In 2019, Oxfam has developed an Improving Safeguarding and Culture Plan to drive its work over the years to come. The plan builds upon our ongoing work and is strengthened by the recommendations from reports from the Independent Commission and Charity Commission.

This plan aims to align our approach to safeguarding across Oxfam’s international confederation in more than 90 countries, across seven regions. It links our work on safeguarding, culture change, gender, programs and human resources, within an improved governance framework.

Adapting to a new context

Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our plans. It has brought unprecedented changes for individuals, families and communities. The risks related to sexual exploitation and abuse are heightened in the face of stress, fear, economic uncertainty and chaotic environments. At the same time, the barriers to reporting and responding have also increased.

In response, we have created a number of safeguarding tools for staff and partners and we have been working in collaboration with interagency mechanisms to support and deliver best practice initiatives in these unique circumstances.

Our progress report

As part of our commitment to transparency and accountability, Oxfam reports every six months on the progress we are making to improve safeguarding and culture. In these reports, we disclose our global case data for that period.

In our latest report, we’ve started including progress on other areas that are vital to ensuring a safe and inclusive workplace for the people we serve, our staff, partners and all other stakeholders. For the first time, we have published globally consolidated case data on fraud and corruption and introduce our work to prevent financial misconduct.

Please download the report to learn more.