How we developed the Thriving Communities Strategy
We started work on the strategy pre-COVID, supported by a fantastic group of partners, and undertook a Local Government Association (LGA) Peer Review which provided helpful insights. We paused the work during the pandemic to focus on emergency support.
Restarting in 2022, we ran a series of workshops to create a discussion paper which was used over a 10-week Thriving Communities City Conversations. We spoke to hundreds of partners, community groups and residents. Feedback on this approach has been very positive, with people valuing the opportunity to discuss real issues that would then help to shape the strategy.
The Census 2021 will provide invaluable insight into the social and demographic changes that have occurred over the last decade. Census data is now gradually being released, which will allow us to better understand the characteristics of our local communities including deprivation and inequalities. Already we know our population has grown by 6.7% over the past 10 years to 162,100. Alongside consultation and community conversations, this information will help our understanding of our communities.
We know it is important to take a whole system approach - looking at how the bigger picture connects - and that equality, diversity, inclusivity and a sense of belonging need to be at the heart of the strategy. Oxford City Council’s Thriving Communities Strategy dovetails with Oxfordshire County Council’s public health work and Children’s Services; and of the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care System partners (BOB ICS).
Based on these insights, this strategy recognises the need to be flexible, to treat people as individuals and to shape our approach so it helps local people find local solutions to their priority issues.
