University of Cambridge launches independent review following the death of Professor Jason Arday

The review will comprise two parts: Part One, to be led by Nazir Afzal OBE, will examine the University’s support of Professor Arday; Part Two will comprise a broader review of institutional processes and practice related to his appointment and time at Cambridge. The reviews will not seek to investigate areas which are the subject of the inquest process.

The findings of the review will inform actions to strengthen wellbeing and support across the University and, where necessary, lead to changes in policies, procedures and practice.

Announcing the review, Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said: “The time since the tragic death of Professor Jason Arday has been a period of profound sadness and reflection for the University.

“We worked very hard to support Professor Arday during an appalling period of external criticism and focus, but given the devastating outcome, we are all asking ourselves whether we could have and should have done more. This review will answer that question.

“We are committed to ensuring that any recommendations arising from the review are addressed and adopted with clear accountability for delivering necessary changes.”

Subject to legal and privacy considerations, a summary of the review's findings, recommendations and resulting actions will be shared with the University community and the wider public.

Further details about the review

Part One

Part One will examine the support, interventions and protections available to Professor Arday during the period prior to his death. This work will proceed on an expedited basis and will report within three months, enabling recommendations for urgent action to be considered and implemented without delay.

Nazir Afzal OBE, former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England, has agreed to lead Part One. He brings extensive experience leading complex independent reviews, as well as a deep understanding of the higher education sector through his role as Chancellor of The University of Manchester.

Mr Afzal said: “I am honoured to have been asked to lead Part One of this important independent review. At its heart is a person, a family and a community who have been profoundly affected by Professor Arday's death. It is important that we approach this work with both rigour and humanity.

“My responsibility will be to listen carefully, examine the evidence thoroughly and understand what support, interventions and protections were available to Professor Arday in the period before his death. We must be willing to ask difficult questions, including whether more could and should have been done.

“This work will be conducted independently and with urgency.” 

Professor Prentice added: “I am very grateful to Nazir for agreeing to lead this part of the review. He is a highly respected legal professional who will ask challenging questions about the support that was offered to Professor Arday during his time at Cambridge.”

Part Two

Part Two will comprise a broader review of institutional processes and practice. The University is currently appointing an independent external chair to lead this work and will establish an expert panel, including individuals with lived experience, to advise the review.

This part will consider the wider context of Professor Arday's time at the University, including the recruitment of senior academic staff, mentoring and support arrangements, the University's response to allegations of research misconduct, and the support available to academics who are subject to extraordinary public and media scrutiny.

It is anticipated that it will conclude within six months of the establishment of the panel.