Employer case studies and success stories

ODS is proud to be one of the growing number of local organisations choosing to pay the Oxford Living Wage, joining a citywide movement that puts fairness, people, and social value at the heart of what it does.  

As a council-owned company, ODS is rooted in Oxford and the communities it serves every day. The teams play a vital role in keeping the city clean, safe, and running smoothly, and they believe the people who look after Oxford should be able to afford to live and work here too.  

Paying the Oxford Living Wage is a simple but meaningful way to create social value and support staff while contributing to a stronger, more inclusive city. 

Simon Howick MD at ODS said: “Oxford’s a beautiful city, but it’s no secret that living here is expensive. Housing costs, groceries, everyday bills - it all adds up. We believe the people who look after the city deserve to actually live here, not just work here. Paying the Oxford Living Wage is one way we generate real social value for our staff and the wider community.” 

ODS’s core ethos is guided by its five CARES values -- Commitment, Aspiration, Respect, Engagement and Safety -- reflecting a strong profit for a purpose approach that puts people, wellbeing and doing the right thing at the heart of everything it does.  

Paying the Oxford Living Wage is one of the ways they put these values in action, demonstrating respect for employees, a commitment to going beyond minimum standards, and a genuine focus on wellbeing so their staff feel valued, supported and able to do their best work. 

And would they encourage other businesses to pay the Oxford Living Wage? 

“Absolutely. For ODS paying the Oxford Living Wage isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s part of who we are, and it’s an investment in social value. In a city where the cost of living is so high, fair pay benefits everyone: staff, their families, and the wider community.”