Yuli is a leader with Himpunan Wanita Disabilitas Indonesia (HWDI, Indonesian Women with disability Association). Yuli says that that women with disabilities often face gender-based violence and many don’t have any idea on how to report the assault. The Indonesian Women in Leadership Project aims to support national and community civil society organisations to promote gender equality. Oxfam acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). (credit: M. Nugie and Andito Wasi/Oxfam)

Thank you for considering one of the most consequential leadership roles in the UK: the Chair of Oxfam GB. This is no ordinary governance position. It is a call to steward a national and international agenda.

Oxfam is a global movement built on a bold, unwavering belief: that a fairer, radically better world is not only possible, but necessary. The Chair of Oxfam GB stands at the helm of an organisation that has reflected and shaped this country’s conscience for more than eight decades, and whose influence reaches into the lives of millions across the world.

Since our founding in 1942 — and the opening of our first charity shop in 1947 — Oxfam GB has held a unique place in country’s consciousness. We are woven into the nation’s fabric and an undeniable part of the national story: that of a country that stands for solidarity, justice, and the conviction that humanity can and must do better.

We confront the injustices that fuel poverty and inequality by delivering Oxfam’s Triple Mandate: responding to humanitarian crises, supporting long‑term development, and challenging the structural forces that keep people in poverty. These three strands form a single, powerful mission — to create lasting, systemic change.

We do this as one of 22 affiliates within the international Oxfam confederation, working across 90 countries, and partnering with more than 2,500 organisations, allies, and communities.

In 2024/25 alone, Oxfam GB and our partners supported 21 million people to fight poverty and build a radically better world. Our humanitarian response reached 5 million people, more than half of whom were women and girls. These are not just numbers; they are lives changed, futures protected, and communities strengthened.

We believe more change and ambition are possible through leadership that truly recognises the power of Oxfam GB, and leverages this into outsize impact in the world.

A defining moment for leadership

The next Chair joins at a pivotal time — for Oxfam GB, for the UK, and for the world. The moment demands courage, clarity, and conviction.

Unprecedented threats to peace and security, deepening political polarisation, rising inequality, and shrinking aid budgets are reshaping the global landscape.

At the same time, Oxfam GB is emerging from a period of significant organisational change and undeniable turbulence.

For these reasons and more, the Oxfam name is rarely far from the headlines. Beloved and at times beleaguered, recent internal and external events have tested our resilience – but never our resolve, which today stands firmer than ever.

Now is the time for Oxfam to renew, refocus, and reassert its vital, urgent purpose. The Chair of Oxfam GB will help shape this next chapter and lead through truly extraordinary times – providing bold vision, rebuilding trust, deepening impact, and inspiring hope despite the challenges of a rapidly shifting world.

Racial justice at the heart of leadership

A deep, personal, and unapologetic commitment to racial justice is essential. This is not a standalone priority; it is a fundamental lens that informs how Oxfam GB works. The Chair will champion anti-racist practice, embed equity and inclusion in every aspect of governance, decision-making, culture and partnerships, and, consistently question who holds power as change is delivered alongside partners and communities worldwide.

UK sovereignty within a shared global mission

Decisions taken by Oxfam GB reverberate far beyond our borders. We operate in a complex international confederation, meaning our actions have implications across continents, influencing outcomes and shaping reputation around the world. The Chair must bring the strategic insight and diplomacy required to navigate this system, balancing Oxfam GB’s autonomy with its collective responsibility.

Feminist leadership in action

As women’s rights are rolled back around the world, our next Chair’s approach to governance must reflect our commitment to gender justice globally.

Collaboration. Shared power. Accountability. Inclusion. These values will be the hallmarks of leadership grounded in feminist principles that strengthen participation and support diverse voices.

Commitment to safety and dignity

Putting women and girls first through safe, feminist programming is inseparable from our work and our values. Safeguarding sits at the heart of everything we do and how we do it.  The Chair will ensure that safety, dignity, and accountability remain integral to Oxfam – and that keeping people safe extends to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.

Unifying the organisation

A period of transformation has created a powerful opportunity to reignite belief in the power of Oxfam. A clear, confident vision by a Chair able to balance stability with innovation and renewal will help unify the Board, executive leadership and critical stakeholders both in and outside the organisation.

Reimagining our national presence

In an increasingly contested environment, Oxfam GB needs a Chair who will help shape public debate and navigate scrutiny, while making the passionate case for humanitarian and development work. The role requires intellectual curiosity, strategic imagination, and the energy to engage externally to assure Oxfam GB’s continued relevance in a changing world.

Stewardship for the future

Above all, the Chair will, with trustees and executive leaders, guide the guide the organisation to adapt for the future while safeguarding its core mission and values, ensuring Oxfam GB remains bold, principled, and effective in tackling poverty and injustice worldwide.

As a partner to communities around the world tackling poverty, we also know that in the future – as it has in the past – change only comes when people come together. From pioneering Fair Trade on British high streets to influencing world leaders’ global climate commitments, we know that progress is possible. Hard‑won, but real.

It is in this spirit that we seek a Chair who will help reaffirm this belief, and strengthen Oxfam GB’s role at a time the UK’s leadership in the fight for a more just world matters more than ever.

We hope that the information in this pack encourages you to apply. We look forward to meeting with you.

Annie and Nana
Co-Chairs