Here's the letter that Oxfam's\u00a0Paul Langley [Head of Public Engagement & Education] sent to all the teachers on its maillist:<\/p>\n
Dear [INSERT NAME] \/ Colleague<\/p>\n
You will have seen the devastating reports about Oxfam. \u00a0It has been extremely distressing for anyone associated with us and our mission to beat poverty. \u00a0The invaluable trust of teachers, supporters and volunteers has been damaged, and that\u2019s been truly heart-breaking. \u00a0We are determined to do all we can to rebuild that trust.<\/p>\n
We realise that an apology is by no means enough, but we want to offer it. \u00a0As an organisation that fights for the rights of women and young people, we feel nothing but sorrow over the allegations of sexual misconduct.<\/p>\n
I want to reassure you of our absolute commitment to maintaining our values and delivering on our mission and purpose.<\/p>\n
We take safeguarding extremely seriously. \u00a0All staff working with UK schools, and our Oxfam Representatives follow a specific safeguarding policy. \u00a0This covers how we engage with young people and school staff, as well as safety on social media platforms. \u00a0We deliver training for our volunteers that go into schools, provide DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checking, and abide by the safeguarding policies of individual schools.<\/p>\n
Oxfam is committing to developing an even more comprehensive package of measures including a stronger, more robust confidential \u2018whistle blowing hotline, strengthening the vetting of staff and revisiting improvements already made. Young people show amazing support for Oxfam, and we will do everything in our power to protect them.<\/p>\n