Listen Learn Adapt
Listening to views of minority ethnicities on charitable support in Buckinghamshire. Research Report.
Innovation in service delivery: Connecting our research with financial literacy, and employment services.
Financial Literacy and Employment: Research-Driven Impact in Bucks and Beyond
At the Oasis Partnership, our commitment to creating long-term financial resilience and employment opportunities goes beyond education. Our latest initiative, working with Bucks Council and their Multiply programme provides accessible, financial literacy to our communities, but it is rooted in something far bigger—our 2023 Listen, Learn, Adapt research project.
This research, led by The Oasis Partnership, in collaboration with four local charities, with a national influence —Bucks Mind, Bucks Citizens Advice, Age UK Bucks, and Wycombe Wanderers Foundation —highlighted significant gaps in both employment support and financial education, particularly for minority ethnic communities in socially and economically deprived areas.
While this research was conducted in Buckinghamshire, we are intending its insights to have a far-reaching impact after we develop evidence based models, influencing the agenda on how local and national organisations think about employment and financial education. Our work is beginning to address the needs of these communities, providing a scalable model that has the potential for national adoption.
By integrating our financial literacy tools into our employability programs, we’re ensuring that individuals not only move closer to the job market but are equipped with the financial knowledge needed to succeed long-term. The Listen, Learn, Adapt research continues to shape our strategic direction, driving partnerships and innovation across the board.
Key findings from research that shaped our approach:
This finding revealed a critical disconnect between available resources and the perceptions of those who need them.
Our journey into working with minority ethnic communities began with the opportunity to take over the management of a well established Asian Women’s Social Group, which needed a new home following the closure of a local charity two years ago. This group, coordinated by Rani Ahmad, provides a safe and supportive space for Asian women, many of whom faced social isolation and language barriers, to connect, share experiences, and build confidence. Weekly groups are held in Wycombe, Aylesbury and Chesham.
Co-production
The success of this group allowed us to build strong relationships within the community, laying the groundwork for future engagement. It was through this group that we first began to understand the specific challenges faced by minority ethnic communities, including the need for tailored financial literacy and employment support.
This initial engagement became the foundation for our broader work with other minority groups. including African, Turkish, Ukrainian, and West Indian communities.
Our Routes to Work project is designed so that innovation and inclusion are combined in project development. We are keen to work with individuals and communities to improve economic outcomes.
Action taken
These findings sparked not only our work in financial literacy through Multiply but also the development of targeted employment services under our Building Futures, Routes to Work programme. Through collaborations with Buckinghamshire Council on the Opportunity Bucks agenda, we have created projects specifically designed to reach economically inactive individuals, offering group work, mentoring, and support to move them closer to and hopefully into employment.
Read our Minority Ethnic research report here:
Check out our employment support projects or financial literacy courses here.
