UNIVERSITY bosses have apologised for taking too long to investigate allegations of sexual assault on students.

In a letter sent to all students and staff, Essex University registrar Bryn Morris explained their aim is to conclude all investigations within 60 days, however they failed to meet the standard for 20 per cent of the complaints last year.

He explained a new code of student conduct would be in place prior to the start of the autumn term which will include penalties people who breach it could face.

In the letter, Mr Morris said: “I recognise our procedures are overly complicated and bureaucratic, the time we have taken to resolve some of these cases has left students in a very difficult position and created uncertainty for them.

“We know we need to do more to keep complainants up-to-date on our investigations.

“I apologise for this and I recognise that we must do better.”

A BBC investigation found there were four cases where the university had said the complainant did not want the matter to go to the police, but three told the corporation they regretted not going to the force before the student conduct office.

Mr Morris added: “Some of the cases in question are incredibly complex and our commitment to a thorough investigation of all the available evidence may have contributed to perceived delays.

“Cases can sometimes be delayed due to ongoing police investigations, intermitting students or difficulty in reaching witnesses outside of term time.

“Whatever the reason, it is not acceptable 20 per cent of cases are not concluded within 60 days.

“We need to review how we further speed up the resolution of complaints and we will do so.

“Where students might have been subject to a crime, we want them to report incidents to the police - this is integral to our student support and student conduct protocols.

“We will review how advice is provided to students at every stage of our support and student conduct processes to ensure that students feel encouraged and supported in raising matters with the police.

“Our current approach to handling complaints isn’t meeting the needs of our students and we will review this, ensuring students play a key role in the process.

“We will also draw on external advice to make sure we get things right in future.”