The chief executive of Oxfam GB has left the charity after “serious concerns” were raised over leadership and governance at the organisation.
Halima Begum, who was appointed CEO in December 2023, has left Oxfam after an independent review by trustees into her stewardship.
The Times reported that Begum was forced stand down by Oxfam’s board on Friday after it found “serious issues” around her decision-making and behaviour.
It reported that 70 staff members had signed a letter petitioning Oxfam to investigate Begum’s conduct and that multiple employees had resigned after disputes with her.
An Oxfam spokesperson said in a statement: “Oxfam GB’s trustees have a duty to review any serious concerns raised about leadership or governance.
“A fair and confidential process took place in line with employment law and Charity Commission guidance.
“We have great respect for colleagues who have raised concerns about culture. Their perspectives informed the independent review that took place.”
Oxfam has appointed its chief supporter officer Jan Oldfield as acting CEO to replace Begum, who joined Oxfam having led ActionAid UK for less than a year, “until longer-term arrangements can be put in place”.
A week ago, Oxfam announced trustee changes with Charles Gurassa, chair, and Mitesh Patel, trustee, stepping down.
Nana Afadzinu and Annie Hudson have since been appointed as acting chairs of Oxfam’s board.
Meanwhile, Andrew Tivey, trustee of the Police Federation, and Gemma Sherrington, CEO of Refuge, joined Oxfam’s board as trustees.
‘Demoralised’ staff to be balloted
Oxfam recently reported a second consecutive annual operating deficit of more than £20m and confirmed that more than 140 staff members were made redundant in a restructure this year.
Earlier this year, trade union Unite held protests at Oxfam’s London, Manchester and Oxford offices against the charity’s redundancy and outsourcing proposals.
Following Begum’s departure, Jamie Major, of Unite, said that Oxfam’s workforce was “very demoralised”, a problem “exacerbated by a poorly handled redundancy programme”.
“Morale has further been diminished after management recently announced that no one at Oxfam expected a cost-of-living pay rise in 2025, when workers are struggling to make ends meet,” said Major, adding that Unite will begin a full industrial ballot in the coming days.
