Articles
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Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship Programme 2027 - Oxford Brookes University
Share Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship Programme 2027 - Oxford Brookes University on Facebook Share Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship Programme 2027 - Oxford Brookes University on X (formerly Twitter) Share Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship Programme 2027 - Oxford Brookes University on Linkedin Email Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship Programme 2027 - Oxford Brookes University link*Due to commence in January 2027.
Programme Information and Entry Requirements
Please find full details of the programme, including entry requirements, via the link below:
Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship - Oxford Brookes University
Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Hold GCSE Maths and English at grades A*-C / 9-4 (or equivalent qualifications). If applicants do not currently hold one or both of these qualifications, please encourage them to contact us to discuss available options.
- Be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week to meet apprenticeship requirements.
- Be able to work flexibly to undertake external clinical placements.
- Have lived in the UK for a minimum of three years prior to the start of the programme. These three years must not have been spent on a Student Visa.
- If a visa is required to work in the UK, it must remain valid for the full duration of the programme, including the End Point Assessment (EPA), which is approximately 2 years.
Applications
If you have staff interested in undertaking the programme, the expression of interest deadline for the January 2027 cohort is 9 October 2026.
Staff can contact Jacqui Charrett directly to discuss the programme and eligibility requirements via the details below:
Jacqui Charrett | Learning and Development Manager (Vocational Learning)| Learning & Development Department | Oxford Health NHS Foundation
Tel: 07827882595 | Email: jacqui.charrett@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
website : www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
Apprenticeship Levy Funding
The programme can be funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.
Placement and Practice Support
Oxford Health can support employers by coordinating clinical placements and providing Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor support throughout the programme.
*Due to commence in January 2027.
Programme Information and Entry Requirements
Please find full details of the programme, including entry requirements, via the link below:
Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship - Oxford Brookes University
Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Hold GCSE Maths and English at grades A*-C / 9-4 (or equivalent qualifications). If applicants do not currently hold one or both of these qualifications, please encourage them to contact us to discuss available options.
- Be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week to meet apprenticeship requirements.
- Be able to work flexibly to undertake external clinical placements.
- Have lived in the UK for a minimum of three years prior to the start of the programme. These three years must not have been spent on a Student Visa.
- If a visa is required to work in the UK, it must remain valid for the full duration of the programme, including the End Point Assessment (EPA), which is approximately 2 years.
Applications
If you have staff interested in undertaking the programme, the expression of interest deadline for the January 2027 cohort is 9 October 2026.
Staff can contact Jacqui Charrett directly to discuss the programme and eligibility requirements via the details below:
Jacqui Charrett | Learning and Development Manager (Vocational Learning)| Learning & Development Department | Oxford Health NHS Foundation
Tel: 07827882595 | Email: jacqui.charrett@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
website : www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
Apprenticeship Levy Funding
The programme can be funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.
Placement and Practice Support
Oxford Health can support employers by coordinating clinical placements and providing Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor support throughout the programme.
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New falls prevention website launched
Share New falls prevention website launched on Facebook Share New falls prevention website launched on X (formerly Twitter) Share New falls prevention website launched on Linkedin Email New falls prevention website launched linkA new website offering practical advice to help people reduce their risk of falling and stay independent for longer has been launched.
The web pages have been created by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust through a true partnership effort, with expert input from us, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Age UK Oxfordshire, Oxford City Council, Thames Valley Integrated Care Board, the University of Oxford, the Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (OACP) and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
Helping residents, families and carers understand what can lead to a fall, and take proactive steps to prevent one, is crucial in supporting people to remain independent, stay in their own homes and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. Falling at home or while out and about is not an inevitable part of getting older, and there are practical ways to reduce the risk.
The website is a useful resource that colleagues can recommend to residents, their families and carers. A dedicated page for professionals is currently being developed.
A new website offering practical advice to help people reduce their risk of falling and stay independent for longer has been launched.
The web pages have been created by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust through a true partnership effort, with expert input from us, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Age UK Oxfordshire, Oxford City Council, Thames Valley Integrated Care Board, the University of Oxford, the Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (OACP) and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
Helping residents, families and carers understand what can lead to a fall, and take proactive steps to prevent one, is crucial in supporting people to remain independent, stay in their own homes and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. Falling at home or while out and about is not an inevitable part of getting older, and there are practical ways to reduce the risk.
The website is a useful resource that colleagues can recommend to residents, their families and carers. A dedicated page for professionals is currently being developed.
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Teenagers Pizza. Politics. The chance to be heard.
