Monday, 17 August 2026
Many of you will have seen the desperately sad news on Friday relating to the sudden death of the academic, Professor Jason Arday. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who knew or was inspired by him.
His death follows a period of intense public and media scrutiny of issues relating to race, neurodivergence, equity and academic rigour, and we are acutely aware it will have affected people across our community in different ways and that everyone will process it in their own way and in their own time.
We also recognise it is likely to feel particularly painful for colleagues and students who personally identified with Professor Arday’s life and experiences. We want to take this moment to reaffirm our commitment to our institution’s core values of Inclusivity, Ambition, Openness, Fairness, and Respect - principles which help us to foster a culture where colleagues feel valued and respected.
Please take time to check in with one another and reach out to colleagues who may be struggling. If you need to seek support or raise a concern, then please know there is support available to you through the following channels:
Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy and Faith Support team are here to provide support for any faith or none. Visit the鈥疌haplaincy webpages鈥痶o find out how you can access their support.
Support for students
You can reach out to our Support and Wellbeing team via the 厂迟耻诲别苍迟尝颈蹿别鈥痯辞谤迟补濒, where there is also the option to book an appointment with a Support & Wellbeing Officer through the MyWellbeing section.
Report and Support
The university is committed to ensuring we do everything we can to provide a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
Our remains open for anyone who wants to raise a concern, in confidence or anonymously.
Thank you for the care you show one another. It is the strength of our community and support for each other that has always been what stands out most at Nottingham.
All our best wishes,
Katherine Linehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Education and Student Experience
Helen McNamara, Chief People Officer
Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research & Knowledge Exchange