Sex scandal could cost former Oxfam chief college job

OXFAM’S former chief executive is coming under pressure to resign from a Cambridge University women’s college after donors threatened to withhold their money.

Dame Barbara Stocking faces calls to step down as president of Murray Edwards College after being heavily criticised for her leadership during the charity’s sex scandal, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.

A report this week by the Charity Commission found Dame Barbara had failed to pursue allegations that Oxfam staff were abusing Haitian girls as young as 12.

The 67-year-old chief executive also attempted to protect Oxfam’s reputation by arranging a “phased and dignified” exit for a senior boss caught using vulnerable prostitutes.

It is understood an email has been circulated among Murray Edwards benefactors, informing them that the college is looking into Dame Barbara’s involvement in the scandal.

Several donors told the Telegraph yesterday they had already withdrawn their funds to force Dame Barbara to resign. Others threatened to do so.

“It’s wrong Dame Barbara should be allowed to continue to lead a women’s college when so many young women were victims of this whole thing,” said Alison Balfour-lynn, 64, a former student, who has stopped her donations.

Students have made their feelings known too. One group wrote an open letter accusing Dame Barbara of having a “cavalier attitude” to sexual misconduct.

A spokesman for Murray Edwards College said last night: “The governing body will consider the findings from the Charity Commission’s report and recommendations, and will respond accordingly in due course.”