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.