Oxfam Chief Forced Out Over Serious Conduct Issues
Oxfam Chief Executive Forced to Step Down After Independent Review Finds Serious Conduct Issues
Oxfam GB's board has removed Dr. Halima Begum from her position as chief executive after an independent review revealed significant problems with her leadership behavior and decision-making Yahoo!. The charity's trustees determined that her position had become untenable following what they described as an irretrievable breakdown in trust and confidence.
The investigation, conducted by legal firm Howlett Brown between November and December 2025, examined concerns about leadership, conduct, and approach Yahoo!. This development marks another turbulent chapter for one of Britain's largest international development charities, which operates with an annual income of approximately £368 million.
Independent Investigation Reveals Leadership Failures
The external review gathered testimony from 32 current and former Oxfam employees, along with documentary evidence Yahoo!. The findings painted a troubling picture of organizational leadership under Begum's tenure.
The investigation identified serious issues including breaches of organizational processes and values, and inappropriate interference in safeguarding and integrity investigations Yahoo!. These discoveries led the board to conclude that continuing Dr. Begum's employment was no longer viable for the organization.
What the Investigation Found
The independent review uncovered several problematic areas:
- Leadership behavior that violated organizational standards
- Decision-making processes that breached established protocols
- Inappropriate involvement in sensitive safeguarding matters
- Actions that undermined institutional integrity mechanisms
Staff Complaints and Workplace Concerns
Staff complaints alleged a pervasive climate of fear under Begum's leadership Ground News, according to multiple reports. The scale of internal dissatisfaction became evident through formal channels.
Nearly 70 staff members signed a letter calling for trustees to investigate Begum's conduct, with several employees reportedly resigning after disputes with her Yahoo!Ground News. Additionally, 108 current and former staff members sent a separate communication urging investigations into senior leadership Ground News.
Union Response and Broader Workplace Issues
Trade union Unite reported that the workforce is deeply demoralized, citing a poorly handled redundancy programme and management's announcement of no pay increase in 2025 Ground News. The union indicated it would proceed with balloting members for potential industrial action in response to these concerns.
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Controversial Public Engagements
Begum faced accusations of damaging Oxfam's reputation for neutrality through her public engagement on the Gaza conflict Sri Lanka Guardian. Her participation in a Westminster panel discussion alongside Palestinian journalist Abubaker Abed raised staff concerns that the event, held under Oxfam's banner, undermined the charity's neutrality Sri Lanka Guardian.
Following the event's coverage, Oxfam fundraisers were reportedly confronted and forced to leave streets in a Jewish area of north London Sri Lanka Guardian, highlighting the real-world impact of the controversy.
Leadership Transition and Organizational Response
Jan Oldfield, Oxfam's chief supporter officer for more than four years, will serve as acting chief executive Yahoo!. The decision to discharge Begum from her role was finalized last week, and she has already departed from the organization.
Acting co-chairs Nana Afadzinu and Dame Annie Hudson stated their priority is to provide stability for staff and rebuild confidence across the organization Yahoo!. They emphasized that the board has taken immediate steps to strengthen oversight and reinforce organizational processes.
Ongoing Challenges for Oxfam
Begum's departure follows a difficult year for Oxfam, with financial figures showing shop profits dropped by two thirds over the past three years Yahoo!. The Oxford-based charity also made 250 of its 2,100 UK staff redundant earlier this year to save £10.2 million from its wage bill Yahoo!.
Context: Oxfam's Leadership History
This situation represents the latest in a series of leadership challenges for Oxfam GB. The organization faces heightened reputational stakes following prior scandals in Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo Ground News, which involved serious safeguarding breaches and misconduct allegations.
Begum joined Oxfam in March 2024 after being recruited from ActionAid, where her sudden resignation had already unsettled staff Sri Lanka Guardian. Her tenure at Oxfam, intended to restore stability following previous controversies, instead ended amid escalating internal dissent.
What Happens Next for Oxfam GB
The organization now enters a period of reconstruction under interim leadership. The board has committed to addressing all recommendations from the independent review while maintaining the charity's crucial humanitarian work around the world.
Staff members who raised concerns during the investigation have been acknowledged by the organization, which stated the review would strengthen its commitment to openness and learning. The charity must now navigate the challenge of rebuilding internal trust while maintaining its external operations and donor confidence.
The forced departure of Dr. Halima Begum from Oxfam GB represents a significant moment for one of Britain's most prominent charitable organizations. With an independent review uncovering serious leadership issues, widespread staff discontent, and mounting external controversies, the charity faces substantial challenges ahead. Under interim leadership, Oxfam must work to restore internal stability, rebuild staff confidence, and maintain its humanitarian mission while addressing the systemic issues revealed by this investigation. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the organization can successfully navigate this crisis and emerge with renewed strength and purpose.
