King's College, Cambridge commissions review led by Nicola Padfield KC (Hon)

The Governing Body of King's College, Cambridge, has launched an externally led review into the College's institutional practices and wider culture. 

The College community has been deeply affected by the reported behaviour of two of its senior members. Such behaviour has no place in King’s. The Governing Body is determined to confront these failings directly and to drive lasting change.

Professor Nicola Padfield KC (Hon) – Emeritus Professor of Law and former Master of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge – has been appointed to lead the review. A barrister and academic, Professor Padfield brings deep expertise in criminal justice and institutional governance. She will be supported by three Fellows elected by the Governing Body.

The College is firmly committed to retaining its standing as a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for all. The College will be publishing the review’s findings and recommendations in full, alongside a clear action plan from the Governing Body. The review is expected to conclude by March 2027.

Scope of the review

The review directly addresses institutional weaknesses that have allowed misconduct to occur, and to go unchallenged.  The review will:

• Evaluate the College’s policies and procedures to ensure they are effective in practice, including the management of complaints and use of disciplinary action.
• Assess how information is shared within the College and with other institutions. 
• Examine perceptions of relationships between senior academics and junior members, and the processes used to resolve complaints.
• Make recommendations including but not limited to changes in policies, procedures and practices, or changes in the College’s Statutes, as required.

The review is forward-looking: its purpose is to strengthen institutional safeguards and prevent future failures, not to report on individual cases.

Statement from the Provost

"I came to King’s with a personal commitment to build a community where every member is valued, protected, and treated with dignity. The recent reporting has been deeply painful - for those directly affected, and for all of us who care about this community.

“I am profoundly grateful to those who have had the courage to come forward. I want them to know that they are heard, and that action is being taken. We cannot and will not tolerate harassment, inappropriate behaviour, or the abuse of power.

“By appointing Professor Padfield to lead this review, King’s is confronting these systemic challenges head-on. I am personally committed to ensuring that every member of King’s is treated with dignity and respect. We look forward to the review’s recommendations and to strengthening the College as a safe and nurturing environment for everyone who comes to study and work here."

Dr Gillian Tett, Provost, King's College, Cambridge