The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council's Constitution was the sole focus of this meeting, with attendees reviewing the comprehensive document that outlines the council's operational framework, decision-making processes, and public rights. The report pack provided a detailed breakdown of the Constitution's various parts, covering everything from the introduction and articles of the constitution to procedural rules, codes of conduct, and financial regulations.

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Constitution

The meeting's agenda centred entirely on the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames' Constitution¹. This foundational document details how the council operates, makes decisions, and ensures transparency and accountability to its residents. 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 the council's operational structure, outlines the key components of the Constitution, and details the rights afforded to members of the public.

Part 2: Articles of the Constitution

This part describes the various bodies within the council and their respective roles and responsibilities. Article 3 specifically addresses the opportunities for citizens to participate in the decision-making process. The articles cover a wide range of council functions, including:

• The Council Meeting: Detailing the functions of the Full Council and the rules governing council meetings.
• Chairing the Council: Outlining the role and function of the Mayor.
• Standing Committees: Listing the Regulatory and Strategic Committees, such as the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee, Planning Committee, and Licensing Committee.
• Neighbourhood Committees: Explaining their structure and function in addressing local issues.
• Joint Arrangements: Describing how the council collaborates with other local authorities.
• Officers: Detailing the roles and responsibilities of statutory officers like the Chief Executive, Monitoring Officer, and Chief Finance Officer.
• Decision Making: Setting out the principles and processes for making council decisions.
• Finance, Contracts and Legal Matters: Covering financial management, contract regulations, and legal proceedings.
• Review and Revision of the Constitution: Outlining the process for amending the Constitution.
• Interpretation and Publication of the Constitution: Explaining how the Constitution is interpreted and made accessible.

Part 3: Responsibility for Functions

This part allocates responsibility for the council's various functions to specific decision-making bodies or individuals. It details the terms of reference for:

• Full Council: The primary decision-making body.
• Strategic Committees: Including the Corporate & Resources Committee, Place Committee, and People Committee.
• Neighbourhood Committees: Responsible for local decision-making.
• Regulatory, Scrutiny and Other Committees/Panels: Such as the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee, Planning Committee, and Licensing Committee.
• Consultative/Advisory Bodies: Including the Safeguarding of Children Review Panel and Kingston Youth Council.
• Joint Committees: Detailing arrangements with other local authorities, such as the Achieving for Children Joint Committee.
• Statutory Bodies: Including the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education and the Pension Board.

Part 4: Rules of Procedure

This extensive part sets out the detailed procedural rules governing the council's operations, including:

• Meeting Procedure Rules (4A): Covering the conduct of meetings, questions, motions, and debates.
• Access to Information Rules (4B): Detailing public rights to information and access to meetings.
• Call-in Procedure Rules (4C): Outlining the process for reviewing council decisions.
• Contract Regulations (4D): Establishing rules for procurement and contract management.
• Financial Regulations (4E): Setting out the framework for managing the council's finances.
• Officer Employment Procedure Rules (4F): Governing the recruitment, discipline, and dismissal of officers.
• Petition Scheme (4G): Detailing how the council handles petitions from the public.

Part 5: Codes and Protocols

This part includes the codes of conduct and protocols that guide the behaviour of members and officers, such as:

• Member Code of Conduct (5A): Setting out the expected standards of behaviour for councillors.
• Employee Code of Conduct (5B): Outlining the expected standards for council employees.
• Member/Officer Protocol (5C): Defining the relationship between councillors and officers.
• Planning Protocol (5D): Providing guidance on planning matters.
• Leader and Chief Executive Protocol (5E): Establishing the relationship between the Leader and the Chief Executive.
• Councillor Recall Scheme (5F): Outlining a mechanism for electors to seek the recall of a councillor.

Part 6: Members' Allowances Scheme

This part details the scheme for paying allowances to the Mayor, councillors, and co-opted members to cover expenses incurred in carrying out 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, detailing revisions made to the Constitution over time, and specific procedural rules related to meetings, access to information, contracts, financial management, officer employment, and petitions.