Jason Beer KC appointed to conduct Part Two of Independent Review following the death of Professor Jason Arday

Jason Beer KC has been appointed to chair Part Two of the Independent Review established by the University of Cambridge following the death of Professor Jason Arday in August 2026.

Mr Beer is a leading barrister, specialising in public inquiries, inquests, corporate investigations, public and police law, and has represented a range of clients, including individuals, central government, regulators, public authorities, and corporations.

The University Council has agreed the Terms of Reference proposed by Mr Beer and confirmed the membership of an independent Panel which will support his work. The full Terms of Reference for Part Two of the Review are available here:

Part Two of the Review will investigate and report on the University's institutional policies, procedures, decision-making and oversight, and how these operated in practice during Professor Arday's recruitment, appointment and subsequent time at Cambridge.  In particular, Part Two will address:

• The recruitment and appointment of Jason Arday as Professor of the Sociology of Education and the recruitment and appointment of professors through the Board of Elector process
• The induction, mentoring and support of and for Professor Arday and for professorial staff
• The University’s response to allegations of research and other misconduct in the case of Professor Arday and more generally 
• The support and protection available to academics facing significant public and media scrutiny
• The University’s institutional arrangements for recognising and responding to race equality (including the experiences of Black academics), disability, neurodiversity and reasonable adjustments – including how these arrangements operated in relation to Professor Arday

Jason Beer KC said:

"I have been asked to undertake an independent, thorough and searching examination of the University's institutional arrangements, and the decisions made, in the case of Professor Arday. That is a weighty responsibility, and one which I approach with an open mind, without preconceptions and with a determination to reach conclusions on the basis of what – and only what - the evidence establishes.

"Part Two will examine some difficult and potentially uncomfortable questions. I will look not simply at what the University's policies and procedures required, but also at whether they were themselves reasonable; how they operated in practice; who was responsible for making decisions; what information was reasonably available to them; whether relevant concerns were recognised and properly addressed; and whether the University's various structures and functions worked together effectively – all in the case of Professor Arday, and more broadly.

"I hope that those who have relevant knowledge or experience will feel able to contribute to the Review. Their perspectives may be important in understanding not only what happened in Professor Arday's case, but whether there are wider institutional changes to be made. I will take seriously my responsibility to treat participants with sensitivity, to respect confidentiality and to ensure fairness to anyone whose actions may be examined.

"An independent review must be prepared to identify failings where the evidence supports them, but it must equally be prepared to say where arrangements and decisions were appropriate. Its conclusions must be based on evidence, not assumption or predetermination because of an existing attitude of mind. My intention is that this Review will be rigorous, candid and constructive, and that its findings and recommendations will provide a sound basis for any necessary changes.

"I recognise that no review can undo the tragedy of Professor Arday's death. I nevertheless hope that a careful, transparent and independent examination of these matters can contribute to understanding, accountability, the rebuilding of trust and the process of reconciliation."

Mr Beer will be supported by an independent Panel bringing together expertise in higher education leadership and governance, research integrity, equality and inclusion, and the experiences of Black academics.

The Panel members are:

• Professor Rachael Gooberman-Hill: Rachael Gooberman-Hill is Professor of Health and Anthropology at the University of Bristol, and also currently serves as Co-Chair of the UK Committee on Research Integrity. She is a research leader whose published interdisciplinary research primarily addresses health and healthcare. Professor Gooberman-Hill has experience working in matters relating to research integrity, ethics and governance. She has led a research institute, and has chaired and served on research funding panels, advisory committees and steering groups.
• Professor Rachel Brooks: Rachel Brooks is Professor of Higher Education and Fellow of Linacre College at the University of Oxford, and a former President of the British Sociological Association. She is currently co-editor of the ‘Research into Higher Education’ book series (published by Routledge and the Society for Research into Higher Education) and has been editor-in-chief of the British Journal of Sociology of Education and Sociology, and co-editor of Sociological Research Online. She has served on the governing bodies of the Society for Research into Higher Education and the Economic and Social Research Council, and as a member of the Education sub-panel for REF 2021 and REF 2029.
• Professor Bertha Ochieng: Bertha Ochieng is Professor of Integrated Health and Social Care at De Montfort University and Chair of the Black Leaders in Higher Education Network Steering Group. Her academic and research work focuses on improving health and social care through high-quality education and research that contributes to better outcomes for marginalised and socially disadvantaged populations across the lifespan. Black Leaders in Higher Education is a UK-wide network of senior academic and professional services leaders championing equity, representation and meaningful inclusion for Black staff and students, while amplifying Black expertise and leadership to influence structural change across higher education.
• Ms Margaret Ayers: Margaret Ayers began her career in people and organisational development in the retail sector and has held senior roles in five very different universities: Canterbury Christ Church, Edinburgh, Kent, Queen Mary University of London, and University of the Arts London. Margaret was on the Board of the Equality Challenge Unit for six years and is a member of the Athena Swan Governance Committee and was, until very recently, the Chair of Universities Human Resources supporting the development of HR professionals across the HE sector.

Additional panel members can be added upon the request of the Chair at any time during the review process, including with expertise in communications. Panel members are appointed in their personal capacities. They will assist Mr Beer in examining the evidence and developing findings and recommendations, drawing on their professional expertise and experience.

Mr Beer will be responsible for determining the Review's methodology, lines of inquiry, findings, conclusions and recommendations. Neither the University Council, the General Board, the Vice-Chancellor nor any other University officer may direct Mr Beer or the Panel as to the conduct of the Review or its conclusions.

Mr Beer will be supported by a junior barrister and a team led by Charlotte Harpin at DAC Beachcroft solicitors.

Any person who wishes to provide evidence or information relating to Part Two of the Review can do so by emailing Mr Beer and his team directly at: [email protected]