Council's constitution

The constitution is a written legal document that guides the council on its decision making processes. The legal framework for the constitution is agreed by central government. It provides a basis and framework for the councillors and officers to work within and ensures honesty, accountability and lawful decision making.

The constitution is split into chapters, with the introduction setting out how the council operates, how decisions are made and the procedures followed to ensure they're efficient, open and accountable to local people. Some of these procedures are required by law while others are a matter for the council to choose.

View Southwark Council’s constitution

The constitution is broken up as follows:

Part 1 - Introduction to the constitution

Part 2 - Articles

Part 3 - Who takes decisions?

Part 4 - Rules

access to information procedure rules
budget and policy framework procedure rules
council assembly procedure rules
committee procedure rules
community council procedure rules
cabinet procedure rules
overview and scrutiny procedure rules
contract standing orders
financial standing orders
officer employment procedure rules

Part 5 - Codes

members' code of conduct

Part 6 - Protocols

member and officer protocol
communication protocol
members' allowances scheme

Part 7 - Other information

list of councillors
corporate management team
glossary
CSO flowcharts
statutory officers and proper functions

View the constitution.

Page last updated: 07 September 2021

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