Share Teenagers Pizza. Politics. The chance to be heard. on Facebook Share Teenagers Pizza. Politics. The chance to be heard. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Teenagers Pizza. Politics. The chance to be heard. on Linkedin Email Teenagers Pizza. Politics. The chance to be heard. linkDo you know a young person aged 11 to 18 who lives or goes to school in Oxfordshire? We're looking for young people from across the county to take part in a special Pizza and Politics event exploring the government's proposal to lower the voting age to 16.
We're asking colleagues to help spread the word through their families, communities and networks. This could be your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, or young people you know through schools, youth groups, sports clubs, volunteering, community organisations or work.
This special edition of Pizza and Politics is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government and will give young people the chance to:
- Explore how politics affects their lives
- Put questions directly to politicians, policy experts and decision-makers
- Share their views on Votes at 16 and what it could mean for them
- Meet other young people from across Oxfordshire and take part in interactive activities
No political knowledge is needed. Young people simply need to bring their curiosity, ideas and questions.
The event takes place in Oxford on Thursday 29 October, 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Participants will receive:
- Free pizza
- A £15 thank you payment
- A certificate of participation
- Reimbursement of travel expenses
Previous Pizza and Politics events have been extremely popular and received great feedback from both young people and politicians.
Please help us spread the word and encourage any interested young people to sign up on the Let's Talk Oxfordshire website.
If you'd like a flyer to share with your networks by email, social media or in person, please contact Rosie Boyes, Engagement and Consultation Officer.
Find out more and register
Do you know a young person aged 11 to 18 who lives or goes to school in Oxfordshire? We're looking for young people from across the county to take part in a special Pizza and Politics event exploring the government's proposal to lower the voting age to 16.
We're asking colleagues to help spread the word through their families, communities and networks. This could be your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, or young people you know through schools, youth groups, sports clubs, volunteering, community organisations or work.
This special edition of Pizza and Politics is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government and will give young people the chance to:
- Explore how politics affects their lives
- Put questions directly to politicians, policy experts and decision-makers
- Share their views on Votes at 16 and what it could mean for them
- Meet other young people from across Oxfordshire and take part in interactive activities
No political knowledge is needed. Young people simply need to bring their curiosity, ideas and questions.
The event takes place in Oxford on Thursday 29 October, 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Participants will receive:
- Free pizza
- A £15 thank you payment
- A certificate of participation
- Reimbursement of travel expenses
Previous Pizza and Politics events have been extremely popular and received great feedback from both young people and politicians.
Please help us spread the word and encourage any interested young people to sign up on the Let's Talk Oxfordshire website.
If you'd like a flyer to share with your networks by email, social media or in person, please contact Rosie Boyes, Engagement and Consultation Officer.
Find out more and register
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Get your story published with Oxfordshire Libraries
Share Get your story published with Oxfordshire Libraries on Facebook Share Get your story published with Oxfordshire Libraries on X (formerly Twitter) Share Get your story published with Oxfordshire Libraries on Linkedin Email Get your story published with Oxfordshire Libraries linkThink you've got a story to tell? Oxfordshire Libraries' annual eBook short story competition is now open, giving writers of all ages the chance to have their work published and shared with readers across the county.
There are three categories:
- Children (7 to 11)
- Young people (12 to 17)
- Adults (18+)
Winners of each category will see their short story published as an eBook on the Oxfordshire Libraries OverDrive platform and Libby app, for members of Oxfordshire Libraries to borrow in 2027.
The competition is free to enter and closes on 15 November 2026.
Visit our website for full details, entry requirements and how to submit your story.
Think you've got a story to tell? Oxfordshire Libraries' annual eBook short story competition is now open, giving writers of all ages the chance to have their work published and shared with readers across the county.
There are three categories:
- Children (7 to 11)
- Young people (12 to 17)
- Adults (18+)
Winners of each category will see their short story published as an eBook on the Oxfordshire Libraries OverDrive platform and Libby app, for members of Oxfordshire Libraries to borrow in 2027.
The competition is free to enter and closes on 15 November 2026.
Visit our website for full details, entry requirements and how to submit your story.
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Skills For Care : The Adult Social Care Workforce Survey
Share Skills For Care : The Adult Social Care Workforce Survey on Facebook Share Skills For Care : The Adult Social Care Workforce Survey on X (formerly Twitter) Share Skills For Care : The Adult Social Care Workforce Survey on Linkedin Email Skills For Care : The Adult Social Care Workforce Survey linkWe know that every day, people working in adult social care make a difference to the lives of others.
Run by Skills For Care, The Adult Social Care Workforce Survey is an opportunity for you and your employees to speak honestly about your experience of working in social care and share your insights with the Government to influence real change for the sector.
