Thriving Communities Strategy

We are increasingly focused on creating collaborative, innovative and sustainable approaches to supporting communities. A few examples include Oxford’s Community Impact Fund; the insight-led Community Impact Zone; the Cultural Education Partnership; the creation of a twinning programme between Oxford University colleges and local primary schools; establishing the Museum Development Trust to attract more funds to the Museum of Oxford; and Life Chances where we are piloting the use of Social Impact Bonds to support children and young people.

These innovative approaches have collectively levered in over £1m of revenue over the past three years, alongside creating social value, additional resources and delivering significant outcomes. The Community Impact Fund has created further value by generating match funding for organisations.

We believe that the way we work is as important as what we do. We have explored using an asset-based community development approach, which is also used by partners such as adult social care in what they call the Oxfordshire Way. People fed back that while the approach makes sense, the title is confusing and we need to make sure it is relevant to Oxford. As such we have created Six Thriving Communities Principles.  

These innovative approaches have collectively levered in over £1m of revenue over the past three years...

Six Thriving Communities Principles

During the City Conversations we tested our Thriving Communities Principles, which were very positively received:

1. Doing with, not to – we know that involving people and working together rather than imposing solutions upon people creates far better outcomes.
2. Building on what’s strong, not what’s wrong – we know that a positive approach based on developing what is already working well also helps create better outcomes.
3. Collaboration – we will give time to think through who needs to be involved and what our role should be.
4. Always learn – we will facilitate shared learning and won’t be afraid to try new things – even if mistakes are made – sometimes they provide the greatest learning.
5. We will use clear language that reinforces our values – e.g. we will talk about people - not cases, and understanding someone’s situation rather than assessing their needs.
6. Use meaningful ways to measure and demonstrate the impact of our work – while numbers are useful, other methods such as sharing stories provide more in-depth insight.

The strategy’s principles should not be set in stone; it important to be flexible and review as we go.