The chief executive of Oxfam UK has been forced out by the charity's board of trustees after "serious issues" were raised about her leadership.
Halima Begum, who was appointed in the role in December of 2023, faces allegations of bullying staff and creating an "intense climate of fear", The Times reports.
Almost 70 workers at the charity, which focuses on tackling poverty around the globe, had signed a letter calling for trustees to investigate her.
Oxfam confirmed its board had commissioned an external review of Dr Begum's conduct including testimonies from 32 current and former staff members and documentary evidence.
It identified "serious issues in the CEO’s leadership behaviour and her decision-making, including breaches of organisational processes and values and inappropriate interference into safeguarding and integrity investigations".
Oxfam said in a statement: "The report’s findings have led the board to the conclusion that there is an irretrievable breakdown in its trust and confidence in Dr Begum’s ability to discharge the role of chief executive officer to the level required in Oxfam GB, and that her ongoing employment is untenable."
The charity confirmed that its CEO had "left the organisation".
"We have great respect for colleagues who have raised concerns about culture," the statement added.
Oxfam said there was an 'irretrievable breakdown in its trust and confidence' in Dr Begum as CEO
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"Their perspectives informed the independent review that took place.
"Oxfam’s commitment to openness and learning will strengthen our organisation and the work we do across the world."
In a letter to the charity's trustees seen by The Times, staff members had urged an investigation be launched into Dr Begum and the senior leadership.
The letter said an "intense climate of fear” was “deeply rooted in Oxfam, including a very real fear of retribution from senior management”.
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It is understood past and present Oxfam staff wrote to the charity's trustees calling for an investigation into Dr Begum
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It is understood Dr Begum, who previously held the past of chief executive at ActionAid UK, denies the allegations made against her.
Her departure from the role comes following a challenging financial year for Oxfam.
In its report for 2024/25, the charity reported it closed the year at £339.4million, down from £368million in 2023/24.
The charity said the drop in income was largely down to "lower emergency appeal income" which varies depending on world events.
It also reported a drop in income from its 515 high street shops.
In the year 2024/25, the charity reported a gross income of £99.5million through retail, a £2million drop on the previous year.