The more people who take part, the stronger the picture of what it's really like to work in adult social care today so please do communicate out to your teams. The link to access the survey is below.
We know that every day, people working in adult social care make a difference to the lives of others.
Run by Skills For Care, The Adult Social Care Workforce Survey is an opportunity for you and your employees to speak honestly about your experience of working in social care and share your insights with the Government to influence real change for the sector.
The more people who take part, the stronger the picture of what it's really like to work in adult social care today so please do communicate out to your teams. The link to access the survey is below.
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A national outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis
Share A national outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis on Facebook Share A national outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis on X (formerly Twitter) Share A national outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis on Linkedin Email A national outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis linkJust to make you aware, UKHSA has provided an update on a national outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis that is affecting several parts of the UK. The current investigation suggests that imported eggs are the most likely source, although enquiries remain ongoing and there is no identified link to UK-produced eggs.
The main message for ASC providers is to ensure that vulnerable residents are only served thoroughly cooked eggs from recognised assurance schemes such as British Lion or Laid in Britain. Other than continuing to follow normal food hygiene and infection prevention measures, no additional actions are currently being requested. We will keep the situation under review and circulate any further advice should it be required.
For useful advice please see the link below.
Advice on safe storage, handling and use of eggs for catering - GOV.UK
Just to make you aware, UKHSA has provided an update on a national outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis that is affecting several parts of the UK. The current investigation suggests that imported eggs are the most likely source, although enquiries remain ongoing and there is no identified link to UK-produced eggs.
The main message for ASC providers is to ensure that vulnerable residents are only served thoroughly cooked eggs from recognised assurance schemes such as British Lion or Laid in Britain. Other than continuing to follow normal food hygiene and infection prevention measures, no additional actions are currently being requested. We will keep the situation under review and circulate any further advice should it be required.
For useful advice please see the link below.
Advice on safe storage, handling and use of eggs for catering - GOV.UK
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Connect To Work Webinar - Supporting Care Providers to Build Stronger Workforces
Share Connect To Work Webinar - Supporting Care Providers to Build Stronger Workforces on Facebook Share Connect To Work Webinar - Supporting Care Providers to Build Stronger Workforces on X (formerly Twitter) Share Connect To Work Webinar - Supporting Care Providers to Build Stronger Workforces on Linkedin Email Connect To Work Webinar - Supporting Care Providers to Build Stronger Workforces linkJoin the Connect to Work Oxfordshire team for a free 45-minute webinar designed specifically for care providers and employers across Oxfordshire.
Discover how Connect to Work can help your organisation attract, recruit and retain talented individuals through tailored employment support and inclusive recruitment practices. We'll provide an overview of the programme, explain how we work alongside employers, and explore the practical support available for both businesses and employees.
Whether you're actively recruiting, facing workforce challenges, or simply interested in learning more about the programme, this session will offer valuable insights and opportunities to connect with our team.
📅 22 September 2026
🕙 10:00am - 10:45am
🖥️ No booking required: Link to join is here: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/338901487158991?p=EEVEe54SN4t7HSsjbx
☑️ Save these details in your calendar – share with other colleagues too!
Join the Connect to Work Oxfordshire team for a free 45-minute webinar designed specifically for care providers and employers across Oxfordshire.
Discover how Connect to Work can help your organisation attract, recruit and retain talented individuals through tailored employment support and inclusive recruitment practices. We'll provide an overview of the programme, explain how we work alongside employers, and explore the practical support available for both businesses and employees.
Whether you're actively recruiting, facing workforce challenges, or simply interested in learning more about the programme, this session will offer valuable insights and opportunities to connect with our team.
📅 22 September 2026
🕙 10:00am - 10:45am
🖥️ No booking required: Link to join is here: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/338901487158991?p=EEVEe54SN4t7HSsjbx
☑️ Save these details in your calendar – share with other colleagues too!
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Outbreak Reporting - UKHSA Webinar on Wednesday 2nd September at 2pm
Share Outbreak Reporting - UKHSA Webinar on Wednesday 2nd September at 2pm on Facebook Share Outbreak Reporting - UKHSA Webinar on Wednesday 2nd September at 2pm on X (formerly Twitter) Share Outbreak Reporting - UKHSA Webinar on Wednesday 2nd September at 2pm on Linkedin Email Outbreak Reporting - UKHSA Webinar on Wednesday 2nd September at 2pm link*UKHSA Webinar on Wednesday 2nd September at 2pm
UKHSA have set up an online acute respiratory infection (ARI) outbreak reporting tool for nursing and residential care home settings in the South East
The Outbreak Reporting tool is set to be launched on the 7th September and UKHSA have set up a webinar that outlines the aim of this tool and how it links with the use of the LFD testing that was trialled in Winter 2025.
