The Independent Commission is a group of international experts from business, government and civil society, which aim is to look into all aspects of Oxfam's culture, policies, and practices relating to safeguarding.
The Independent Commission on Sexual Misconduct, Accountability and Culture Change (IC) was established in February 2018 and was mandated by Oxfam to conduct a confederation-wide review of Oxfam’s culture; accountability; and safeguarding policies, procedures, and practices. In June 2019 the IC concluded its research among current and former staff, partners, communities and other stakeholders worldwide.
The IC found that Oxfam had prioritized its program goals over how it realizes its core values and the principle of “do no harm” with communities, partners, and staff. It believes that Oxfam can transform itself into an organization that is more accountable to and better protects the people it serves. With commitment and a keen focus on implementation, Oxfam has the potential to become a voice of leadership in wider sector reform.
The report contains a set of 7 recommendations to guide Oxfam in its transformation process:
- Reinvent the system
- Support survivors to recover and rebuild their lives
- Co-create community reporting systems
- Create a supportive environment
- Make it personal
- Model transparency
- Work together within the sector to realize systemic change
DOCUMENTS
- Final report: "Committing to change, protecting people. Toward a more accountable Oxfam"
- Executive summary and recommendations
- Interim report: "Listening to people - Rebuilding trust"
- Oxfam management response to the interim report
- Members of the Independent Commission
- Independent Commission terms of reference
- Survivor reference group terms of reference
