Council's Constitution

The council's constitution is set out below.  If you have any queries you should contact us.

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 Introduction to the constitution sets out a summary of how the council operates, how decisions are made and the procedures which are followed to ensure that these are efficient, open, and accountable to local people. Some of these procedures are required by law; others are a matter for the council to choose. 

For your convenience, the document has also been divided into separate sections. A full copy of the constitution is set out below.  To view these documents you will need Adobe Reader.

Southwark Constitution 2008-09

Part 1 - Introduction to the constitution

• Introduction to the constitution (pdf 64kb)

Part 2 - Articles

• Articles (pdf 94kb)

Part 3 - Who takes decisions?

• Who takes decisions? (pdf 275kb)

Part 4 - Rules

• Access to information procedure rules (pdf 88kb)
• Protocol on key decisions (pdf 31kb) 
• Budget and policy framework procedure rules (pdf 35kb)
• Council assembly procedure rules (pdf 186kb)
• Committee and community council procedure rules (pdf 84kb)
• Executive procedure rules (pdf 57kb)
• Overview and scrutiny procedure rules (pdf 74kb) 
• Contract standing orders (pdf 92kb)
• Financial standing orders (pdf 78kb)
• Officer employment procedure rules (pdf 35kb)

Part 5 - Codes

• Members' code of conduct  (pdf 55kb)

Part 6 - Protocols

• Member and officer protocol (pdf 84kb)
• Communication protocol (pdf 36kb)
• Members' allowances scheme (pdf 63kb)

Part 7 - Other information

• List of councillors (pdf 18kb)
• Corporate management team (pdf 20kb)
• Glossary (pdf 33kb)
• CSO flowcharts (pdf 36kb)

Complete constitution

• Southwark Constitution 2008-09 (pdf 1.2Mb)

Contact us

If you have any queries in relation to the constitution, then contact

Ian Millichap
Tel: 020 7525 7225
Fax: 020 7525 7284
ian.millichap@southwark.gov.uk
Town Hall
Peckham Road
London
SE5 8UB