Universities and councils in Oxfordshire are collaborating to tackle pressing societal issues through the innovative 2025 Local Policy Lab Fellowship programme. This initiative brings together postgraduate researchers, academics, and policymakers to drive evidence-based solutions and improve wellbeing across the county.
What is the Local Policy Lab Fellowship?
The Local Policy Lab Fellowship is a strategic partnership involving Oxfordshire County Council, the University of Oxford, and Oxford Brookes University. Designed to address key local challenges, the programme brings together 14 fellows who engage directly with policy officers from both Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council.
Over a three-month period, fellows participated in projects aimed at tackling inequalities and enhancing community wellbeing. A culmination event at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government displayed the programme’s impactful outcomes to academics, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
A Focus on Wellbeing and Inequality
One of the core goals of this fellowship is to understand and address the root causes of socio-economic disparities in Oxfordshire. Research topics included enhancing family care provision through family hubs and exploring the drivers of fair pay and workforce diversity. These initiatives directly align with Oxfordshire’s priorities as a designated Marmot Place, focusing on:
- Providing a good start in life
- Creating fair employment opportunities
- Ensuring a healthy standard of living for everyone
Dr. Foyeke Tolani, Head of Research at Oxfordshire County Council, praised the programme, stating: “The Local Policy Lab Fellowship programme is laying the groundwork for real change and opportunity. By uniting talented university students with our council officers, we aim to improve health outcomes and address inequalities in Oxfordshire. Our emphasis remains on delivering high-quality, people-centred research to create a fairer, greener, and healthier community.”
The Role of Academia in Local Policy
Professor Alexander Betts, Pro-vice Chancellor of External Engagement, Sport, and Community at the University of Oxford, underscored the value of collaboration, saying: “By combining the academic assets of Oxford’s two universities with the expertise of our councils, we can support evidence-based policymaking in areas that truly matter. These projects have been co-created alongside community partners, ensuring meaningful and impactful change for our region.”
The fellowship not only aims to tackle today’s socio-economic challenges but also serves to strengthen long-term relationships between Oxfordshire’s academic and governmental institutions. By connecting researchers, policymakers, and community organizations, the initiative seeks to offer sustainable and data-driven solutions for health inequalities.
A Vision for a Fairer Oxfordshire
With the groundwork laid by the fellowship programme, Oxfordshire is set to become a role model in promoting equity and wellbeing through collaborative efforts. The Local Policy Lab represents a vital step toward addressing critical local issues and fostering a healthier, more connected society.
