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 John Scarborough, Interim Director of Law and Governance, as the council's monitoring officer. 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 has constitutional duties related to legal proceedings, advising on the council's powers, and acting 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 prior experience as a monitoring officer in the London Boroughs of Greenwich and Merton, was appointed on a temporary basis as Director of Law and Governance. His appointment followed a competitive recruitment process.

The report pack stated that the designation of a monitoring officer is a responsibility delegated to the Appointments Committee by the council's constitution. It was recommended that John Scarborough be designated as the monitoring officer. The report also noted that permanent recruitment for the Director of Law and Governance position was underway, with a further Appointments Committee meeting scheduled for 16 July 2026 to interview candidates and make a permanent appointment, including the designation of the chosen candidate as monitoring officer.

The report highlighted the importance of the monitoring officer in promoting public confidence by ensuring lawful decisions and maintaining standards for councillors. It also referenced the council's duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 to have due regard for eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations between people who share protected characteristics. The monitoring officer's role includes promoting compliance with these duties. No significant health, climate change, or direct financial implications were identified in relation to this item. The report was published on an urgent basis to fulfil legal obligations.