This session is designed specifically for care home managers, deputy managers, clinical leads and senior care home staff responsible for outbreak management, and will be used to report a single confirmed case of flu or an outbreak of respiratory infection, including COVID-19, flu and RSV.
The webinar will explain:
- An update on the use and replenishment of combination LFDs
- When a respiratory outbreak should be reported.
- The information you'll need before starting.
- A step-by-step walkthrough of the reporting process.
- What happens after a report is submitted.
- Frequently asked questions.
Meeting on Wednesday 2nd September at 2pm
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/353385283327058?p=6bQEHhAsbJbGAMwMKP
Meeting ID: 353 385 283 327 058
Passcode: TN7mb2qZ
Thank you
Kind regards
Vanessa
Vanessa Seeboruth
Infection Prevention and Control Team Lead
*UKHSA Webinar on Wednesday 2nd September at 2pm
UKHSA have set up an online acute respiratory infection (ARI) outbreak reporting tool for nursing and residential care home settings in the South East
The Outbreak Reporting tool is set to be launched on the 7th September and UKHSA have set up a webinar that outlines the aim of this tool and how it links with the use of the LFD testing that was trialled in Winter 2025.
This session is designed specifically for care home managers, deputy managers, clinical leads and senior care home staff responsible for outbreak management, and will be used to report a single confirmed case of flu or an outbreak of respiratory infection, including COVID-19, flu and RSV.
The webinar will explain:
- An update on the use and replenishment of combination LFDs
- When a respiratory outbreak should be reported.
- The information you'll need before starting.
- A step-by-step walkthrough of the reporting process.
- What happens after a report is submitted.
- Frequently asked questions.
Meeting on Wednesday 2nd September at 2pm
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/353385283327058?p=6bQEHhAsbJbGAMwMKP
Meeting ID: 353 385 283 327 058
Passcode: TN7mb2qZ
Thank you
Kind regards
Vanessa
Vanessa Seeboruth
Infection Prevention and Control Team Lead
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Employment Event 28 September 2026
Share Employment Event 28 September 2026 on Facebook Share Employment Event 28 September 2026 on X (formerly Twitter) Share Employment Event 28 September 2026 on Linkedin Email Employment Event 28 September 2026 linkI wanted to share an invitation to an upcoming Oxfordshire Employability Day that Affinity Trust is hosting on Monday 28 September, from 10.30am to 3.30pm at Didcot Civic Hall. click HERE for poster
The event has been designed for people with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs, with the aim of helping people build their skills, confidence and experience as they explore employment and volunteering opportunities. The day will be practical and interactive, with opportunities to identify skills and interests, receive support with CVs, practice interviews and explore potential routes into employment. Attendees will also receive an Employment Passport to take away, recording the skills and experience they have developed during the day.
We would really appreciate it if you could share the invitation with any people you are currently working with, outside of Affinity Trust, who you feel may benefit from attending. The event is not intended solely for people who are actively seeking employment; it is equally aimed at those who may simply be interested in finding out more, building their confidence, developing skills, exploring volunteering or understanding what opportunities may be available to them. Places are limited, so anyone wishing to attend is asked to RSVP using the QR code on the attached invitation or by contacting Recruitment@AffinityTrust.org.
We would love to make this a genuinely collaborative Oxfordshire event and create opportunities for people to connect with a range of organisations and services that can support them beyond the day itself.
Please feel free to share the invitation widely with any colleagues or individuals who you think may benefit.
Connor Checksfield
Operations Manager
T: 07833 479 132
I wanted to share an invitation to an upcoming Oxfordshire Employability Day that Affinity Trust is hosting on Monday 28 September, from 10.30am to 3.30pm at Didcot Civic Hall. click HERE for poster
The event has been designed for people with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs, with the aim of helping people build their skills, confidence and experience as they explore employment and volunteering opportunities. The day will be practical and interactive, with opportunities to identify skills and interests, receive support with CVs, practice interviews and explore potential routes into employment. Attendees will also receive an Employment Passport to take away, recording the skills and experience they have developed during the day.
We would really appreciate it if you could share the invitation with any people you are currently working with, outside of Affinity Trust, who you feel may benefit from attending. The event is not intended solely for people who are actively seeking employment; it is equally aimed at those who may simply be interested in finding out more, building their confidence, developing skills, exploring volunteering or understanding what opportunities may be available to them. Places are limited, so anyone wishing to attend is asked to RSVP using the QR code on the attached invitation or by contacting Recruitment@AffinityTrust.org.
