Issue - decisions
Safeguarding Policy Update July 2025
17/10/2025 - Safeguarding Policy Update July 2025
Councillor Rachel Crouch, Executive Member for Stronger, Healthy Communities, presented the report the purpose of which was to inform Members of the updated Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
In introducing the item Councillor Crouch made the following points:
· Safeguarding was a statutory duty of the Council as it delivered a range of duties which directly impacted the lives of adults at risk, young people and children. The Council was therefore in a key position to safeguard and promote welfare.
· The Policy and Procedures were to ensure the Council was aware of its legal responsibilities. The document outlined roles, aims and responsibilities.
· The Council was part of the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board (OSAB) and Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children’s Partnership (OSCP).
· The key areas of concern were detailed in section 3.3 of the report. Particular reference was made to concerns around Mental Health.
· The major changes in the Policy were in the referral process with key responsibilities now clarified. In addition, safeguarding lead job titles were removed but those positions were made clear. Ongoing training would be available to Members next year. Oxfordshire Mind were also offering training to Members.
In the discussion that followed a Member thanked and commended those involved in the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
A question was raised around trends in safeguarding cases around Mental Health and Suicide Ideation. It was noted that the increase in cases was a national trend.
Councillor Crouch proposed accepting the recommendations of the report.
Councillor Andy Graham seconded the proposal and noted that it was important, with such a wide-ranging issues, that people who may be affected were made aware that their experiences could fall into the range of categories considered as abuse or a safeguarding concern in order that they would report it.
This was voted on and approved unanimously.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive:
1. Agreed and adopted the updated Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.