The Executive Director (Development) has submitted a report to seek Cabinet approval to participate in the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP) Charter and endorsement of a series of Oxford City Council pledges.

Cabinet is recommended to:

1.     Approve Oxford City Council’s participation in the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP) Charter;and

2.     Endorse a series of Oxford City Council pledges that officers in respective service areas will deliver against,within existing committed budgets and for the duration of the current medium term financial strategy. Oxford City Council progress/performance against the pledges will be reported against annually and the results shared on Oxford City Council’s website.

The Executive Director (Development) had submitted a report to seek approval to participate in the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP) Charter and endorsement of a series of Oxford City Council pledges.

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader and Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy and Partnerships, highlighted the value of the OIEP which aimed to create a more equal region with opportunities and benefits for all, principally by focusing on education, employment, social value and procurement, and place shaping.  120 employers had already signed up to the Partnership.  By participating in the Partnership, the Council aimed to show its commitment and support towards making the city a better place to be, including by being an inclusive employer and having employment policies which were as inclusive as possible (including flexible working); ensuring that all staff were paid the Oxford Living Wage; and maximising opportunities for apprentices.  Participation in the Partnership and commitment to the pledges would also have benefits for the Council in terms of its ability to recruit and retain staff. 

Subsequent to the publication of the agenda a staff consultation had been undertaken, and a number of helpful suggestions and ideas had emerged through that process.  These had been included in a separate published addendum to the report.

It was expected that future reports would be brought back to Cabinet providing monitoring against the pledges and suggestions for additional new pledges.

Cabinet resolved to:

1.      Approve Oxford City Council’s participation in the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP) Charter;and

2.      Endorse a series of Oxford City Council pledges that officers in respective service areas will deliver against,within existing committed budgets and for the duration of the current medium term financial strategy. Oxford City Council progress/performance against the pledges will be reported against annually and the results shared on Oxford City Council’s website.