Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 19, 2025

Purpose: As London’s largest borough, with nearly a quarter of our residents under 18 and a growing elderly community, the Council has a responsibility to safeguard and care for both children and adults. The Annual Reports for the Croydon Safeguarding Adult Board (CSAB) and the Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) underscore the commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of the community and tell a powerful story of progress, resilience, and partnership.   Despite a year marked by significant financial pressures and increased scrutiny from national inspection regimes, both Boards have delivered real impact. From tackling serious youth violence and reducing anti-social behaviour, to strengthening our learning culture and embedding the voice of residents, including children in everything we do — the achievements are substantial and worth celebrating.   We’ve seen stronger governance, more inclusive engagement, and a growing culture of transparency and challenge. The CSCP has delivered 86% of its Business Plan, introduced new tools to improve multi-agency practice, and embedded learning from previous reviews. It is justifiably proud of its appointment of a Young Scrutineer. The CSAB has made real strides in areas like homelessness, self-neglect, and transitional safeguarding, whilst also strengthening its relationships with community groups and statutory partners.   The Local Authority key partners (Adult Social Care & Health and Children's Social Care) have both received 'Good' gradings from CQC and Ofsted.   Both Boards are taking an innovative approach to working more closely together — and with the Safer Croydon Partnership — to tackle cross-cutting issues like exploitation, suicide prevention, and violence against women and girls. This 'One Council' approach is not just efficient — it’s effective, and it’s helping us deliver better outcomes for Croydon’s most vulnerable residents. There has been significant support and challenge of the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) to evidence their safeguarding arrangements which has led to new collaborations and positive impact for some of our most vulnerable residents.   Challenges remain such as persistent funding inequalities, and the sustainability of some partnership functions is under pressure. However, the commitment from partners, the creativity of our workforce, and the voices of children, adults and families continue to drive us forward.   These annual reports are not just a statutory requirement — it’s a reflection of a borough that is determined to safeguard its residents, learn from experience, and keep improving. We are proud of what has been achieved - and clear about what still needs to be done.

Content: For the reasons as set out in this report and appendices, the Executive Mayor and Cabinet AGREED to:   2.1.1 Consider and note the Annual Report of the Croydon Safeguarding Adult Board 2024-25 (as attached as Appendix 1)   2.1.2 Consider and note the Annual Report of the Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership 2024-25 (as attached as Appendix 2)   2.1.3 Consider and note the activity and impact of work aligned with the Executive Mayor’s Business Plan, including cross cutting themes and current progress of the business plans.