Wandsworth Council is setting a course for a more equitable future with the unveiling of its equality objectives for 2025-2029, approved at a Cabinet meeting on Monday, 14 July 2025. These objectives aim to tackle inequality, promote well-being, reduce educational disparities, support women and girls, enhance accessibility, and foster equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the council itself.
The council's commitment to a fairer and more compassionate borough is reflected in these ambitious goals, which build upon work undertaken in 2024 to promote equalities and narrow inequalities, detailed in the Wandsworth Annual Equality Report and its Appendix A. Key achievements in 2024 included the first Roots and Culture market on Northcote Road, the commissioning of five new South Asian-led cultural projects, the launch of Wandsworth Councils Violence Against Women and Girls strategy, the opening of a new Family Hub in Roehampton, expansion of the Free Breakfasts programme to 40 primary schools, and expansion of the Access for All programme. The proposed objectives for the next four years signal a renewed focus on addressing key challenges and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to thrive.
Key Objectives for 2025-2029
The approved objectives are:
- Tackling Inequality: The council pledges to engage with the community, co-produce solutions, and work closely with voluntary and community sector organisations to address local issues effectively.
- Promoting Well-being and Reducing Educational Inequalities: Efforts will focus on supporting vulnerable children through Family Hubs and expanding access to early years education and resources.
- Tackling Health Inequalities: The council aims to ensure all residents have access to vital health information, communicated clearly and inclusively, and promote healthy food choices through an integrated approach and by continuing to deliver on the Healthy Schools Programme and Healthy Eating Weight and Nutrition Plan.
- Supporting Women and Girls: The implementation of the Violence Against Women and Girls strategy will guarantee access to safe, specialist services and enhance community support networks. Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this strategy include the percentage of positive outcomes for domestic abuse and sexual violence in the borough, the number of community triggers received, the number of ASB cases referred to the Community ASB MARAC, the rate of violence with injury (excluding domestic abuse), and the number of referrals into commissioned VAWG services. Progress against these KPIs will be reported every 6 months.
- Breaking Down Barriers: The Access for All scheme will continue to provide targeted concessions, ensuring equal opportunities to access local resources and opportunities. The council plans to increase sign-up and take-up of offers, including private sector offers, to ensure the scheme effectively reaches all eligible residents.
- Leading on EDI: The council aims to be a leading organisation for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) by delivering on its EDI Strategy, recruiting more staff onto the Black on Board programme and improving communication with staff on tackling inequalities within the workplace. Furthermore, all library staff will receive training in Making Every Contact Count, which uses everyday interactions to positively influence health and wellbeing.
Financial Commitment
The council has allocated a dedicated budget of £10,000 from within the Chief Executive's Group budget to provide seed-funding for equality-related events and initiatives, building on the success of previous programmes. This investment, which is currently a trial that the council will extend for the 2025/26 year, aims to foster community cohesion and celebrate Wandsworth's diverse population.
A Listening Council
The council's commitment to being a listening council is central to these objectives. By actively engaging with residents and community organisations, Wandsworth aims to ensure that its policies and services reflect the needs and priorities of all its communities.
The Annual Resources Report also highlighted the council's focus on supporting vulnerable residents, including those facing homelessness and mental health challenges.
These equality objectives for 2025-2029 represent a significant step towards creating a fairer and more compassionate Wandsworth, where every resident has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
