Over 850 people have now signed the petition calling on the Chairty Commission to investigate the actions by Oxfam in forcing Dr Halima Begum’s resignation as CEO. Those numbers still need to increase. 

But every day new facts emerge that lead to further questions. 

Why was the investigation of the allegations against Halima outsourced to a particular company called Howlett Brown, that has previously been criticized for ‘failing to carefully differentiate between accusations of genuine abuse and what may just be personal grievances’. Howlett Brown’s report in that case is quoted as stating: ‘named individuals have not been presented with, nor have they had the opportunity to respond to, specific allegations against them.’

This is, to say the least, bad investigative practice, and appears to have also been their modus operandi with regard their Oxfam ‘investigation’. Oxfam’s press briefings regarding the report into Dr Begum, appear to make no attempt to distinguish between allegations and fact. This raises the question, who chose to commission Howlett Brown for this ’investigation’ why was this company considered to be the most suitable investigator, and what criteria was used in that decision?

Unlike a business, or a membership organisation, there is no opportunity to put these and many other questions to the Board at an AGM. Instead, the only institution that the board are accountable to are the Chairty Commission, and that is why we are asking you to sign this petition and get others to do the same.

In the meantime, have a great Christmas break.

John Page