How we work
Our approach is shaped by our Values, brought to life by our people, and evident in the way we collaborate – both within our teams and beyond OUI.
Working with us
From everyday conversations to long-term collaboration, we work in a way that brings our Values to life.
Communicating well
We aim to communicate in a way that is clear, timely and considered. We listen carefully, share information, and encourage two-way conversations that help build stronger relationships and better outcomes.
Living our Values
Our Values inform how we show up for one another, and with others outside of OUI.
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)
At OUI, we’re committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). We aim to create an inclusive environment with fair access to opportunities, where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be themselves. We want all our people to thrive, contribute their perspectives, and play an active role in our collective success.
Respect
We aim to create a welcoming and respectful working environment, where our people – and those who we partner and collaborate with – are treated with courtesy and understanding.
We want everyone to feel safe and supported, and don’t accept abuse, aggression, harassment or unwanted behaviour of any kind.
Considering the rights, wishes and wellbeing of others helps create positive and productive experiences – for everyone.
Sustainability
We believe innovation has a vital role to play in building a more sustainable future.
From carrying out our own operations using environmentally sustainable methods to enabling the climate-conscious ideas generated at Oxford, we’re helping to drive change across the innovation ecosystem – delivering progress responsibly and for the long term.
As a subsidiary of the University of Oxford, we participate in the Green Impact programme and have consistently achieved the Beyond Gold Award since 2018. Our practical improvements to reduce energy use, water consumption and waste include:
- Renewable energy: using 100% renewable energy from natural sources such as solar and wind
- Net zero: reducing greenhouse gas emissions through LED lighting and energy-efficient HVAC systems, and offsetting residual emissions through accredited schemes
- Tree planting: planting more than 250 trees at Wytham Woods, with an ongoing programme to plant a tree for each new venture launched
Supporting our local region
We’re proud to be a charter signee of the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP), a collaborative effort to build a more equitable region that offers opportunities for all individuals in the county. As a charter signee, we pledge – amongst other things – to support the local and social economy, helping to improve lives for every resident. As just one example, the majority of the people photography on this website is the work of local photographer John Cairns.
Doing business with integrity
We’re committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business activities and relationships. We operate in accordance with the University of Oxford’s anti-slavery and anti-trafficking policy, and have effective systems and controls in place to ensure modern slavery does not occur within our business or supply chains.
Tell us what you think
If you’d like to give us feedback or suggest improvements for the way we work, we’d love to hear from you.