In January 2026, the Jesuits in Britain published a statement setting out the outcome of our internal investigation into a complaint regarding Fr Damian Howard SJ, formerly Senior Chaplain at Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy.

The internal investigation considered the concerns raised and the available evidence. It concluded that Fr Howard had failed to maintain appropriate boundaries in his role as Senior Chaplain. Fr Howard was requested to step down from his role in August 2025 and to step away from ministry on the grounds of professional misconduct.

Following a request from the person who raised the complaint for further scrutiny, the Jesuit Provincial, Fr Peter Gallagher SJ, commissioned the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) to conduct an independent review. The CSSA past-case review considered whether the available evidence demonstrated, on the balance of probabilities, that the person who raised the complaint was subject to grooming and abuse, and whether the conclusions reached by Jesuits in Britain in their inquiry were reasonable and evidence-based.

The CSSA’s independent review concluded that:

• The person who raised the complaint did not meet the statutory definition of an adult at risk.
• The relationship, while inappropriate, was not abusive under safeguarding standards.
• The behaviour did not meet established definitions of grooming or sexual abuse.

The CSSA review agreed with the conclusions drawn by the Jesuits in Britain’s internal investigation that this was a conduct matter and not one of abuse or grooming. It did not recommend that Jesuits in Britain undertake a further investigation of the original allegations.

The review identified some areas where the investigative process could have been more robust and recommended improvements in documentation, transparency and the creation of formal reports. The Jesuits in Britain welcome these recommendations and are committed to implementing them in full.

‍Fr Peter Gallagher SJ, Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Britain, said:

“We are deeply sorry that professional misconduct occurred in the context of a pastoral relationship, where a high degree of trust is rightly placed in a chaplain.

“When a complaint was raised, we took it seriously, investigated it thoroughly and acted immediately on the findings.

“As a Jesuit community, we strive to uphold the highest standards expected of those in pastoral ministry, and take seriously the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries. Where those standards are not met, we have a responsibility to respond appropriately and to learn from what has happened.

“We recognise that the circumstances of this case have been difficult for those involved and for others in our community. We are sorry for the upset and difficulty this situation has caused, and we are grateful to everyone who has raised concerns, asked questions and shown care and understanding throughout this process.

“Over many years, we have sought to strengthen the way we care for those in our communities and respond when concerns are raised, with clear standards, training and processes in place. We know the way in which we maintain these standards is something we must keep under continual review, with humility and a willingness to learn. We will continue that work and take forward the recommendations from the independent review.”

Background information

• The CSSA review examined documentary evidence, interviewed key individuals, and assessed the case against definitions of grooming, adult at risk criteria, and relevant safeguarding guidance.
• The full report of the CSSA past-case review cannot be made publicly available, in accordance with standard practice in cases of this nature, to protect the confidentiality and privacy of those involved.
• The Jesuits in Britain remain committed to the pastoral care and wellbeing of the whole chaplaincy community. Fr Dominic Robinson SJ has been appointed as Senior Chaplain, with responsibility for leading pastoral care and support for the chaplaincy community.
• Fr Damian Howard SJ is not currently in ministry. Any future return to ministry would be subject to appropriate oversight and assessment. There are no specific plans for a return at this stage.
• Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to contact the Jesuits in Britain’s Safeguarding and Professional Conduct Coordinator, Julie Ashby-Ellis, at safeguarding@jesuit.org.uk.