The chief executive of Oxfam Great Britain, Dr Halima Begum, has been forced out of her role after the charity's board lost all trust and confidence in her leadership.
Independent Review Uncovers Serious Issues
An independent investigation, conducted by the firm Howlett Brown between November and December 2025, found significant problems. The review, which gathered testimony from 32 current and former Oxfam colleagues alongside documentary evidence, identified "serious issues in the chief executive's leadership behaviour and her decision-making". It specifically cited breaches of the organisation's established processes and core values.
Following the report's findings, the Oxfam GB board concluded that Dr Begum's position had become "untenable". They stated there had been an "irretrievable breakdown in its trust and confidence" in her ability to perform the duties of chief executive. A formal resolution was passed on 12 December 2025, leading to her immediate departure from the organisation.
Leadership Change and Organisational Priorities
Stepping into the role of acting chief executive is Jan Oldfield, who has served as Oxfam GB's chief supporter officer for more than four years. The acting co-chairs of Oxfam GB, Nana Afadzinu and Annie Hudson, addressed the transition.
"Our priority now is to provide stability for our colleagues, partners and the communities we serve, to rebuild confidence across the organisation, and to ensure that the highest standards of governance, safeguarding and leadership are upheld," they said. They emphasised that strong leadership is fundamental to Oxfam's mission of tackling global poverty and inequality.
Background and Reaction
Dr Halima Begum had taken up the leadership of Oxfam GB in April 2024, succeeding Danny Sriskandarajah. Her appointment was initially met with praise; then-chair Charles Gurassa said he was "thrilled" to have found the right person, citing her passion for fighting injustice.
Prior to Oxfam, Dr Begum led ActionAid UK and the Runnymede Trust. Following her removal, Shabna Begum, the current chief executive of the Runnymede Trust, urged the professional community to afford her grace and avoid simplistic judgement, noting that "these things are never black and white".
The Howlett Brown review has provided Oxfam GB's board with multiple recommendations, which the organisation is now expected to implement as it seeks to recover from this internal crisis.
