Oxfam has confirmed the resignation of Dr. Begum following a detailed review regarding serious conduct issues. The charity’s board of trustees commissioned the review to investigate concerns about her leadership and decision-making approach.
Investigation Details
The review was conducted by the legal firm Howlett Brown between November and December 2025. It involved testimony from 32 current and former Oxfam employees, along with relevant documentation.
Findings from the investigation indicated significant issues in Dr. Begum’s leadership behavior. There were noted breaches of organizational processes and values, as well as inappropriate involvement in safeguarding and integrity investigations.
Leadership Transition
As a result of the investigation, Dr. Begum was removed from her position, and the decision was finalized last week. She has since departed from the organization. Jan Oldfield, Oxfam’s chief supporter officer for over four years, will temporarily assume the role of acting chief executive.
Organizational Response
The acting co-chairs of Oxfam GB, Nana Afadzinu and Dame Annie Hudson, emphasized their aim to restore stability and rebuild confidence within the charity. They outlined immediate actions to enhance oversight and improve organizational processes.
Challenges Faced by Oxfam
- Financial reports revealed a two-thirds drop in profits from Oxfam’s shops over the past three years.
- Earlier this year, the charity laid off 250 of its 2,100 UK staff, aiming to save £10.2 million in wages.
- Dr. Begum attributed the decline to ongoing economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and the current cost-of-living crisis.
Oxfam is now focusing on implementing recommendations from the report to foster a stronger organizational environment moving forward.
