Oxfam's Joint Consultative Committee was set up in 1972 and stood down on 14 December 1994, when the Oxfam Assembly took its place. According to the Terms of Reference for the Committee, dated Oct 1972, it was set up "to provide the means whereby a group representing all sections [of staff] may meet together with Council of Management representatives for consultation. The J.C.C. will enable members of staff and Council of Management to exchange information, advice, opinions and ideas on all matters affecting them before decisions are made and thereby a) improve the quality of decisions taken and the quality of the employees' working lives; b) gain greater cooperation by greater involvement and c) spread knowledge and understanding of Oxfam and its activities".

The first Oxfam Assembly meeting was held in 1994. According to the Members' Induction Pack for 1994, the purpose of the Assembly was to "facilitate debate and exchange of views between the different 'stakeholders' who make up Oxfam". The first meeting involved 250 Assembly members, taken from a wide cross-section of Oxfam people, including staff members, volunteers, partner organizations, donors and Association members. It was held at Harper Adams Agricultural College, Newport, Shropshire between 19-21 September 1994.