We would love to make this a genuinely collaborative Oxfordshire event and create opportunities for people to connect with a range of organisations and services that can support them beyond the day itself.
Please feel free to share the invitation widely with any colleagues or individuals who you think may benefit.
Connor Checksfield
Operations Manager
T: 07833 479 132
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The Big Conversation on Care
Share The Big Conversation on Care on Facebook Share The Big Conversation on Care on X (formerly Twitter) Share The Big Conversation on Care on Linkedin Email The Big Conversation on Care linkDear Partners
As a valued partner in Oxfordshire’s adult social care system, we wanted to share an important opportunity for you to help shape the future of care nationally and ensure that local voices, experiences, and perspectives are heard.
Last week, Baroness Casey of Blackstock launched The Big Conversation on Care, which has been described as the most ambitious public conversation in a generation. It gives the public a direct role in shaping the future of adult social care in England.
This is an opportunity for you to contribute your unique perspective from Oxfordshire.
Between now and April 2027, you have the opportunity to share your views on what you want and expect from a future National Care Service, including answering challenging questions about who it should support, what families and people who draw upon services should reasonably be expected to do, and how the country should pay for care in a fair and sustainable way.
Baroness Casey has warned that the adult social care system is "broken" and that previous attempts to reform social care have too often failed because they have tried to resolve fundamental questions without first building public understanding and consent.
The Big Conversation aims to engage one million people across England by asking:
"When we are old or disabled, or have a serious illness, who should support us and how?"
Baroness Casey said:
"For too long, we have been stuck in the same cycle: crisis, promises of reform, another review, and then retreat, while the people who need care, and their families, bear the brunt
“Social care affects every family in this country, whether we need care ourselves, care for someone we love, work in care, or pay for it through our taxes.
“That's why I am launching The Big Conversation on Care today. I want people across England to help us face the hard questions about how we can build a National Care Service.
“It is only by listening to the public that we can build the agreement needed for lasting reform."
The first phase of the conversation, running from July to November, will focus on the values and principles we should all expect from a care system and who should be eligible for support. The second phase will focus on how care should be funded and how reform should be delivered.
The results of The Big Conversation will be presented to the Independent Commission and will inform its recommendations, which are due by summer 2027.
We encourage you to share your views through The Big Conversation on Care.
Best wishes
Karen Fuller, Director of Adult Social Care
Victoria Baran, Deputy Director Adult Social Care
Ian Bottomley, Deputy Director Commissioning
Oxfordshire County Council
County Hall, New Road, Oxford, OX1 1ND
Dear Partners
As a valued partner in Oxfordshire’s adult social care system, we wanted to share an important opportunity for you to help shape the future of care nationally and ensure that local voices, experiences, and perspectives are heard.
Last week, Baroness Casey of Blackstock launched The Big Conversation on Care, which has been described as the most ambitious public conversation in a generation. It gives the public a direct role in shaping the future of adult social care in England.
This is an opportunity for you to contribute your unique perspective from Oxfordshire.
Between now and April 2027, you have the opportunity to share your views on what you want and expect from a future National Care Service, including answering challenging questions about who it should support, what families and people who draw upon services should reasonably be expected to do, and how the country should pay for care in a fair and sustainable way.
Baroness Casey has warned that the adult social care system is "broken" and that previous attempts to reform social care have too often failed because they have tried to resolve fundamental questions without first building public understanding and consent.
The Big Conversation aims to engage one million people across England by asking:
"When we are old or disabled, or have a serious illness, who should support us and how?"
Baroness Casey said:
"For too long, we have been stuck in the same cycle: crisis, promises of reform, another review, and then retreat, while the people who need care, and their families, bear the brunt
“Social care affects every family in this country, whether we need care ourselves, care for someone we love, work in care, or pay for it through our taxes.
“That's why I am launching The Big Conversation on Care today. I want people across England to help us face the hard questions about how we can build a National Care Service.
“It is only by listening to the public that we can build the agreement needed for lasting reform."
The first phase of the conversation, running from July to November, will focus on the values and principles we should all expect from a care system and who should be eligible for support. The second phase will focus on how care should be funded and how reform should be delivered.
The results of The Big Conversation will be presented to the Independent Commission and will inform its recommendations, which are due by summer 2027.
We encourage you to share your views through The Big Conversation on Care.
Best wishes
Karen Fuller, Director of Adult Social Care
Victoria Baran, Deputy Director Adult Social Care
Ian Bottomley, Deputy Director Commissioning
Oxfordshire County Council
County Hall, New Road, Oxford, OX1 1ND