Oxfam GB has announced the launch of an independent review into the departure of its chief executive last year amid accusations of bullying.

Halima Begum, who had joined the charity two years ago, left after a review into allegations around her behaviour resulted in the charity’s board saying it had lost confidence in her leadership.

Oxfam has said it will commission an independent review of the board’s processes following her departure.

This will be led by a senior external lawyer and overseen by members of the charity’s governance committee.

The charity stresses that “the fact finding will be made independently by the external lawyer”.

The charity said: “While the external independent review by the lawyer will not revisit the decision it will establish an accurate picture of events.

“The review will also assess whether the board and trustees acted in line with their duties and the policies following the departure of the chief executive officer, and if relevant, prior to that.”

It added: “Oxfam is committed to learning lessons from this process. While it may be inappropriate to go into full details of the review, Oxfam will share a summary of findings with relevant stakeholders in due course.

“As this review is independent, Oxfam is unable to comment further at this stage, to ensure the scope, process, and outcome are not affected.”

The Charity Commission has “been regularly updated on relevant developments”, added Oxfam.

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”.

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