen now