Green light for non-clergy to lead Oxford college after dean row

The governing body of one of the University of Oxford’s oldest colleges has voted to allow non-clergy to lead the college for the first time in its near 500-year history, after the tumultuous exit of its former dean raised concern over archaic governance.

The move at Christ Church, Oxford follows a recommendation from a review of its governance led by barrister and former Conservative minister Dominic Grieve.

The review was set up after the departure of its former dean, Martyn Percy, following a four-year battle to oust him over allegations of sexual harassment, which he strenuously denied. The theologian, who eventually left in April 2022 with a reported £1.2 million pay-off, claimed he was the victim of internal plotting by dons who opposed his efforts to modernise safeguarding practices.

A proposal – approved in an indicative vote by the governing body but subject to a future formal vote – would see the responsibilities of the dean split, with the dean leading the cathedral but working beside a separate head of foundation to lead the college.

“Once formally adopted, the change will remove the current requirement for the head of the single foundation to be an ordained Anglican priest – opening the position up to candidates from outside the clergy for the first time since Henry VIII created Christ Church in 1546,” the college said in a statement.

Sarah Foot, dean of Christ Church, said: “This vote signals a historic change for both the college and cathedral at Christ Church. It is no longer appropriate that the leadership of an Oxford university college should be reserved exclusively to ordained priests. The governing body’s decision will ensure that future appointments to the headship of the foundation can be drawn from the widest range of applicants.

“The deanship of the cathedral is a senior office in the Church of England with significant responsibilities. Future deans will be able to dedicate themselves to leading the mission, ministry and management of the cathedral church of the Diocese of Oxford, overseeing its prayer and worship.”

Christ Church’s governing body is considering further changes proposed by the governance review, the college said.

john.morgan@timeshighereducation.com