100th business pledges to support inclusivity and reduce inequality across Oxfordshire

The OIEP was established in 2021 to bring together members from various organisations across the county, which include employers, businesses, education, community groups, and the public sector.

Its Charter, which was launched in January 2023, helps organisations to embed social value into their operations to work to improve lives of the county’s residents and reduce inequality. By signing the Charter, organisations become members of the partnership.

The OIEP provides support for its members to reach their goals and an opportunity to share best practice and initiatives.

In that time, 100 organisations have signed the Charter which include Abingdon & Witney College, Advanced Oxford, Amey, B4, Beard Construction, Blenheim Palace, Old Fire Station, OSEP, Oxford North, Oxfordshire Youth, Mischon de Reya, Thames Valley Police, Unipart and Y.O.U Underwear.

Formed in 2019 and backed by circa £4 billion of investment capital, OUD focuses on academic estate, residential, infrastructure and commercial space. It is delivering exemplary, sustainable development for Oxford University to maintain and enhance its world-class research and education and to support the wider Oxford economy and society.

Based in Oxford’s city centre, OUD is delivering projects which include the 170-hectare Begbroke Science Park, which last year received a resolution to grant planning permission from Cherwell District Council as well as the Life and Mind Building (LaMB) and Court Place Gardens, which will both complete construction this year.

OUD has signed the Charter in particular to commit to:

• Supporting the local and social economy using its buying power to support the local economy and maximise social value by pledging to buy goods and services from purposeful local organisations, including SMEs, social enterprises and cooperatives, wherever possible.

• Sharing resources, skills and assets – practical ways to ensure goods and services are accessible to all by offering financial support, or value-in-kind, to a nominated Oxfordshire charity and pledging to contribute to the work of a local food bank.

Jan Royall, co-chair, Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership said: “We warmly welcome OUD to the Partnership joining as the 100^th Charter member marking a big milestone for our mission. We founded the Partnership to support, grow and amplify the great work and initiatives that organisations in our county are already implementing to successfully tackle some of our region’s biggest problems. Together we are creating a fairer environment where everyone can contribute and share in successes. OUD has committed to join our rapidly growing Membership and we look forward to working with them to deliver their positive and ambitious Charter pledges.”

Anna Strongman, chief executive officer, Oxford University Development said: “OIEP’s objectives are aligned with our mission to deliver sustainable development that meets Oxford University’s needs, whilst contributing to the wider Oxfordshire economy. We look forward to working with OIEP and its other members to ensure as many people as possible benefit from developments in Oxfordshire.”

OUD is committed to supporting local businesses and charities. This has included sponsoring for the last two year running a charity quiz night in support of Oxford Food Hub.

To find out more about joining Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership and to read the Charter, please visit: https://www.oiep.org.uk/