An independent review commissioned by Oxfam GB has found that its trustees “acted in good faith and within their powers” during and following the departure of the charity’s chief executive.

The review was launched into the departure of Halima Begum at the end of last year amid allegations of bullying that had resulted in the board saying it had lost faith in her leadership.

Following her departure Begum was defended by charity sector figures including Akiko Hart, director of Liberty, who said she was “a fearless campaigner and leader, a moral compass in our fight against racism”.

The independent review was carried out by Rebecca Tuck KC and found that “while the delegated Trustees acted within its powers and in good faith, that the events played out in public remains of huge regret”.

Oxfam added in its statement following the conclusion of the review that “given current circumstances, including wider ongoing legal proceedings, further or fuller disclosure of the full review would be inappropriate”.

It said: “The board takes seriously its commitment to upholding the highest standards and will continue to learn lessons from these events. As a board, our priority remains ensuring Oxfam’s charitable objectives are upheld.”

Since leaving Oxfam, Begum, who is a former CEO of Action Aid UK and The Runnymede Trust, has been advising organisations on social impact.

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