A new partnership was launched between Oxfam and Oxford City Council to mark European Week for Safety and Health.

The partnership is designed to help Oxfam achieve best practice in health and safety. The arrangement is part of a national scheme called the Lead Authority Partnership Scheme.

This initiative allows councils responsible for health and safety at work to enter into voluntary partnerships with organisations such as Oxfam which have multiple outlets all over the UK.

The partnership means that Oxford City Council will act a focal point for liaison with other local authorities on health and safety matters affecting Oxfam.

The council also has the role of advising on policies, procedures and other issues, which have organisation-wide implications for Oxfam.

Richard Atherton, assistant city environmental health officer, said: "We are pleased that Oxfam has entered into partnership with the council. It demonstrates the charity's commitment to health and safety in the workplace."

Jane Cotton, deputy director of Oxfam, said: "This is a new and exciting initiative for Oxfam.

"It will help us to provide better health and safety standards for all those people who help Oxfam in its work to overcome poverty and suffering."