Local engagement
Oxford's connection to its local communities is central to the University's mission of research, teaching and public service.
Across Oxfordshire and the wider region, the University works with schools, community organisations, local authorities, charities, businesses and cultural institutions to support opportunity, knowledge exchange and shared problem-solving.
These partnerships take many forms. They include educational outreach, community-led research, cultural collaboration, local policy engagement, and programmes designed to support health, wellbeing and economic inclusion. Many initiatives are developed jointly with partners, ensuring that the University’s expertise connects directly with local knowledge and lived experience.
Local engagement takes place across the University’s colleges, departments and divisions, as well as through dedicated programmes and partnerships. From neighbourhood events and community learning opportunities to collaborative research projects and civic partnerships, these activities contribute to the social, cultural and economic life of Oxford and the surrounding region.
The University’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030 places strong emphasis on partnership and public engagement. Working locally is an essential part of this approach. By connecting people, institutions and ideas, the University aims to support long-term collaboration that benefits both local communities and the wider world.
Beyond Town and Gown: Oxford’s Local Engagement in Action
This film offers a snapshot of Oxford’s local engagement in action, showing how partnership, participation and shared purpose come together across a range of programmes and communities.
From schools and sport to culture, sanctuary, research and the inclusive economy, it highlights work that is helping to build stronger connections between the University and the communities around it. As set out in Beyond Town and Gown, this includes activity across education, cultural collaboration, public engagement, policy and place-based partnerships.
Explore more:
Read Beyond Town and Gown: Working Towards a More Inclusive Oxford
Local Partnerships
The Community Partnership Fund (CPF) supports new and emerging collaborations between the University of Oxford and organisations across Oxfordshire. The fund helps develop projects that address shared challenges and create meaningful benefits for local communities.
Projects supported through the fund bring together academic expertise and community knowledge, supporting initiatives that range from education and skills development to cultural activity, sustainability and community wellbeing.
The programme reflects the University’s commitment to building partnerships that are jointly shaped and locally relevant.
Resources
A range of resources are available for individuals and organisations interested in connecting with the University. These include information about partnership programmes, funding opportunities, community initiatives, educational outreach and ways to collaborate with researchers and students.
Oxford in the World
From community partnerships to place-based collaboration, local engagement connects into a wider ecosystem of activity, linking work with communities to national and global impact.
