Our Board and Sub-groups:
From 1 April 2025, we have operated under the trading name of ‘Enterprise Oxfordshire’, with the change marking the completion of a two-year process that saw the economic development functions – previously led by Local Enterprise Partnerships – altered so that they are to be overseen via a mechanism agreed by respective upper-tier local authorities, in this instance, Oxfordshire County Council.
The shift in policy was originally announced by the previous Chancellor Jeremy Hunt at the then Government’s Spring Budget in March 2023.
Since then, both us and Oxfordshire County Council worked closely to ensure a refreshed and clear governance process was created, whilst maintaining operations and meeting the changes required by Government.
What followed in November 2024 saw the County Council’s full cabinet announce that OxLEP Ltd would remain, with the County Council acting as the organisation’s 100% shareholder – known as a Teckal company arrangement.
OxLEP would then adopt the new trading name, as well as maintaining its independent company status.
Building on its significant legacy as OxLEP, Enterprise Oxfordshire oversees the delivery of a comprehensive set of business, skills, investment and trade support services, as well as supporting a variety of strategies backing Oxfordshire’s economic potential to be delivered in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
Our governance structure supports us to deliver this effectively. We have carefully crafted a number of sub-groups, each influencing different aspects of our work.
Each one reports back to our main Board (shareholder committee), ensuring a cohesive and unified approach. With the help of these dedicated sub-groups, we can continue to drive forward prosperity across Oxfordshire.
Our Committees:
Nominations and Personnel Committee
Introducing the Nominations and Personnel Committee – a vital team tasked with reviewing and addressing key issues regarding the recruitment and retention of our Board Directors and staff.
This committee is dedicated to ensuring the success and effectiveness of our leadership.
By reporting back to the Board on this vital subject, it ensures transparency and accountability. Additionally, it conducts an annual review of the Board’s effectiveness and provides valuable recommendations based on findings.
Its responsibilities don’t stop there.
The Nominations and Personnel Committee also thoroughly examine the policies and procedures related to the recruitment, management and remuneration of our staff. By making recommendations to the Board, we strive to create an environment that attracts and retains top talent.
In short, the Nominations and Personnel Committee is the driving force behind maintaining a high-performing Board and creating a positive working environment for our dedicated staff.
Finance and Audit Committee
The Finance and Audit Committee plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of our organisation’s financial processes and procedures.
This committee is responsible for reviewing and overseeing financial regulations and procedures to ensure a strong control environment is maintained. Additionally, they receive and evaluate reports from both internal and external auditors regarding their independent assessments of our control environment.
Our internal and external auditors are welcomed to discuss the committee’s work and have direct access if they have any specific issues they wish to address.
Some of our key partners:
The Oxfordshire Leaders Joint Committee (OLJC)
The OLJC (formerly the Future Oxfordshire Partnership) is a collaborative committee consisting of the six councils of Oxfordshire and key strategic partners, including OxLEP.
Its mission is to coordinate local efforts in managing economic, housing, and infrastructure development in an inclusive manner that maximises social and environmental benefits.
The partnership’s purpose is to deliver the bold aims of the Strategic Vision for Sustainable Development in Oxfordshire which all six councils have adopted. Additionally, it aims to contribute to biodiversity gain and embrace the necessary changes for a low carbon world.
Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership
The Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP) works together to create a more equal and sustainable region that creates opportunities and benefits for all people within the county.
It works to tackle some of our region’s biggest problems to create a fairer environment where everyone can contribute and share in our success.
The OIEP seeks to support, grow or amplify specific initiatives or specialist organisations who are already successful in tackling the issues around the inclusive economy as well as identifying any gaps.