Oxford welcomes you
“Oxford is a global City which has a proud history of migration adding a rich diversity to the City and I am proud that Oxford has been a City of Sanctuary for various groups over many years. There is a sense of solidarity and community, and the Council works tirelessly to create a thriving community which is inclusive and welcoming”.
Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet member for Housing and Communities
What is a Local Authority of Sanctuary?
In December 2024, Oxford City Council was awarded Local Authority of Sanctuary accreditation by the national organisation City of Sanctuary, to help those fleeing global conflicts and persecution. The purpose of this accreditation is to formally recognise local authorities that actively demonstrate a commitment to creating a culture of safety, inclusion, and support for all vulnerable groups. A lot has already been done to achieve this recognition but there is much more to do in order to continue to justify it.
Being a Local Authority of Sanctuary means that we have made a formal commitment to support all vulnerable individuals, particularly those fleeing conflict or persecution. This involves creating a welcoming environment, providing access to services, and promoting integration within our local area. To achieve this, we are working closely with partner organisations, local communities, and government bodies to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers can live with dignity and contribute positively to our society.
Council of Sanctuary Needs Assessment
In 2023, Oxford City Council commissioned Asylum Welcome to carry out research to understand the local need. The charity interviewed more than 100 individuals and stakeholders, including residents, organisations, schools and faith groups, as well as local people seeking sanctuary. The needs assessment explored the views of people seeking sanctuary including their experiences, and opinions on council services.
Many positives were highlighted, including the city's safety, beauty, and renowned reputation, as well as its rich cultural activities, wonderful outdoor spaces, and welcoming communities. However, several challenges were identified, often tied to immigration status and specific support needs.
These challenges shared a common theme: the difficulty of settling and rebuilding lives in a new environment with unfamiliar cultural, legal, and societal norms.
Download the Asylum Welcome Local Authority of Sanctuary Needs Assessment Report.
Council of Sanctuary Framework
The Council of Sanctuary framework was developed collaboratively with residents and key stakeholders, drawing on real-life experiences and valuable insights from this commissioned research, as well as additional analyses conducted by the council.
The framework outlines a comprehensive plan for Oxford City Council to work with partners to improve outcomes for both people seeking sanctuary and the wider community. The work will be funded through existing grants, which the government has ringfenced to support refugees and asylum seekers. Our commitment does not offer preferential treatment to refugee and migrant communities. Instead, it acknowledges the significant challenges asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants face during their arrival, settlement, and integration. By addressing these disadvantages, we aim to achieve better outcomes and foster a fairer, more inclusive society for all
At its core, the vision is to make Oxford a welcoming and safe environment where those seeking sanctuary feel supported, accepted, and included as part of the broader community—a city where everyone can thrive, contribute, and actively shape its future.
Action Plan 2025 to 2028
A key component of this framework is a co-produced three-year action plan, developed in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including individuals with lived experience. This action plan focuses on harnessing the voluntary and community sector, supporting mental and physical wellbeing, enhancing access to education and employment opportunities, addressing accommodation needs and preventing homelessness, and fostering inclusion while amplifying the voices of people seeking sanctuary.
We are also committed to supporting people seeking sanctuary through partnerships across key sectors, including education, housing, health, and community safety. We will raise awareness of asylum and refugee issues, promote understanding among staff and Councillors, and support events like Refugee Week. Progress will be reviewed and reported to council committees and stakeholders, with named leads ensuring accountability across all service areas.
Read the full Council of Sanctuary Framework 2025 to 2028 document and action plan (PDF 809kB).
