Partners share progress on tackling health inequalities in Oxfordshire
Partners from across Oxfordshire came together at an event last Friday, 10 July, to share learning, celebrate community led action and strengthen efforts to tackle health inequalities across the county.
The event, held at Unipart House in Oxford, also marked the launch of Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health Annual Report 2026. The report reflects on progress since the inaugural report back in 2020, and highlights the importance of partnership working, community insight and local action in improving health outcomes.
Bringing together colleagues from local government, health organisations, and the voluntary and community sector, the event focused on how services and communities can work together to reduce inequalities and improve people’s health and wellbeing.
Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “This annual report shows both the progress we have made over the past five years and the importance of continuing to work together to tackle health inequalities in Oxfordshire.
“While there is more to do, it is encouraging to see the difference strong partnership working can make in supporting healthier lives and stronger communities.
“The launch event was a valuable opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved so far, share learning, and renew our collective focus on the work ahead.”
Speakers reflected on the progress made over the past five years, as well as the challenges that remain, while also exploring Oxfordshire’s Marmot Place journey so far, practical examples of community led work, and the growing role of Community Health Development Officers in helping local people shape solutions that meet the needs of their communities.
The event also looked at how district councils, voluntary and community organisations, and local partners are contributing to place-based approaches that build on community strengths and gave participants the opportunity to share ideas on how to build on this work in future.
Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “I was pleased to welcome colleagues and partners from district and city councils, healthcare settings, and voluntary and community organisations to the launch event in Oxford.
“My annual report is an important opportunity to look back on five years of work to reduce health inequalities in Oxfordshire and to be honest about where challenges remain.
“Five years on from my first annual report, ‘Some are more equal than others’, it shows that change is possible, but it does not happen quickly or by chance. It takes sustained action, strong local partnerships, and a clear focus on the communities most affected by poorer health outcomes.
“The learning shared during the event will help inform the next phase of this work across the county, as partners continue working together to improve health and wellbeing for all residents.”
Back in 2019, the Index of Multiple Deprivation data identified ten communities in Oxfordshire with small areas among the 20 per cent most deprived nationally. The most recent data, published in October 2025, shows this has fallen to eight.
Find out more on the Director of Public Health Annual Report website.
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