Dronsfield v University of Reading [2019]

The claimant was an academic employed by the respondent.   The claimant was dismissed by the University following a relationship he had had with a student, as well as how he had behaved at a ‘Degree Show after-party’. 

There were guidelines on the relationships that academic staff could have with students which outlined that University does not wish to interfere in relationships between consenting adults but that it has a duty of care towards students.  Therefore, such relationships were ‘strongly discouraged’ and when they had arisen the Head of Department or Dean should be informed.  

In the investigation, the claimant outlined that he did not report the