Oxfam and the private sector

We partner with business, recognising that a vibrant, thriving, accountable and responsible private sector can be a powerful force for good.

We work with companies to drive social impact at scale – utilising the knowledge, expertise, influence, in-kind capability and funding support business brings to create and deliver impactful partnerships together with communities and local partners.

Together, we help set the agenda for global change. We demonstrate what’s possible in the most fragile country contexts, as well as in the most powerful global forums. We collaborate to overcome the injustice of poverty.

We have worked in sectors such as fashion, food and beverage, finance and consumer goods, and our experience with partners in around 80 countries means we can work at scale. With our corporate partners, we pursue many of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We place workers at the centre of our work and support business practices that align with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

As well as partnering, Oxfam calls upon companies to take action to respect human rights and the planet, in line with international standards and commitments, and to ensure women and marginalised communities in global supply chains can access their rights and thrive.

Where business practices are harming the most vulnerable, we speak out and push for robust standards and legislation to tackle bad practice. We also work with companies to create lasting solutions and can provide advice on key aspects of social sustainability.

From 2019-2025, Oxfam Business Advisory Service supported companies to strengthen their human rights and build fair, resilient, and sustainable supply chains. Some of the practical guidance and tools created by the team are available for all companies to access, and Oxfam continues to publish research and briefings for business.

You can access these resources here

We are committed to aligning our own operations and supply chains with our vison, mission and values and publicly reporting our learning. Read more on Oxfam’s corporate responsibility.