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Creating social value
Creating lasting positive impact for people, communities and the environment by embedding purpose alongside profit.
At ODS, we call our approach to social value Doing Good.
It is not a separate programme or initiative. It is the way we do business.
As a business wholly owned by Oxford City Council, everything we do is guided by our purpose:
Making our communities great places to live, work and visit.
Everything we do is guided by that purpose, from the jobs we create and the services we deliver to the way we invest buy and grow.
Our Priorities
Employment & Skills
Creating opportunities that change lives. We create pathways into employment, support young people into work and help develop the skills needed for the future. By investing in people and creating opportunities, we aim to strengthen both our organisation and the communities we serve.
Local Economy
Keeping value local. As a company wholly owned by Oxford City Council, our success helps support public services while our purchasing decisions help strengthen local supply chains, SMEs and community organisations. We believe public spending should create wider community benefit and help local economies thrive.
Environment
Leaving every place better than we found it. We are developing a Carbon Reduction Plan and establishing a clear route to Net Zero. Our focus is on understanding and reducing our environmental impact, investing in low-carbon solutions and supporting greener, more resilient communities.
Health & Wellbeing
Supporting people through every stage of working life. Before we can do good in our communities, we must do right by our people. We are committed to paying the Oxford Living Wage, supporting wellbeing, investing in development and creating an inclusive workplace where colleagues can thrive.
How we’ll hold ourselves accountable
Doing Good is more than a set of commitments. It is a promise to measure the difference we make and be transparent about our progress.
Through our Social Value Strategy, we are strengthening how we measure and report impact across employment, skills, local economic growth, environmental sustainability and wellbeing.
We will publish updates on our progress, share what we have learned and continue to focus our efforts where we can create the greatest positive impact.
