Community Hubs

Background 

Fostering inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable community spaces that also offer economic opportunities is an important component of achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This research project, undertaken in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, explores the strategic positioning, development, and sustainability of community hubs in Oxfordshire. The initiative aims to enhance social cohesion and support local economic development by providing essential services through these hubs. The primary challenge addressed is the optimization of community hub operations to meet evolving community needs effectively.  

Research Approach 

The objective of this research was to identify optimal strategies for Community Hubs to better serve their communities and sustain their operations. This involved (a) a comprehensive needs assessment through desktop research, (b) web-scrapping data from the internet, (c) secondary data analysis, (d) interviews with community hub staff members, and (e) review of existing literature. Data were sourced from demographic maps, stakeholder interviews, and local authority reports. The research was supported by partnerships with local organizations and community representatives, ensuring a well-rounded and inclusive approach. 

Key Findings  

The research revealed four broad strategic categories for community hubs based on community needs, hub personnel capabilities, and available resources. One significant finding is the need for community hubs to establish an overarching impact strategy, enabling better planning, partnership development, and impact evaluation. Case studies highlighted successful hubs that actively engage in democratic decision-making, ensuring that services are relevant and inclusive. An example is the implementation of regular community forums and surveys, which have significantly enhanced community engagement and service alignment. 

Outputs 

The findings underscore the importance of strategic positioning and regular community consultations for the effective operation of community hubs. By adopting these practices, hubs can better address community needs and contribute to local development goals. The establishment of a community hub network in Oxfordshire will facilitate resource sharing, enhance communication, and promote collaboration among hubs, further amplifying their impact. These recommendations are crucial for policymakers, local authorities, and community organizations aiming to foster sustainable community development. 

Dashboard: Oxford Community Hubs

Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impacts of community hubs on local communities and to refine strategies for their development and sustainability. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge transfer with industry partners should be pursued to enhance the effectiveness of community hubs. Plans are in place to present these findings to the city council and other stakeholders, with the aim of scaling and diffusing the research outputs to wider audiences.

The Community Impact Lab is supported by the University of Oxford’s ESRC Impact Acceleration Account