Oxford City Council has published its annual Workforce equality report, in which it reported a 6.5% mean gender pay gap for 2024, down from 7.5% in 2023.
Meanwhile, the employer’s 2024 median gender pay gap has closed to zero, from 0.7% in 2023. Its mean disability pay gap decreased from 4.9% in 2023 to 3% in 2024, while the median gap remains at zero.
The mean ethnicity pay gap widened from 10.8% in 2023 to 14% in 2024, likely due to the loss of a senior leader from an ethnic minority background, while the median increased from 11.6% to 12%.
A total of 60% of its workforce are women, above the economically active Oxford population at 48.2%. However, the proportion of women in senior management roles decreased from 49% to 48% in 2024.
In addition, 14.8% are from a minority ethnic background, up from 14.2% in 2023, and ethnic minority management representation increased from 9% to 10%. A total of 10.2% declared a disability, down from 10.4% the year prior, but above the 9.2% local population average.
Oxford City Council stated that it is continuing to build an inclusive and representative workforce, through anonymised recruitment processes that remove names, age and ethnicity from applications to reduce potential bias and ensure applications are judged on merit, and encouraging young people from diverse backgrounds to consider public sector careers through internship placements.
It will also aim to boost engagement with local schools to raise awareness of the council as an employer, and set up a management development programme for employees from minority ethnic backgrounds, women, and those with a disability.
Nigel Chapman, cabinet member for citizen focused services and council companies, said: “I am pleased we are making progress in reducing both the gender and disability pay gaps. Our performance compares well with many organisations in the public sector. Our workforce should reflect Oxford’s community because a more diverse team will enable us to understand the needs of residents. That is key to delivering the best possible services.
“While this year’s report shows progress, there is still more to do. We are committed to continuing our efforts to ensure our workforce truly reflects the communities we serve.”
