STORY
Halima Begum, the now-former chief executive of Oxfam GB, has been forced out of her role following a series of serious allegations about her conduct and leadership, prompting a major upheaval at the charity. Her departure follows an independent review commissioned by Oxfam’s trustees after staff raised concerns about her behaviour and management approach. Investigators reported “serious issues” with her leadership and concluded that trust between Begum and the organisation had broken down beyond repair.
The allegations include claims that she created a hostile working environment, fostered a climate of fear among staff, and interfered in internal safeguarding and integrity processes. It is understood that dozens of employees supported a letter urging trustees to examine her conduct, and that some staff had already resigned amid tensions at senior levels of the organisation. Oxfam’s board said it respected those who came forward and would act on the findings to strengthen internal processes and rebuild confidence.
Begum has rejected the allegations and suggested some complaints may have arisen from disagreements over restructuring and cost-saving measures she introduced. Her departure adds to a turbulent period for Oxfam, which has faced repeated scrutiny over governance and conduct issues in recent years.