News
Oxford Metropolis Council has made progress on 35 out of 39 pledges to make town fairer.
The council, along with its wholly-owned companies ODS and OX Place, have exceeded their original 13 commitments made in summer 2023 as part of the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP).
The annual audit, done earlier this month, displays the council’s dedication to making town’s economy work for everyone.
The council and its associated companies have delivered on commitments across 5 key issues.
These encompass supporting the local and social economy, creating employment opportunities, inclusive recruitment practices, making improvements to training and educational attainment, and providing fairer wages.
Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford Metropolis Council, said: “I’m really ecstatic with the progress that we have made this first year.
“The pledges have meant real point of curiosity on what have to be done to toughen inclusivity and fairness in our city and to pork up small companies locally.
“Our progress across these pledges, these we committed to and beyond, demonstrates our dedication to creating an economy that advantages everyone in Oxford.
“This is one of our key priorities as a council.”
The council has made social value a significant part of its procurement path of, now accounting for 20 per cent of its procurement criteria.
ODS has confirmed its commitment to local companies, with 73.07 per cent of its 2023/24 spending going to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and 59.63 per cent to local suppliers.
The “Match My Project” platform, launched in November 2023, has connected 83 companies with 50 workforce organisations, enhancing employment and social value opportunities.
The council and ODS are recognised as Disability Confident Employers, demonstrating leadership in inclusivity and pork up for staff with disabilities.
The council continues to pork up staff volunteering within the workforce, with ODS introducing a staff volunteering bank providing 200 hours for workforce initiatives.
Oxford Metropolis Council has launched unique inclusive recruitment guidance and training, guaranteeing that hiring practices are free from bias and accessible to all.
Oxford Metropolis Council and ODS have supported work skills placements with faculties, including work with EMBS College, Cherwell College, and others to offer essential career advice and training opportunities.
The council has pledged as much as 25 per cent of its unused Apprenticeship Levy, approximately £72,126, to pork up small companies and apprenticeships across Oxford.
ODS has pledged £forty eight,084 of the Apprenticeship Levy and advocates for apprentices at some point of the industry to assist pork up the development of apprenticeships within town.
Oxford Metropolis Council and ODS continue to be Oxford Residing Wage employers and champion a liveable wage for all.
Extra than 25,000 staff from 100 employers have benefitted from wage increases because the implementation of the Oxford Residing Wage.
