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

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

Keywords

male circumcision, non-therapeutic circumcision, psychological impact, medical ethics, cultural practices, legal aspects, mental health, personal testimonies, advocacy, support services

Summary;

This conversation delves into the complex and often controversial topic of male circumcision, particularly focusing on non-therapeutic circumcision. The discussion features insights from Alejandro Sanchez of the National Secular Society and Leeanne Morris from the charity 15 Square, who explore the cultural, psychological, and physical implications of circumcision. They address the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the practice, share personal testimonies from affected individuals, and highlight the need for greater awareness and support for those impacted by circumcision. The conversation emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children's rights and the necessity for informed consent in medical practices.

https://15square.org.uk/

Takeaways

• Circumcision is often performed for cultural or religious reasons, but its necessity is debated.
• Non-therapeutic circumcision can lead to significant psychological trauma, including disenfranchised grief.
• Many men report feelings of loss and anger related to their circumcision experiences.
• The decision to circumcise should ideally be made by the individual when they are old enough to consent.
• There are serious physical risks associated with circumcision, including potential fatalities.
• Legal regulations around circumcision are lax, allowing untrained individuals to perform the procedure.
• The psychological impact of circumcision can manifest in various mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts.
• Support services for men affected by circumcision are crucial but often underfunded and under recognized.
• Cultural narratives often trivialize the impact of circumcision on men's lives, leading to stigma around discussing it.
• Greater awareness and education about circumcision's effects are needed in both medical and therapeutic communities.

Sound Bites

• "The welfare of the child must be the paramount concern."
• "Taking a scalpel to a baby's genitals causes damage."
• "We need to safeguard children and uphold their rights."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Male Circumcision Discussion

05:16Understanding the Reasons Behind Circumcision

09:21Psychological and Emotional Impact of Circumcision

17:48Legal and Ethical Considerations

22:10Physical Risks and Complications

26:24Cultural Perspectives and Societal Attitudes

31:04The Role of Mental Health Professionals

35:19Conclusion and Reflections on the Conversation

36:16Outro Oct 23 2.mp4