The Cambridge Rich Picture is a visual tool that has been developed by Live Illustration working with council staff, stakeholders, partners and shaped by feedback from Residents and Communities. The tool focuses on outcomes, not how to fix the problems but about what’s important and what we want Cambridge to be like.  It takes complex information contributed by a wide range of stakeholders and translates it into an easy to interpret visual narrative. The tool is designed to support conversations about the city with communities, partners, and stakeholders, helping to clarify similarities and differences in expectations, and providing valuable insight for the Cambridge system, of which the Council is a part. 

Our vision

Our vision, “One Cambridge, Fair for All”, reflects our ambition to combine economic dynamism with social justice and equality. It is a vision we develop and deliver collaboratively, working closely with citizens, partners, and communities across the city.

Our People, Culture, and Inclusion

The Council employs around 850 staff directly, alongside colleagues in shared services and arm’s-length partnerships. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, affiliated with Working Families and the Diversity Jobs Group, accredited with the White Ribbon campaign, and holders of the Silver Armed Forces Covenant. We are also an accredited Real Living Wage employer and award-winning Living Wage champion organisation, with Cambridge Weighting to bring the minimum pay rate to £13.00 per hour.

Our people are central to our success. We are committed to creating a culture that values diversity, promotes inclusion, and fosters wellbeing. We strive to ensure that all employees feel empowered, supported, and able to contribute their best. Through leadership development, learning opportunities, and a focus on collaboration, we build high-performing, resilient teams and a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Services and Impact

Beyond traditional district council functions, we deliver and commission a wide range of leisure, arts, and community development activities, including a £1m annual community grants programme.

Our services include swimming pools, sports facilities, community centres, internationally renowned events such as the Folk Festival, and free open-air events across parks and open spaces. As landlord to 7,000 council homes and managing a turnover of c. £155 million across the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account, we combine public service with sound financial management.

Partnership and Innovation

Through collaboration, efficiency, and a focus on customer service, we have developed innovative service delivery models and new ways of working, ensuring Cambridge City Council remains responsive, inclusive, and effective for the city and its communities.