A senior University of Oxford academic has stepped down after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, bullying, and unwanted advances toward female students and junior colleagues. The revelations, first examined in a Bloomberg investigation and later reported by outlets including The Times UK, identified Professor Miles Hewstone, a prominent figure in social psychology and former government adviser, as the subject of the complaints.
Hewstone, 69, has relinquished the honorific title of emeritus fellow at New College, one of Oxford’s oldest and most prestigious colleges, founded in 1327 and guided by the motto “Manners Makyth Man.” The college’s historic sandstone walls and manicured quadrangles have long symbolised scholarly tradition, but the allegations have cast a shadow over that image. It is understood that Hewstone no longer holds any position within the university following the publication of the investigative findings.
In addition to departing Oxford, Hewstone resigned from the British Academy, where he previously served as vice-president. The academy confirmed it had opened an investigation immediately after Bloomberg published its report in November and stated that he resigned after being notified of the inquiry. The organisation underscored that allegations of misconduct are taken “very seriously.”
Hewstone’s case was one of several highlighted in the nine-month investigation, which examined how Oxford handles complaints of sexual misconduct within its collegiate structure. Under Oxford’s distinctive system, colleges operate as independent legal entities, meaning academics can hold separate contracts with both their department and their college—often complicating reporting procedures. The timeframe of Hewstone’s alleged behaviour remains unclear, though he held senior academic positions across several universities before spending 18 years at Oxford. He left his full-time post in 2019 but was later granted the emeritus title that he has now surrendered.
The university has denied claims that its handling of harassment complaints is slower or less transparent than at other institutions. While declining to comment specifically on Hewstone, a spokesperson reiterated to Cherwell, the student newspaper, that “sexual harassment has no place at Oxford,” adding that the institution prioritises support for those affected and has strengthened its procedures in recent years. New College did not respond to requests for comment.
The allegations have added pressure on Oxford to confront longstanding concerns about misconduct reporting and safeguarding within its academic community. Hewstone was contacted for comment regarding the accusations.
