The Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on the council's annual equalities report, an update on the Disabled People's Commission, and a review of the committee's work programme.

Annual Equalities Report

A significant portion of the meeting is scheduled to be dedicated to the council's Annual Equalities Report. This report is expected to provide an update on the council's efforts to advance equality, inclusion, and diversity. It will highlight progress made against the Single Equality Framework 2024–2028, which sets out Lewisham Council's commitments in areas such as improving workforce representation, making the borough more accessible, tackling health inequalities, embedding intersectionality in decision-making, and enhancing resident engagement. The report will also detail findings from an internal audit of the council's diversity and equalities arrangements, identifying areas for improvement and outlining priorities for the year ahead. The committee is expected to review and provide feedback on a proposed revised Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) framework and template.

Disabled People's Commission Update

The committee is also scheduled to receive an update on the recommendations made by the Lewisham Disabled People's Commission in 2023. This update will focus on the development of a deaf and disabled people's user-led organisation (DDPULO) and its role in co-production with the council. The report will outline progress in establishing this organisation, which aims to ensure disabled residents are involved in the development of policy that affects them, embodying the principle of nothing about us, without us. The discussion is also expected to cover ongoing improvements to the council's communications, the development of a single point of access for services, and cost of living support for disabled residents.

Select Committee Work Programme

The committee will review its work programme for the upcoming year. This will involve examining the agreed framework for the committee's scrutiny activities and considering any urgent or emerging issues that may require attention. Members will have the opportunity to suggest additional information needed for future agenda items and to review the forward plan of key decisions to identify any matters for further scrutiny. The work programme aims to ensure that the committee's efforts remain focused, timely, and achievable, aligning with the council's prioritisation framework.