Oxfordshire County Council, established in 1889, serves as the upper tier local authority for Oxfordshire, providing numerous local government services to over 725,000 residents. From adult and children’s social care to libraries and museums, to roads and waste disposal, the Council is dedicated to creating a greener, fairer, and healthier county.

The Council is driven by five core values: always learning; kindness and care; daring to do things differently; equality and integrity; and taking responsibility. These values are more than just words, they are the lifeblood of the organisation, reflected in every action and decision taken.

The Council’s strategic vision, encapsulated in its ambitious transformation programme, is regularly shared with colleagues through fortnightly emails from the strategic leadership team. These communications serve as a constant reminder of the Council’s mission and celebrate the hard work and success of colleagues.

To ensure open communication and engagement at all levels, the Council utilises Viva Engage, creating a platform for conversation and news sharing. Additionally, online colleague forum events are held bi-monthly, offering an opportunity to hear updates on objectives and ask questions.

The Council's commitment to its values is also demonstrated through its use of the Vivup Highfive recognition platform, celebrating colleagues who exemplify the Council’s values. This recognition extends to e-badges for those with the most high fives for each value, fostering a culture of appreciation and acknowledgement.