The Appointments Committee of Southwark Council met on Tuesday 16 June 2026. The primary item scheduled for discussion was the designation of a monitoring officer for the council.

Designation of a Monitoring Officer

The committee was scheduled to consider the designation of a monitoring officer for the council. This role is a statutory requirement under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, with responsibilities including intervening in cases of unlawful action or maladministration, and maintaining the standards regime for councillors. The monitoring officer also advises on the council's powers and acts as the proper officer for Freedom of Information Act requests.

The report pack indicated that the role of Assistant Chief Executive – Governance and Assurance, which previously held the monitoring officer designation, would not be retained following the postholder's retirement. John Scarborough, who has been appointed on an interim basis as the council's Director of Law and Governance, was recommended for designation as the monitoring officer. Mr. Scarborough has prior experience as a monitoring officer in other London boroughs, including Greenwich and Merton.

The report highlighted that the monitoring officer plays a crucial role in promoting public confidence by ensuring lawful decision-making and upholding standards for councillors. The designation of Mr. Scarborough was considered necessary to fulfil the council's legal obligations and ensure the monitoring officer could exercise their functions as outlined in the council's constitution. The report also noted that permanent recruitment for the Director of Law and Governance position was underway, with a further meeting scheduled for 16 July 2026 to interview candidates and make a permanent appointment.

The report also included statements on community, equalities, and health impacts. It stated that the monitoring officer's role is important for promoting public confidence and ensuring compliance with the Equality Act 2010, which mandates due regard for eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations between people with and without protected characteristics. No significant health, climate change, or direct financial implications were identified.

The report was published on an urgent basis to meet the council's legal obligations.