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Former Oxfam GB chief executive Dr Halima Begum is preparing to take legal action against the charity, alleging she was constructively dismissed after being forced to resign following an independent review into her leadership and conduct.
Lawyers representing Dr Begum say she was subjected to “hostile, victimising and discriminatory conduct” by Oxfam, creating a working environment that left her with no option but to step down. They have confirmed that legal proceedings will be launched at the Employment Tribunal, arguing that the charity’s actions amounted to constructive dismissal. Dr Begum has strongly denied what her legal team describes as “defamatory and unfounded” allegations against her.
Dr Begum had been in the role for almost two years when Oxfam’s board of trustees decided her position had become “untenable” due to an “irretrievable breakdown in trust and confidence” in her ability to continue as chief executive. Her departure followed an independent review commissioned by the board to examine concerns about her leadership, behaviour, and decision making.
Oxfam said the review was carried out by legal firm Howlett Brown between November and December 2025. The investigation considered documentary evidence and testimony from 32 current and former staff members. According to the charity, the findings identified “serious issues” in Dr Begum’s leadership behaviour and decision making, including breaches of organisational processes and values, as well as inappropriate interference in safeguarding and integrity investigations.
Concerns about Dr Begum’s conduct had been raised by staff earlier in the year. Media reports indicated that around 70 employees signed a letter calling on Oxfam to investigate her leadership, with several staff members said to have resigned following disputes with her. Accusations of bullying were among the issues raised, although allies of Dr Begum within the organisation have dismissed those claims as baseless.
In response to the controversy, Oxfam said its trustees had a duty to review any complaints raised by staff and that the process followed established organisational policies. A spokesperson said the review was carried out independently and that staff perspectives were central to the process. The charity added that its commitment to openness and learning would ultimately strengthen the organisation and its work globally.
Dr Begum’s solicitor, Lawrence Davies, said his client maintains that she was subjected to a “victimising witch-hunt”. He also disclosed that Dr Begum has made whistleblowing disclosures to the Charity Commission regarding what he described as matters of public interest, which he believes are now under investigation. He said the full circumstances surrounding her departure would become clear as the legal process unfolds.
Following Dr Begum’s exit, Oxfam confirmed that she has already left the organisation and that Jan Oldfield, the charity’s chief supporter officer for more than four years, has been appointed acting chief executive. Acting co-chairs Nana Afadzinu and Dame Annie Hudson said their immediate priorities were to provide stability for staff, rebuild confidence across the organisation, strengthen oversight, and act on the recommendations of the independent review.
The decision to remove Dr Begum has prompted debate within the wider civil society sector. Akiko Hart, chief executive of Liberty, publicly defended Dr Begum in a LinkedIn post, describing her as a “mentor and friend”. Hart urged observers to refrain from reaching conclusions until all facts and evidence are known, and drew attention to the timing of the announcement. She noted that it followed a difficult organisational restructure approved by the board and came only weeks after the resignation of Oxfam’s chair.
Dr Begum’s departure comes at a challenging time for Oxfam GB. The charity has faced significant financial pressures over the past year. Recent figures showed that profits from Oxfam’s shops have fallen by nearly two-thirds over the past three years. Earlier this year, the organisation made 250 redundancies among its 2,100 UK staff in an effort to reduce its wage bill by £10.2 million.
At the time, Dr Begum said the financial decline reflected the broader economic environment, pointing to rising inflation, the cost-of-living crisis, and deep uncertainty affecting charities and humanitarian organisations.
As Oxfam seeks to stabilise its leadership and rebuild internal confidence, the looming legal challenge is likely to bring further scrutiny to the charity’s governance, workplace culture, and handling of senior leadership disputes.
Sources:
- Oxfam chief forced to step down after accusations of bullying
- Former Oxfam boss to sue charity over dismissal
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