The head of a University of Cambridge college has?resigned after an?independent inquiry recommended?that he?face disciplinary action over his?handling of a?sexual misconduct complaint against someone at the college.

Trinity Hall said it had ¡°accepted the resignation of the master, Revd Canon Dr Jeremy Morris¡±, although it added that he disputed the inquiry¡¯s recommendation.

The action?followed allegations ¡°made in an online news site in early 2020¡± related to claims of sexual misconduct at the college, which?led to Trinity Hall commissioning the inquiry into its handling of the complaints.

In a statement, Trinity Hall said the inquiry¡¯s report ¡°recommends that the college consider initiating disciplinary action against the master in relation to his handling of one allegation made against a third party.

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¡°The governing body has determined that there is a prima facie case for disciplinary action.

¡°The master disputes this recommendation, noting in particular the inquiry¡¯s recognition that a number of contributors had praised his personal support for those who have raised issues of sexual abuse in specific situations.

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¡°However, he considers that it is in the best interests of the college for him to offer his resignation, given the difficulties of the last 18?months, to?enable the search for a new master to?begin.¡±

The statement thanked Dr Morris ¨C who stepped back from the role last year while the college looked into allegations on the Tortoise Media website in February 2020 ¨C for his ¡°seven years of service to the college as its master and for his nine years as dean of chapel, and wishes him well for the future¡±.

simon.baker@timeshighereducation.com