Cambridge appoints Post Office inquiry barrister to lead Jason Arday review

Cambridge University has named the lead barrister for the Post Office inquiry as the head of an independent review into its appointment processes following the death of Jason Arday.

Jason Beer KC will examine “difficult and potentially uncomfortable questions” related to the recruitment of the late professor, the handling of allegations regarding his research and other misconduct, and the support for academics facing significant scrutiny.

He said the review was prepared to identify possible failings within the university and consider whether wider institutional changes are needed.

Professor Arday, who was Cambridge University’s youngest-ever Black professor, was found dead at his Battersea home in August while facing intense scrutiny over allegations of plagiarism and questions over his academic qualifications.

He denied the allegations and resigned as professor of the sociology of education that month after Cambridge announced it was launching an investigation into his qualifications and career.

Mr Beer will not be examining the plagiarism allegations made against Arday or make a judgement about his suitability for appointment.

He said the review 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.”

In a video message calling for evidence, he said: “My task is to conduct an independent, thorough, and searching examination of the university’s institutional arrangements and how they operate in professor Arday’s case.

“I will ask who was responsible for making decisions in Professor Arday’s case, what information was available to them, whether concerns were properly addressed and whether different parts of the university worked together effectively.

“These may be difficult and uncomfortable issues, but they are questions that need to be addressed and I’m used to asking difficult and uncomfortable questions.”

He added: “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.”

The review will also not adjudicate the conduct of journalists, publications, academics or other external commentators.

Mr Beer will be supported by an independent panel of four people who have expertise higher education and governance, research integrity, equality and inclusion, and the experiences of Black academics.

It is the second of two independent reviews into the university’s involvement with Arday.

Former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England, Nazir Afzal, is leading the first review, which is examining the support, interventions and welfare protections available to Arday in the period before his death.