Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP)
The Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership brings together over a hundred organisations county-wide – employers, business, education, community groups and local government – that are working to share knowledge, expertise and resources to address some of our greatest challenges. This partnership reports into the FOP and supports their work delivering the Strategic Vision.
The challenge
Oxfordshire is home to significant inequalities. It is one of only three regions that contributes a surplus to the UK economy, but despite its global position and perceived affluence, its wealth and opportunities are not evenly distributed. According to the 2019 English Indices of Deprivation, 17 of 61 wards in Oxfordshire are the most deprived in England. These are mostly contained within ten wards – one in Abingdon, three in Banbury and six in Oxford. The city of Oxford is the second most unequal place in the UK (source: Cities Outlook 2022 | Centre for Cities), in terms of income, housing affordability and life expectancy. Education attainment is below average, affecting all generations.
The vision
The Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP) helps to deliver the goals of the Strategic Vision. If we are successful, by 2050 Oxfordshire will be:
- be a globally competitive economy which is sustainable, diverse and inclusive, generating high-quality, productive and knowledge-based employment for our communities. It will utilise the county’s strengths and resources, including its world-class universities and world-leading research, innovation and technology assets. There will be improved educational attainment and a skills system aligned to the needs of business and communities, helping to provide the conditions in which all Oxfordshire’s people can benefit and thrive.
- have flourishing, diverse and vibrant communities rooted in pride with our local, national and international connections and a strong sense of civic identity.
- be a more equal place, supported by inclusive growth that gives everyone a fair chance in life to prosper.
- have a healthier and happier population with better physical and mental health.
To achieve these goals, the OIEP has established four working groups made up of experts in their fields:
- inclusive employment
- educational attainment
- social value and procurement
- place-based interventions
These working groups identify practical changes that will make a difference, developing new areas of work as well as building on things that we know have worked in the past. This can involve pilot projects, trialling new collaborations or partnerships, sharing best practice, and ensuring that organisations are not working in isolation.
The work of the Partnership is being overseen by a steering group, which is co-chaired by Baroness Jan Royall, Principal Somerville College and Chair, Conference of Colleges and Jeremy Long.
The Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Charter
The Partnership has developed a charter and pledges to help individuals, companies and organisations to set out ways in which they will help deliver the ambitions and activities to create an inclusive economy for Oxfordshire.
Open the Charter in a new tab.
