The University is deeply saddened to make you aware of the death of Jess Parsons, our Employee Relations & Resolution Specialist within both Support & Report and HR. This followed a long and brave fight against cancer, throughout which, she and her husband organised a range of amazing efforts to raise awareness and funds to build a better future for others facing the disease.

Jess joined the University in August 2025, and very quickly made a strong and positive impact with her work in supporting the dignity and respect of staff, helping to resolve issues between them and other staff or students, and building and improving our practice and processes in this critical area.

Jess will be greatly missed by her colleagues in HR and Student Support & Safeguarding, and by staff across the University who have relied on her expertise, care and positivity in responding to them in difficult situations. She will always be remembered by those who worked with her.

Funeral details will be added to this announcement as soon as confirmed.

We know that Jess’s death will affect colleagues across the University, and want to point those to the range of support available:

  • If you are a member of staff, emotional wellbeing and counselling support is available through Health Assured, the University’s confidential and free staff counselling & emotional wellbeing service that is available 24 hours, every single day of the year.
  • The Chaplaincy staff are happy to talk with anyone who has been affected, in total confidence. Please email chaplaincy@bath.ac.uk or Ian Spence, Coordinating Faith Leader. There is usually a chaplain available on week days from 10am till 5pm; please feel free to drop in for a chat.
  • Cruse Bereavement Care offers free confidential support by telephone, email or face-to-face.
  • Macmillan Cancer Support offers information and support to those with cancer and their families and friends
  • Dorothy House who offer exceptional personalised care and emotional support to people in our community who are approaching death and their loved ones