The Executive Director (Communities and People) has submitted a report on progress made on Oxford City Council’s Safeguarding Action Plan for 2022/23 and to present an updated Safeguarding Policy for 2023-26.

Cabinet is recommended to:

1.    Note the key achievements of the Safeguarding work delivered through Oxford City Council during 2022/23;

2.    Approve the Safeguarding Policy 2023-2026;

3.    Note the Safeguarding Action Plan 2023/24; and

4.    Delegate authority to the Executive Director (Communities and People), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, to make minor changes to the approved policy in order to continue its alignment with the Oxfordshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements.

The Executive Director (Communities and People) had submitted a report on progress made on Oxford City Council’s Safeguarding Action Plan for 2022/23 and which sought approval for an updated Safeguarding Policy for 2023-26.

Councillor Shaista Aziz, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, presented the report and drew attention to the main change to the Safeguarding Policy.  This related to an update to reflect a new governance structure.  The Executive Director (Communities and People) now held responsibility for safeguarding at the Council, and the safeguarding function had moved from the Corporate Strategy area to the Regulatory Services and Community Safety area with effect from 1 April 2023, with the Head of Regulatory Services and Community Safety holding responsibility for the delivery of safeguarding.  The remainder of the strategy was largely unchanged.

Cabinet resolved to:

1.     Note the key achievements of the Safeguarding work delivered through Oxford City Council during 2022/23;

2.     Approve the Safeguarding Policy 2023-2026;

3.     Note the Safeguarding Action Plan 2023/24; and

4.     Delegate authority to the Executive Director (Communities and People), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, to make minor changes to the approved policy in order to continue its alignment with the Oxfordshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements.