As we approach the upcoming general election, and whilst not overly rigorous for universities, we would like to draw our academic and research colleagues’ attention to guidance from Universities UK on election and charity law relevant to our activities in the pre-election period (previously referred to as “purdah”). This period begins with the official announcement of the election date and continues until the election results are declared.
You can read the full guidance published by the Universities UK here. The guidance offers examples of activities in which universities and researchers can participate, and you should for the most part be able to carry out activities without restriction.
We understand from UKRI that they are not publishing guidance, as universities are not under the same constraints as themselves but have directed us to a series of posts on X by ESRC Executive Chair Stian Westlake (@stianwestlake) advising that researchers working for independent organisations, such as universities, are under no constraints from ESRC about what they say in public in the run-up to an election and that reports and results can continue to be published using the official Research Council logos.
We expect other funders, such as NIHR, to publish guidance shortly but in the meantime if you have any concerns, please reach out to the funder directly for their advice.