Last Friday, two members of Oxfordshire County Council’s Digital Infrastructure Programme (DIP) team attended the MJ Achievement Awards in central London, where we were proud to be shortlisted for the Community Engagement Award.
While we didn’t take home the trophy this time, being recognised alongside outstanding work from across local government is an achievement in itself — and a moment worth celebrating.
Recognised for community-first digital infrastructure
Our shortlisted entry highlighted the team’s work in Ewelme, a rural South Oxfordshire village that faced significant digital connectivity challenges. At the start of 2025, fewer than 10% of premises had access to gigabit-capable broadband, leaving residents at risk of digital exclusion.
Through close collaboration with residents, suppliers and partners, the DIP team helped transform the village’s digital future — ultimately supporting the delivery of full fibre infrastructure and boosting gigabit coverage to over 80%.
What made this project stand out was not just the technical outcome, but the way it was delivered.
Putting people at the centre
From the outset, the team prioritised open, transparent engagement. They spent time in the village, walking routes with residents, listening carefully to concerns, and explaining complex technical and regulatory issues in a way that was clear and accessible.
This included everything from planning constraints and safety regulations to the implications of the UK’s 2027 Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off. By breaking down highly technical information, the team enabled residents to make informed decisions and actively shape the final design.
They also worked closely with suppliers to unlock investment where none had previously been planned — demonstrating how local insight and strong advocacy can overcome market challenges in rural areas.
A collective achievement
The success in Ewelme reflects a partnership between the council, residents and delivery partners. It shows what can be achieved when communities are meaningfully involved in shaping solutions that affect them.
Within just a month of the new infrastructure going live, take-up had already reached 29%, with residents benefiting from significantly faster, more reliable connections. The project has also delivered wider social value, including free connectivity for a local public building.
Celebrating progress and looking ahead
Attending the MJ Achievement Awards was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on this work and celebrate the impact of community-focused innovation across the sector.
For the DIP team, being shortlisted is a testament to their dedication, expertise and commitment to putting residents first — particularly in complex and challenging environments.
We’re proud of what has been achieved in Ewelme and will continue to build on this approach as we work to improve digital connectivity across Oxfordshire.