Supported by
The support of the Scottish Funding Council is vital to our work to inspire and share knowledge with audiences, local communities, and future generations.
(Talk) Candour and Communities
When
Saturday 5 September 2026
15:00 - 16:00
Where
The Royal Society of Edinburgh
22-26 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PQ
View directions on Google Maps
Format
In-person
Access
Wheelchair access, Wheelchair accessible toilets
Age
Suitable for ages 16+
Cost
Free to book
About this event
A deep-dive into the impact of 100 years of UK scandals, failings and cover ups.
This Curious talk from Professor Nicole Busby looks more closely into some of the UK’s biggest scandals, and how hard it is for ordinary people to get to the truth. This talk has an accompanying exhibition that you can also browse for free at the RSE.
‘Candour’ means being open and honest in communication with the public, and a new landmark law could end the culture of lies and cover-ups. This exhibition shines a light on this new law, which campaigners have called ‘Hillsborough Law’, although it is officially known as the ‘Public Office (Accountability) Bill’. This law would require all public servants to comply with an ethical standard of conduct and to act with honesty, transparency and frankness.
Co-developed by the affected communities and the Centre for People’s Justice, the events featured in this talk, and their impacts, are described in the words of those who campaign for truth and justice, united in their commitment to see a legal duty of candour.
Hear more about the stories with speakers involved in some of the Scottish campaigns and dive deeper into the work done by those fighting for this transparency.
Note for attendees: Candour and Communities deals with difficult and controversial subject matter in a sensitive and trauma-informed way. Great care has been taken to avoid the use of any gratuitous imagery and/or distressing or inflammatory language.
In collaboration with
Candour and Communities is a digital, touring exhibition across the UK. Find out more about it here.
Event type
Curious
Talk
Contributors
Professor Nicole Busby
Professor of Human Rights, Equality and Justice, University of GlasgowNicole Busby has been an academic for over 30 years. She is an expert in equality law. Her research interests are gender equality, the domestication of human rights, access to justice and legal mobilisation. She has published widely in all these areas. Nicole works with civil society organisations in Scotland and beyond on improving the accessibility and effectiveness of law for rights holders and duty bearers. She advises policy makers, including the Scottish Government, on the implementation of equality and human rights law.
Contact us
If you have an event enquiry, please email us on public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk.Event testimonial
What is Curious?
Curious is the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s (RSE) free festival that celebrates the research, ideas and knowledge shaping society today.
Each year, Curious brings a packed programme of free in-person and online events covering themes from the arts, humanities, policy, science and more. To date, we’ve welcomed over 10,000 attendees for talks, workshops, exhibitions and discussions where you can learn from and speak with Scotland’s leading thinkers. As part of the RSE’s mission to make knowledge useful and accessible for everyone, Curious is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the world around them. No specialist knowledge is needed, just bring your curiosity.
Related Curious events
Read MoreFrom emotions to memories: Clothing heritage and childhood
Exploring textile and clothing heritage through the lens of childhood experience.
- Read More
Playing the nation: Identity, culture, and power in video games
How is national identity encoded into video games played all around the world?
- Read More
Policy pitch: Vote for a better future!
PhD students pitch research-informed policy to tackle social challenges, and they want to hear from you!
