Oxfam chief forced to step down over ‘serious issues’ with conduct, charity says
The chief executive of Oxfam Great Britain has been sacked by the charity’s board after an independent review found “serious problems” in his conduct and decision-making.
The organization’s board of trustees, Dr. He ruled that his position was “untenable” due to an “irreparable breakdown in confidence and trust” in Halima Begum’s ability to do the job.
Around 70 staff members support Oxfam with Dr. She signed a letter calling for an investigation into Begum’s behaviour, and several staff were said to have resigned after falling out with her. The Times reported.
Dr Begum had been in this position for almost two years. The BBC contacted him for comment.
Oxfam confirmed in a statement that the review had been commissioned by the trustees to examine “concerns raised about her leadership, conduct and approach” by Dr Begum.
It was stated that the review was carried out by law firm Howlett Brown between November and December 2025.
The charity said its investigation was based on documentary evidence, as well as the statements of 32 current and former Oxfam colleagues.
The findings showed “serious problems in the CEO’s leadership behavior and decision-making, including breaches of organizational processes and values and inappropriate interference with safeguarding and integrity investigations.”
Oxfam, Dr. He said the decision to sack Begum was made last week and she had already left the organisation.
The role of acting chief executive will be taken on by Jan Oldfield, who has been Oxfam’s chief support officer for more than four years, the statement said.
Nana Afadzinu and Dame Annie Hudson, co-chairs of Oxfam Great Britain, said their priorities going forward were to provide “stability” for staff and “rebuild trust” across the organisation.
“The Board has taken immediate steps to strengthen oversight and strengthen organizational processes, and work to address the report’s recommendations is already underway.” they added.
Dr Begum’s departure follows a difficult year for Oxfam.
Financial figures released by the charity earlier this month showed profits from its stores It has fallen by two-thirds in the last three years.
The Oxford-based charity also laid off 250 of its 2,100 UK staff earlier this year to save £10.2 million on its wage bill.
At that time Dr. Begum said the decline was due to the charity’s work “in an environment of deep uncertainty, rising inflation and a cost of living crisis”.
