Equally Safe delivery plan: progress report

Deliverable 14

14. We will establish a clear governance structure for Equally Safe delivery, streamlining processes where possible

Delivery plan actions to help meet this deliverable:

14.1 We will strengthen existing governance arrangements, outlining reporting systems and accountability.

14.2 We will formalise the roles of the Addressing Violence Against Minority Ethnic Women and Girls Network and the Gender-Based Violence and Learning Disabilities Steering Group.

Overview

Work to strengthen governance arrangements for Equally Safe has progressed since summer 2024. This has included improving coherence between the Joint Strategic Board (JSB) and the Equally Safe Ministerial Group (ESMG) through coordinated meeting schedules and feedback loops, ensuring that strategic decisions remain informed by, and responsive to, operational insights from delivery partners. Clearer remits for each group have also been established, and publishing all JSB and ESMG meeting minutes has strengthened transparency.

Steps have also been taken to formalise the roles of the Addressing Violence Against Minority Ethnic Women and Girls (AVAMEWAG) Network and the Gender Based Violence and Learning Disabilities Steering Group. VAWG Equalities officials continue to participate in the GBV & Learning Disability Steering Group and engage with AVAMEWAG chairs to clarify each group’s role within the wider governance landscape.

Cumulatively, these developments contribute to a more transparent and coordinated governance structure, capable of driving forward the ambitions of Equally Safe.