The Constitution of Southwark Council was scheduled for discussion at the meeting on Tuesday 28 April 2026. The report pack provided to attendees detailed the council's constitution, outlining its structure, decision-making processes, and the roles and responsibilities of various committees and officers.

Southwark Council Constitution

The meeting's agenda was centred around the Southwark Council Constitution, a comprehensive document that guides the council's operations and decision-making. The constitution is divided into several parts, covering the introduction to the council, its articles, who takes decisions, procedure rules, codes of conduct, protocols, and additional information.

Key areas scheduled for discussion included:

• Council Composition and Governance: The constitution details the structure of Southwark Council, comprising 23 wards and 63 councillors who form the Council Assembly, the council's sovereign body. It outlines the roles of the Mayor of Southwark, the Council Assembly (responsible for approving the budget, developing policies, and making constitutional decisions), and the Cabinet, led by the Leader of the Council. The report pack listed the Cabinet members and their respective portfolios, such as Leader, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Refugees, and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing.
• Decision-Making Processes: The constitution clearly defines how decisions are made within the council. It distinguishes between executive functions, which are the responsibility of the Cabinet, and non-executive functions, which are delegated to committees. The report pack detailed the roles and reserved matters for various decision-making bodies, including the Council Assembly, Cabinet, Cabinet Committees, Individual Cabinet Members, Chief Officers, and Regulatory and Other Committees (such as Planning and Licensing Committees). The concept of a Forward Plan, which outlines forthcoming key decisions, was also detailed.
• Procedural Rules and Protocols: Part 4 of the constitution sets out the procedure rules governing how the council operates. This includes Access to Information Procedure Rules, Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, Council Assembly Procedure Rules, Committee Procedure Rules, and Contract Standing Orders. Protocols such as the Member and Officer Protocol and the Communication Protocol were also included, aiming to guide the relationship between elected members and council officers.
• Codes of Conduct and Standards: The constitution includes a Code of Conduct for members, outlining principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership. It also details the registration and disclosure of disclosable pecuniary interests. The Audit, Governance and Standards Committee's role in maintaining high standards of conduct was also outlined.
• Equality and Climate Emergency Commitments: The constitution highlights Southwark Council's commitment to implementing the Equality Act 2010 and its Public Sector Equality Duty, considering the needs of protected characteristics. It also references the council's declaration of a Climate Emergency and its commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
• Public Participation: The constitution outlines various ways for the public and community to be involved in the constitutional process, including consultation, attending local meetings, contacting ward councillors, and submitting petitions.

The report pack provided a detailed breakdown of each section of the constitution, including the specific functions and reserved matters for each committee and officer role. This comprehensive document serves as the foundational framework for the council's governance and operational procedures.