Breaking: Head of strings resigns at Royal College of Music

The following message has just gone out to faculty and students at the RCM:

Dear Students & Staff

We wrote to you in October to inform you that a member of staff had been suspended following complaints, and we launched an independent investigation. Following the conclusion of the investigation, the disciplinary process upheld the complaints which constituted gross misconduct. Mark Messenger, Head of Strings, who resigned with immediate effect during his disciplinary hearing, is no longer employed by the RCM.

We would like to thank those who came forward and engaged with the external investigators and for their patience as we conducted a thorough process.

The welfare and development of students is central to the Royal College of Music. To make the process of making a complaint as simple and safe as possible, we will be launching a new reporting tool called Report + Support, replacing our existing RCM reporting tool. This online platform is widely used across the university sector; it is secure, confidential and can be used to report any incident.

Report + Support enhances our services for students which already includes Togetherall, which can be accessed 24 hours a day, and the support available directly via the RCM’s Student Services. Report + Support will be available from the start of the Summer term and you will receive a further communication about this shortly.

With best wishes

Professor Colin Lawson

Director, Royal College of Music

Messenger, 60, has been head of strings for two decades and was one of the RCM’s most senior faculty members. His departure precedes the imminent retirement of Colin Lawson as director and paves the way for a reframing of relationships within the royal and ancient institution.

UPDATE: Health concerns cited.

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