Following the appointment of its first Regional Organisers in 1959, Oxfam built up a structure of regional staff throughout the U.K., as part of a Regions Department, later Division, reporting to a Regions Director in Oxford. Organisers supported local groups of Oxfam supporters in fundraising through shops and other initiatives.

'Regions' were grouped into 'Areas' in 1965, with the appointment of Area Coordinators or Organisers - Area Directors from 1969. Responsibility for the work of Area and Regional staff was transferred to the new Home Division in 1974.

In the late 1970s this Area structure was the basis for an expanded network of regional campaigners and supporters as part of Oxfam's 'Move Against Poverty' campaign.