Oxfordshire may be recognised internationally for its universities, innovation and economic success, but behind that prosperity lies a very different picture for many of its residents. The launch of the third edition of Oxfordshire Uncovered by Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) is an important reminder of the challenges facing communities across the county and the collective responsibility to address them.
On Tuesday 20th October, B4 Chief Executive Richard Rosser attended the Oxfordshire Funders’ Forum 2026 at The Red Hall, Oxford North, where OCF unveiled the latest edition of its flagship research report, Oxfordshire Uncovered.
Bringing together representatives from local authorities, businesses, universities, charitable organisations and grant makers, the event focused on a central question: how can Oxfordshire work together to ensure a more equitable future for everyone who lives and works here?
Looking Beyond Oxfordshire’s Prosperity
Now in its third edition, Oxfordshire Uncovered examines the challenges and inequalities that exist across the county, providing an important evidence base to inform charitable giving, community investment and collaborative action.
Previous editions have highlighted issues ranging from poverty and unaffordable housing to poor health, loneliness and unequal access to opportunity. The research has helped demonstrate why targeted philanthropy and support for grassroots organisations remain so important, even in one of the country’s most economically successful regions.
The latest edition continues OCF’s commitment to helping businesses, funders and community leaders better understand local needs and consider where their resources and influence can make the greatest difference.
For Oxfordshire’s business community, the message is particularly relevant. Economic growth and commercial success are vital, but ensuring that prosperity translates into meaningful opportunities and improved outcomes for communities across the county is equally important.
Bringing Leaders Together to Make a Difference
The Funders’ Forum featured a keynote address from Richard Venables DL, Senior Director at CBRE and Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, followed by a panel discussion exploring what effective community investment looks like in practice.
Joining the discussion were Chris Winchester, Head of Scientific Affairs at Oxford PharmaGenesis; Nicola McConville, Partner at Mishcon de Reya; and Ben Cairns OBE, Director at the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR).
The event’s central theme was the importance of collaboration, including pooled funding approaches, transparent decision-making and the role of organisations working together to deliver lasting impact.
For businesses considering how best to support their local communities, these conversations are increasingly important. Beyond financial contributions, businesses have the opportunity to share expertise, build partnerships, create opportunities and contribute to solutions that address the underlying causes of inequality.
Richard Venables to Speak at B4 Platinum Dinner
B4 is also delighted that Richard Venables will be joining members as the special guest speaker at next week’s Platinum Dinner at Blenheim Palace.
With more than 30 years’ experience in Oxfordshire’s commercial property market, particularly within the science and technology sectors, Richard has played a significant role in the county’s economic development.
A co-founder of VSL & Partners, subsequently acquired by CBRE, Richard has also held numerous civic and community positions, including High Sheriff of Oxfordshire in 2018/19. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Oxford Brookes University in 2022 in recognition of his services to economic development and the community.
Alongside his professional career, Richard has been a passionate supporter of youth development, sport and community organisations, including Oxfordshire Youth, Active Oxfordshire and Access Sport Oxfordshire.
His combination of business experience, civic leadership and commitment to the wider community makes him a particularly welcome guest at B4’s forthcoming dinner.
Find out more about the B4 Platinum Dinner at Blenheim Palace.
A Shared Responsibility for Oxfordshire’s Future
Reflecting on the launch, Richard Rosser commented:
“The work of Oxfordshire Community Foundation is incredibly important in helping us understand the challenges that exist across our county, particularly those that aren’t always visible when we focus on Oxfordshire’s economic achievements.
“It was a pleasure to hear Richard speaking at the launch and to see so many people from different sectors coming together around a shared ambition for Oxfordshire.
“At B4, we believe strongly in the value of bringing people and organisations together, and initiatives such as Oxfordshire Uncovered provide an important foundation for conversations about how we can all contribute to a stronger, fairer and more inclusive county.”
B4 would like to thank Zoe Sprigings, Kate Parrinder, Susannah Hobbs and the wider Oxfordshire Community Foundation team for their kind invitation and for bringing together such an important discussion. Thanks also to The Scott Fund for supporting the event.
The publication of Oxfordshire Uncovered is a timely reminder that understanding the challenges facing our communities is an essential first step towards addressing them.
Read more: Oxfordshire Uncovered – Oxfordshire Community Foundation