The meeting of the Constitution of Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames was scheduled to discuss the council's constitution, a comprehensive document outlining its operational framework, decision-making processes, and the rights of the public. The report pack provided attendees with a detailed breakdown of the constitution's various parts, including articles on the council's structure, member and public rights, procedural rules, and codes of conduct.

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Constitution

The primary focus of the meeting was the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames' Constitution. This document serves as the rulebook for how the council operates, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in its decision-making processes. It is divided into several parts, each addressing a specific aspect of the council's governance.

Part 1: Introduction

This section provides an overview of how the council operates, detailing the key components of the constitution and the rights afforded to members of the public. It outlines the council's structure, including the roles of elected councillors and officers, and highlights the importance of public participation in council affairs.

Part 2: Articles of the Constitution

This part details the various bodies within the council and their respective roles and responsibilities. It includes articles on the constitution itself, members of the council, the public's engagement with the council, council meetings, the role of the Mayor, standing committees, standards, neighbourhood committees, joint arrangements, officers, decision-making processes, finance, contracts, legal matters, and the review and revision of the constitution. Article 3 specifically addresses the rights of members of the public and their opportunities to contribute to decision-making.

Part 3: Responsibility for Functions

This part outlines how the council's functions are allocated, specifying which decision-making body or individual officer holds responsibility for particular decisions. It details the terms of reference for various committees, including strategic committees, neighbourhood committees, regulatory committees, and consultative/advisory bodies. It also lists joint committees and statutory bodies that the council is involved with.

Part 4: Rules of Procedure

This extensive part sets out the detailed procedural rules governing the council's decision-making. It includes rules for:

• Meeting Procedure Rules: Covering the conduct of council and committee meetings, including order of business, quorum, questions, motions, and debate.
• Access to Information Rules: Detailing the public's rights to access council information, agendas, reports, and minutes.
• Call-in Procedure Rules: Outlining the process by which council decisions can be reviewed.
• Contract Regulations: Establishing the rules for procurement and the awarding of contracts.
• Financial Regulations: Governing the management of the council's finances.
• Officer Employment Rules: Setting out procedures for the recruitment, appointment, and dismissal of council officers.
• Petition Scheme: Detailing how the public can submit petitions to the council.

Part 5: Codes and Protocols

This part contains the codes and protocols that guide the conduct of both members and officers. It includes:

• Member Code of Conduct: Setting out the expected standards of behaviour for councillors.
• Employee Code of Conduct: Outlining the expected standards for council employees.
• Member/Officer Protocol: Defining the expected relationship between councillors and officers.
• Planning Protocol: Providing guidance on the conduct of councillors and officers involved in the planning process.
• Leader and Chief Executive Protocol: Establishing the framework for the relationship between the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive.
• Councillor Recall Scheme: A scheme outlining a process for electors to seek the resignation of a councillor under specific circumstances.

Part 6: Members' Allowances Scheme

This part details the scheme for paying allowances to the Mayor, councillors, and co-opted members to cover the costs associated with their council duties.

Part 7: Glossary of Terms

This section provides definitions for key terms used throughout the Constitution to ensure clarity and understanding.

The report pack also included version control information for the constitution, detailing revisions made over time, and specific annexes and appendices related to various parts of the document, such as the schedule for updating the constitution and the statement of practice regarding the disposal of land. The meeting was scheduled to review and potentially update these foundational documents that govern the council's operations.