Cambridge vice-chancellor calls for more ‘openness to change’ at university
Professor Deborah Prentice said it has been a “very challenging time” for many at the university following Professor Jason Arday's death.
The vice-chancellor of Cambridge has called for a “greater openness to change” at the university.
Professor Deborah Prentice said the “strongest signal” that change is necessary is when things go wrong, and losses need to be taken “seriously”.
In a speech to university staff, the vice-chancellor said it has been a “very challenging time” for many at the institution following the death of former Cambridge academic Professor Jason Arday.
Prof Arday, 41, resigned from his post as professor of sociology of education at the university after he faced intense scrutiny over accusations of plagiarism.
He was found “unresponsive” at his home in Battersea, south London, on the afternoon of August 14.
In her annual address on Thursday, Prof Prentice said: “The university is committed to learning from recent negative events, and we are bringing in independent experts to facilitate that learning."
“We are not marking our own homework here; we want the rigour and clarity that outside experts can provide."
“Let’s work together to show that Cambridge can be not just a brilliant and innovative community, but also a learning and caring one.”
Last month, the University of Cambridge announced an independent review into its “decision-making and actions” after the death of Prof Arday.
The first part of the review – which is being led by Nazir Afzal – will examine the “support, interventions and protections available to Prof Arday during the period prior to his death”.
In her speech to staff and students in the Senate House in Cambridge, Prof Prentice acknowledged the “difficult summer” for the institution.
She said: “I have spent the aftermath listening and speaking with colleagues and students, and I know it has been – and is – a very challenging time for many across the university."
“While this is not the time to go into details about the tragedy, as we launch independent reviews and await their recommendations, I know it is on many people’s minds, and in their hearts.”
In her speech to mark the start of the academic year, Prof Prentice said she would “make the case for greater openness to change at Cambridge”.
She said: “The strongest signal that an organisation needs to change is when things go wrong, and therefore we must take the losses, the setbacks, and heaven knows the tragedies very, very seriously."
“Just as humans are equipped with a negativity bias in their emotional system, organisations need to pay more attention and react more strongly to the bad news than the good.”