The Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee met on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, to discuss budget savings and equalities monitoring, and resident engagement and consultation. Key decisions included the council's commitment to embedding equalities impact assessments into its savings process and the development of a new strategic engagement framework to improve how the council interacts with residents.

Budget Saving Equalities Monitoring

The committee received an update on how Lewisham Council monitors the equalities impact of its budget savings. Nohaila Olawi, Director for Strategy, Transformation, Equalities, and Performance, highlighted that equality impact assessments (EIAs) are integrated into the savings process from the outset, a practice she described as very proactive, and it's a very considered approach. Alex Glantz, Head of the Chief Executive's Office, explained that while the council is not obligated to follow a specific EIA process, its approach is designed to be proportionate to the decision's potential impact. He noted that a full EIA, when well-written, is generally considered sufficient by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for equalities considerations.

Concerns were raised by Councillor David Walker about the lack of centralised monitoring of equalities considerations after decisions have been made. Ms. Olawi acknowledged this gap and outlined plans to create a dedicated corporate equalities lead post, expected to be recruited by early New Year, to improve monitoring and tracking. Councillor Eva Stamirowski also raised the issue of unintended consequences from smaller savings, citing an example where a reduction in funding for a voluntary sector service had a significant impact on vulnerable individuals. Ms. Olawi and Mr. Glantz explained that the initial equality screening is intended to capture impacts regardless of saving size, and that qualitative feedback from partners and experienced officers is valued as evidence.

Resident Engagement and Consultation

Helen Clarke, Director of Communications and Engagement, presented an update on the review of the council's approach to resident engagement. The review, commissioned by the Mayor, aims to ensure the council's engagement is fit for purpose, uses insight effectively, and is consistent and robust. Ms. Clarke outlined four key principles for engagement: Inform, Engage, Consult, and Co-produce/Co-design.

The report detailed various communication channels used by the council, including Lewisham Life magazine, the council website, email newsletters (now reaching approximately 90,000 residents), social media, and a WhatsApp group for residents. Innovative approaches like the TikTok channel for young people and campaigns such as Warm Welcomes were highlighted. Ms. Clarke also discussed various engagement activities, including focus groups, workshops, pop-ups for the Lewisham Town Centre regeneration, and the What Does It Mean To Care? project involving disabled residents.

Several recommendations for a new Strategic Engagement Framework were presented, including developing a clear engagement strategy with pledges, creating a central engagement hub, using innovative tools for accessibility, establishing staff engagement networks, and developing clear co-production guidance. Feedback from councillor workshops emphasised the importance of mixed communication channels, working with trusted local partners, and going to where people are. Councillors also highlighted challenges such as language barriers and digital access, and the need for better communication with transient communities.

Councillor David Walker stressed the need for prioritisation of engagement channels and better integration with the voluntary sector and health partners. Councillor Eva Stamirowski echoed the need for a clear strategy and prioritisation, and also highlighted the importance of reaching specific groups, such as elderly residents who may have limited digital access, and the potential of parent WhatsApp groups and school PTAs for communication. Councillor Chris Best emphasised the need for a clear offer to members regarding support for local meetings and improved feedback mechanisms. Ms. Clarke responded by outlining plans to develop templates for member communications, improve the use of social media, and work more closely with councillors to ensure they are informed and can amplify council messages. She also acknowledged the importance of building trust and transparency, and the need to be clear about what constitutes formal consultation versus broader engagement.

Select Committee Work Programme

Timothy Andrew, Scrutiny Manager, presented the Select Committee's work programme. The committee reviewed its terms of reference, which include scrutinising crime and disorder, promoting equality of opportunity, and overseeing library provision. The work programme for the upcoming year was discussed, with a focus on performance monitoring and pre-decision scrutiny items. The committee noted upcoming agenda items for the next meeting, including a corporate equalities update and a review of domestic violence and violence against women and girls. The committee also reviewed the forward plan of key decisions, considering items that might require further scrutiny.