A new partnership between a digital platform, Matchable, and Oxford North, an innovation district in Oxford, aims to boost corporate volunteering by connecting local companies with charitable organisations. Matchable operates in 15 countries and helps corporate volunteers find non-profit and start-up opportunities. The Oxford North project, a £700 million development managed by Oxford North Ventures—a joint venture including Thomas White Oxford, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, and Stanhope—features plans for 480 homes and extensive laboratory and workspace areas. Phase 1 construction partners include Laing O’Rourke, Careys, and The Hill Group.
Oxford North has procured 75 Matchable licences to integrate volunteering into employee contracts, facilitating skill-based assistance for local charitable projects. Thirty organisations in Oxfordshire have been preliminarily identified for collaboration. Key figures involved include Victoria Collett of Thomas White Oxford, Tom Storey, and Matchable CEO Foong Ng, who emphasize the project’s potential to enhance community support and provide significant upskilling for volunteers. This initiative coincides with National Volunteering Week and aims to promote seamless and meaningful volunteer engagements across Oxfordshire.