Oxford University Priest Removed After Safeguarding Complaint Investigated and Substantiated

Senior Oxford University Priest Removed After Safeguarding Complaint Investigated and Substantiated
Oxford, United Kingdom — January 25, 2026

A senior Catholic chaplain at the University of Oxford has been removed from his role following a safeguarding complaint made by a postgraduate student that was investigated and subsequently substantiated by the Jesuits in Britain, the order responsible for his appointment.

Father Damian Howard SJ, who served as the Senior Chaplain at the Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy, was asked to step down from his position in August 2025 after an internal safeguarding investigation found that his conduct with a postgraduate student constituted professional misconduct. The nature of the complaint involved allegations of repeated unwanted intimate contact between Howard and the student during pastoral support interactions, making the complainant feel uncomfortable and “trapped” in the relationship dynamic.

While the Jesuit order has described the behaviour as “inappropriate” and “totally unacceptable,” it did not categorise the conduct at the threshold of criminal abuse, instead defining it as professional misconduct. However, the complaint has been reported to the relevant authorities and is now the subject of an independent review being undertaken by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA), the body tasked with overseeing safeguarding standards across Catholic institutions in England and Wales.

In addition to stepping down from his chaplaincy post, Howard’s honorary fellowship at Campion Hall—a permanent private hall of the University of Oxford—was also terminated by the governing body on the basis of professional misconduct, effectively removing his formal affiliation with the institution.

The case has underscored broader concerns regarding safeguarding practices within university chaplaincies and religious bodies. Oxford University, as part of its wider safeguarding framework, has established codes of practice and dedicated contacts for reporting concerns about adults at risk and children involved in university activities, but chaplaincy staff often operate under distinct ecclesiastical oversight separate from university human resources and welfare structures.

In a safeguarding context, complaints against a member of the clergy serving in a university environment can typically be raised through chaplaincy procedures that require reporting to diocesan or religious order safeguarding officers, who then liaise with external bodies such as CSSA or local safeguarding partners. This layered approach to complaints and oversight reflects established protocols within religious institutions but has been scrutinised for potential ambiguity in transparency and accountability standards.

The Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy has stated that its safeguarding policy aims to protect all adults at risk and children attending chaplaincy activities, reflecting a commitment to best practice and compliance with wider church and civil safeguarding standards.

At the time of publication, Father Howard has not issued a public comment, citing the ongoing review process.

L.T.T Media will continue to monitor developments in this case and report further updates from the independent review and any related institutional responses.

Aaron Joyce
Newswire, L.T.T Media; Newsdesk;
January 27, 2026

Father Damian Howard SJ