University Of Cambridge appoints new OfS Freedom of Speech Director

Arif Ahmed, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Cambridge, has been appointed as the Office for Students’ first Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom.

Prof Ahmed, who has been Professor of Philosophy since 2022 and a Fellow of Gonville and Caius College since 2015, will take up his role later in the summer.

Dr Anthony Freeling, Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Cambridge, said: “I congratulate Professor Ahmed on his appointment. Free speech, and fostering an environment of debate and discussion, are central to the role of all universities. We look forward to working with him.”

Susan Lapworth, chief executive of the OfS, said: “Freedom of speech and academic freedom are essential underpinning principles of higher education in England. Arif’s appointment will ensure they continue to be robustly defended across the sector. Arif will bring an important academic perspective to the OfS’s work in this area and I am looking forward to working with him as we implement the new legislation.”