Job Description

The Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership is seeking a Steering Group Chair to provide leadership as it works to mobilise partners and communities to achieving a net zero and climate resilient Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire is one of the leading counties in the UK in setting ambitious climate change targets and delivery. This is an exciting opportunity to lead this partnership of its largest and most influential organisations. By joining the partnership, you will be part of a passionate group of individuals and organisations who are making a tangible difference in creating a greener, more sustainable future for Oxfordshire and beyond.

The Partnership includes representatives from business, academia, the voluntary and community sector, local authorities, and public services –including both universities, both hospital trusts, Oxfordshire’s District and County Councils, further education bodies and large businesses such as BMW Mini, Lucy Group, LandSec, SSEN and Unipart, as well as OxLEP and the Low Carbon Hub.

We are now looking for a new Chair to take forward the work of the Partnership at this critical moment for Oxfordshire’s climate action. Working closely with ZCOP members, the Secretariat, and key partners across the county, the Chair will play a key role in shaping and championing the next phase of delivery, governance, and collaboration. As we:

•Build a county-wide Partnership: attracting more public, private & third sector organisations to join us in driving positive collaboration.

•Accelerate action: to tackle new and complex issues by convening expert stakeholders around specific challenges.

•Inspire and engage: to showcase more of the positive actions being delivered to help build a movement that everyone who lives, works, or studies can feel part of, while continuing to learn from best practice in other UK and international areas. Further enable our partners to accelerate their emissions reductions by sharing practical experience and insights with each other.

•Shape our work plan: to ensure the next 5-year plan is inclusive, ambitious and practical, setting a clear path for both the partnership.

The Chair appointment is part of a wider update of ZCOP’s governance and delivery structures, which also includes the appointment of Working Group Champions and an expanded membership of the Steering Group, following the expansion from a city to county-wide partnership.

ZCOP’s work is guided by the Pathways to Zero Carbon Oxfordshire (PAZCO) report, with partners working together to translate strategic goals into deliverable actions. This work is supported by sector-based Working groups and driven by the Steering Group who coordinate and champions progress. The ZCOP Secretariat is hosted by Oxford City Council.

More information on the Partnerships can be found in our annual report on our website. 

Role duration: 3 years, starting in Q3 2025

Remuneration: The role of Partnership Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration. Costs incurred as part of the role (e.g. travel and subsistence) may be claimed.

To apply: Submit your CV (2-page max.) and a cover letter (1-page max.) detailing your suitability and ambitions for the role. Applications are to be received at the below email by 12am on 30th April 2025.