DEC statement: Karen Brown

Karen Brown has stepped down as a trustee of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and has withdrawn from becoming the next chair. Karen, a former chair of Oxfam GB, became a trustee of the DEC in November 2017 and was due to become chair in March this year.

Karen 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 has expressed its regret but respects Karen’s decision. The DEC’s current chair, Clive Jones CBE, will continue in the role until a new chair is appointed.

Ends

Note to Editors
Following a career in broadcasting, Karen held a number of trustee roles and was chair of Oxfam GB from October 2011 to October 2017. Karen took over as chair of Oxfam after the investigation into sexual misconduct in Haiti was concluded.