Follows a three-year suspension

Oxfam can once again bid for government cash after an enforced three-year hiatus following safeguarding concerns.

The Charity Commission opened an official inquiry into sexual misconduct allegations at the aid charity in 2018, during which the charity excluded itself from bidding for government contracts.

However last month the commission said it had stopped its statutory supervision of the charity and put it back on a standard footing.

Oxfam was told to work through a list of 100 recommendations to improve its governance by the regulator.

The UK government confirmed that Oxfam GB can resume making bids for aid funding.

It also announced the launch of a programme intended to help bring to justice perpetrators of sexual abuse, exploitation or sexual harassment in the aid sector.

Danny Sriskandarajah, chief executive of Oxfam GB, welcomed the government’s decision to allow the charity to bid for aid funds.

“We are deeply committed to continue improving our safeguarding and ensuring that our lifesaving and life-changing work is carried out in a way that is safe and consistent with our values,” he said.

“There must be no place for perpetrators of abuse within Oxfam or the wider sector.

“While the Charity Commission found that we have made significant progress in addressing our past failings, we know there is more to do.

“We are determined to do everything in our power to prevent misconduct, ensure communities feel safe to report concerns and support the needs and wishes of survivors.”