The fifth annual Business in Oxford conference on Wednesday was a celebration of collaboration and economic prosperity – whilst also acknowledging the challenges that are holding the county back.
Kate Fyson was elected to the OCF trustee board last week, and brings extensive experience in finance and high-level planning that will help us fulfil our ambitions over the coming years.
OCF is at the heart of a new Banbury partnership that has received seed funding from the Placed Based Social Action programme, initiated by the Big Lottery Fund and Department of Digital, Culture Media and Sport (DCMS).
The Grant Thornton Vibrant Economy Index has named Oxford city as the top-ranking area in the UK in terms of community, trust and belonging. However, the city does less well on measures of equality and health.
On Monday donors to OCF’s Step Change Fund gathered to hear about the progress of our flagship grants programme, which in 2017/18 made £252,000 in investments that boost the operational management of Oxfordshire’s leading small charities.
On Tuesday the Evans family remembered their daughter and sister Maggie, who took her own life ten years ago, aged 29. The annual Maggie’s Day event is a celebration of the power of the arts, and this year was no exception, with Joseph Coelho showing children how easy it can be to express yourself through poetry.
At a ceremony at Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday, local businessman Richard Venables was sworn in as the 2018-19 High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, replacing Jane Cranston. During his year he will run a series of sporting challenges for businesses.
Over 100 people took part in a symposium at the Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre, Worcester College yesterday to understand more about how businesses can support the community by sharing time, talent and skills – and boost staff leadership potential at the same time.
OCF’s board receives a new boost as David brings a huge amount of strategic, financial and governance experience to the charity, with a long and impressive career as a Civil Servant under his belt.
OCF is seeking donations to its High Sheriff’s Community Integration fund, which brings together people from different backgrounds, builds mutual understanding and encourages a sense of belonging to the wider community.