The dean of one of Oxford University’s oldest colleges has agreed to step down, after he reached a settlement agreement with the institution to bring an end to a three-year legal battle.

Professor Martyn Percy, the dean of Christ Church, has agreed to step down from his position after a mediation process, the college said in a statement.

Prof Percy, who was appointed in 2014, had been in a three-and-a-year dispute with the college amid claims of scandalous behaviour, unsound judgement and sexual harassment.

The allegation of sexual harassment, which emerged last year, has been settled and an employment tribunal scheduled for 2023 will not go ahead.

In November 2018, Prof Percy was suspended after a complaint was made against him with Christ Church’s governing body, which then invoked a statute that mentions “immoral, scandalous and disgraceful” behaviour.

The college hired Sir Andrew Smith, a retired high court judge, to chair a tribunal and after a hearing in June 2019, he dismissed the 27 complaints against Prof Percy and ordered his reinstatement.

The dispute has cost millions of pounds and caused reputational damage to the 476-year-old college, which has produced 13 British prime ministers, 10 chancellors of the exchequer and 17 archbishops.

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In a statement Christ Church said “a resolution has been reached that is acceptable to all parties” after mediation “to resolve a number of outstanding issues”.

“The individual who made the allegation of sexual harassment against the dean has agreed to settle her claim in terms which on her request are confidential,” the college added.

‘Harrowing’ four years

In a separate statement, the woman said: “I am pleased that the dean has agreed to step down … and, in return, I have agreed to settle my outstanding claims against him.”

She also thanked Christ Church for supporting her right to make a complaint.

Prof Percy will leave his post on 26 April and while the settlement amount has not been disclosed, the Financial Times reported he will receive nearly £1.2m.

In a statement, Prof Percy said: “I can now step aside, and look forward to resuming a normal life with my wife Emma, who has been such a rock of strength during this painful struggle.

“While the past four years have often been harrowing, I have drawn great comfort from the unwavering support of colleagues, alumni and friends.”

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