On Tuesday 18 June 2019, the College’s Governing Body met to consider the findings from the Charity Commission’s inquiry into Oxfam GB. The inquiry was a result of allegations of misconduct by Oxfam’s staff involved in its humanitarian response in Haiti 2011. The College’s President, Dame Barbara Stocking, was Chief Executive of Oxfam in 2011.
The College’s Governing Body took into very serious consideration the findings and recommendations from the Charity Commission’s report. The views of students, alumnae and staff were also reported in detail to Governing Body.
Governing Body recognises the conclusions of the Charity Commission’s inquiry. Protecting people and safeguarding responsibilities must be a governance priority for all charities, including this College. Governing Body and College Council, as trustees of the College, are committed to upholding these principles for Murray Edwards College.
The College appointed Dame Barbara as President in March 2013, after she had left Oxfam, and she took up office in July 2013. In 2018, Governing Body undertook a planned routine review of Dame Barbara’s Presidency. This review was informed by all aspects of the Presidency over the five years she had been in post and Governing Body extended Dame Barbara’s period of office by the statutory maximum of three years. Governing Body recognises that under Dame Barbara’s leadership processes in a wide variety of areas have been introduced in College, and actions have been taken to support all members of the College – from students and recent graduates to Fellows and staff - in their respective careers. Dame Barbara continues to work tirelessly on behalf of Murray Edwards College and will remain as President.