Tackling fraud and corruption at Oxfam

Oxfam volunteers in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

Oxfam volunteers at work at Nayapara makeshift camp in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The key objective of our response is to provide life-saving basic assistance in settlements, camps and host communities, and to seek protection, dignity and safety of Rohingya refugees. Photo: Saikat Mojumder/Oxfam

With global income of circa 900 million Euro and a presence in 85 countries, we are fully aware that Oxfam’s challenges are both operational and strategic. The extensive cultural and environmental disparities challenge conventional ways of delivery; it necessitates more contextualised approaches to tackling the risk of fraud and corruption.

Our strategic focus is geared to steer better fraud resilience of the confederation, while embracing the joint Oxfam values of inclusivity, empowerment, and accountability.

Our stance

Oxfam does not tolerate fraud and corruption and is committed to ensure that its systems, procedures and practices reduce the risk of occurrences to an absolute minimum. ‘Reducing the risk of fraud and corruption occurring to an absolute minimum’ conveys more accurately our intent to proactively and tirelessly squeeze the problem.

One confederation, one approach

We recognise that success in tackling fraud and corruption is contingent on more than one activity, at more than one level of the organisation. Subsequently, we commit to the use of a holistic anti-fraud and corruption strategy. This will be supported and embedded at every level, from projects, divisions, countries, regions and affiliates. This is also in line with our Code of conduct and our values.

In its Integrity Report, Oxfam publishes for the first time its consolidated case data on fraud and corruption. Both in the public domain and within Oxfam, this report helps us to monitor our progress in delivering on our organizational values and commitments to improve the ways we foster a safe and inclusive place for the people we serve, our staff, partners, and all other stakeholders.

Report misconduct

If an employee, volunteer, partner, consultant or contractor suspects misconduct has, or is about to occur, we encourage them to communicate their suspicions without fear of reprisals and in the knowledge that they will be protected from victimization and dismissal. All reports are confidential and we will only share the details with the appropriate team members to progress your complaint. Reporters/survivors/complainants can choose to stay anonymous.

Safeguarding, HR, and fraud/corruption related misconduct can be reported online or by email.