Karen Brown, the former chair of Oxfam GB and trustee of the Disasters Emergency Committee, who was due to become the next chair, has stepped from her role to avoid distracting “from the important task of the DEC”.
Karen Brown was due to become the chair of the DEC next month. In a statement she said that she did not want her past work with Oxfam to distract from the work of the DEC, of which Oxfam is a member.
Brown was the chair of Oxfam from October 2011 to October 2017, during which time concerns were raised over safeguarding in the charity’s shops. She took over as chair after the investigation into sexual misconduct in Haiti was concluded.
In a statement, Brown said: “I do not want my past involvement with Oxfam – whose work around the world I so much admire – to distract from the important task of the DEC, of which Oxfam is a member agency.
“Reluctantly, therefore, I have decided not to take up the role of DEC chair next month. I continue to have great respect for the work of the DEC and its member agencies, mobilising the UK public and partners to respond to the world’s worst humanitarian disasters.”
The DEC said it expressed its regret, but respected Brown’s decision. The charity’s current chair Clive Jones will continue in his role until a new chair is appointed.
The DEC brings together 13 UK aid agencies to raise money at times of humanitarian crisis in poorer countries, aswell as Oxfam these include: ActionAid, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Plan International UK, Save the Children UK, Tearfund and World Vision UK.
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