Keywords

Oxfam, safeguarding, sexual exploitation, whistleblowing, autism, media coverage, aid sector, leadership, moral injury, charity

Takeaways

Helen Evans was the global head of safeguarding at Oxfam. She uncovered systemic issues of sexual exploitation and abuse within the organization. Despite her efforts, she faced resistance from senior management. The media coverage of Oxfam's issues came after the Me Too movement gained traction.

Helen experienced PTSD due to the stress of her role and the lack of support. There is a significant stigma attached to whistleblowers in the UK. Many survivors of abuse do not report due to fear of not being believed. Helen advocates for mandatory safeguarding measures in aid organizations.

She now works as the CEO of a charity focused on a rare neurological condition.

https://cavernoma.org.uk/about/our-team/

Summary

In this conversation, Helen Evans shares her harrowing experience as the global head of safeguarding at Oxfam, where she uncovered systemic issues of sexual exploitation and abuse. Despite her efforts to address these issues, she faced significant resistance from senior management, leading her to take her concerns to the Charity Commission. Helen discusses the impact of her experiences on her mental health, including a diagnosis of PTSD, and reflects on the stigma surrounding whistleblowers. She advocates for improved safeguarding measures in the aid sector and emphasizes the need for a dedicated regulator to hold organizations accountable. Now serving as the CEO of a charity focused on a rare neurological condition, Helen continues to champion the importance of ethical practices in aid work and the need for organizations to prioritize safeguarding vulnerable populations.

Sound bites

"This was a systemic issue."

"I had to relocate. I lost my home."

"I think there have been improvements."

Chapters

00:00 Uncovering the Truth at Oxfam

03:59 The Impact of Whistleblowing

06:53 The Role of Media and Public Awareness

09:48 Courage and the Personal Cost of Speaking Out

12:51 The Intersection of Autism and Advocacy

15:45 Challenges in the Aid Sector

18:51 Improving Safeguarding Practices

21:59 The Need for Accountability in Charities

24:42 Reflections on Leadership and Change

27:39 The Future of Safeguarding in Aid Work

30:36 Personal Healing and Moving Forward

44:38 Outro Oct 23  2.mp4