Jesuits in Britain has filed an incident report with the Charity Commission following allegations of professional misconduct by a former chaplain at Oxford University. Damian Howard stepped down in August 2025 after a student complaint was investigated and substantiated.
Jesuits In Britain Reports Misconduct
Jesuits in Britain, which oversees Catholic chaplaincies at Oxford and Manchester universities, reported that it asked Fr Damian Howard SJ to leave his role. The decision followed substantiated allegations of professional misconduct.
A spokesperson for the Charity Commission told Civil Society that Jesuits in Britain “has filed a serious incident report relating to serious misconduct allegations.” The commission is “assessing the concerns raised to determine what regulatory role there is, if any.”
“Keeping people safe should be a governance priority for all charities,” the spokesperson added.
According to a statement on Fr Damian Howard SJ, Jesuits in Britain said:
“Damian Howard was asked to step down as senior chaplain at Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy in August 2025 due to professional misconduct. The complaint was addressed immediately when it came to our attention.”“He has been out of ministry ever since,” the charity added.
The charity has also commissioned an independent review by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency, which is currently underway. The report will guide any further actions, Jesuits in Briatin has also informed the relevant authorities.
Context And Safeguarding Measures
Jesuits in Britain emphasised its commitment to safeguarding and ensuring safe environments across its institutions. The charity manages chaplaincies at Oxford and Manchester universities and provides chaplaincy support at Birmingham and Imperial College London.
“Fr Dominic Robinson SJ currently serves as acting senior chaplain, and Jesuits in Britain appointed Fr Frank Turner SJ as assistant chaplain.”.
Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy added:
“We continue to take very seriously the wellbeing and welfare of students and all members of the chaplaincy community.”
The organisation is part of the global Society of Jesus, a Catholic missionary order founded in 1534 by St Ignatius of Loyola. Known for their approach of “contemplatives in action,” Jesuits operate in education, health, and spiritual guidance worldwide.
Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope, has highlighted the order’s mission to reach communities in need beyond traditional comfort zones.
Sector Implications and Next Steps
The filing of an incidet report highlights the importance of safeguarding in faith-based charities. Charity Journal has covered similar incidents in the UK that have drawn regulatory attention such as Uk’s Charity Commission warning to Church Of England Dioceses Over Breaches.
Jesuits in Britain will continue to act on recommendation from the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency. The charity aims to ensure that its chaplaincies remain safe for students and communities.
