Oxfam chief who hit out at media over sex scandal f inally quits

‘Needed a change at the top’ BOSSES ‘IGNORED ABUSE WARNINGS’ The Mail: February 13 It’s not as if we murdered babies in their cots February 17 Oxfam chief probed over sex assault case February 20

tHE aid charity sex scandal claimed another scalp last night with the resignation of Oxfam’s chief executive.

Mark Goldring, who has been in the role since 2013 and had accused the media of overplaying the scandal, said he would step down at the end of the year to allow someone else to ‘rebuild’ the beleaguered organisation.

He said Oxfam needed fresh vision and energy following revelations that aid workers had used prostitutes when working in earthquake-hit Haiti.

Mr Goldring had refused all calls to quit, even after a whistleblower claimed senior staff ignored warnings about the extent of sex abuse.

His announcement comes a month after sir Alan Parker quit as chairman of save the Children over claims that allegations against two executives were covered up.

One of the executives, Justin Forsyth, had resigned as deputy executive director of Unicef after admitting inappropriate behaviour while at save the Children UK.

In February, Oxfam’s deputy chief executive Penny Lawrence stepped down after admitting failings over her handling of the Haiti scandal.

Mr Goldring clung on, saying he would go only if he lost the confidence of trustees. the pressure on him mounted when Helen Evans, Oxfam’s former safeguarding chief, said she had begged bosses to act on abuse allegations she had uncovered – but her concerns were swept aside.

Mr Goldring faced renewed criticism when he appeared to downplay the extent of the scandal, complaining that the charity was being attacked by the media as if it had ‘murdered babies in their cots’. MPs welcomed Mr Goldring’s decision. Nigel Evans, who sits on the Commons international development committee, said: ‘Mark Goldring clearly misjudged the approach to this issue, which has cost the charity dear in contributions and reputation. It now has the opportunity to rebuild – and that needed a change at the top.’

Former aid secretary Priti Patel said: ‘In light of the failure of leadership over the horrific abuse scandal, it is right for him to stand down. the public expect accountability for the failures within Oxfam.

‘they need to address their own failures and ensure that Stepping down: Oxfam chief Mark Goldring everyone responsible for the appalling abuse is held to account and where appropriate prosecuted for the abuse they perpetrated.’

In a statement, Mr Goldring said: ‘Following the very public exposure of Oxfam’s past failings, we have redoubled our efforts to ensure that Oxfam is a safe and respectful place for all who have contact with us.

‘We are now laying strong foundations for recovery. I am personally totally committed to seeing this phase through.

‘However, what is important in 2019 and beyond is that Oxfam rebuilds and renews in a way that is most relevant for the future and so continues to help as many people as possible around the world build better lives. this journey will best be led by someone bringing fresh vision and energy and making a long-term commitment to see it through.’

Oxfam chairman Caroline thomson said she accepted the resignation with great sadness.

Asked whether the resignation was related to how Mr Goldring dealt with the Haiti crisis, an Oxfam spokesman replied: ‘No, it’s absolutely not to do with his handling at all.’

since the scandal broke, thousands of donors have cancelled their monthly subscriptions, and dozens more abuse claims have been made against Oxfam staff.

It faces a Charity Commission inquiry into its operations in Haiti, Chad and Liberia.

International development secretary Penny Mordaunt has warned the charity’s £32milliona-year state funding is at risk.

In February, Miss Evans told Channel 4 News she was concerned ‘for those in senior leadership positions who knew the scale of what we were dealing with and in my view did not adequately respond’.

she said within a year of starting her work, the scale of the problem had become clear.