The General Purpose Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Wednesday 16 September 2026, approving several key policy reviews concerning the constitution. Decisions made included the adoption of a new policy for granting Freedom of the Borough, the formalisation of the Mayor's civic role protocol, and the approval of a new foreign travel policy for councillors and officers. A policy allowing members to work abroad was also approved with amendments.

Review of the Constitution – Freedom of the Borough

The committee approved a new policy outlining the eligibility criteria and nomination process for granting Freedom of the Borough. This honour is the highest civic distinction the council can bestow, recognising individuals or organisations for outstanding service or particular civic association. The policy, which will be added to the council's constitution, details that eligibility is based on Achievement in rendering outstanding services in the borough, or Exceptional Service by an individual, past council member, or organisation. Serving staff are not eligible. Nominations will be made by Group Whips to the Chief Executive, who will then review them and make recommendations to an Extraordinary Full Council meeting for approval. The policy also establishes a process for revoking the honour if a recipient is convicted of a crime or brings the council into disrepute.

Review of the Constitution – Local Protocol for the Mayor and the Civic Role

The committee also approved a new protocol detailing the role of the Mayor at civic and ceremonial events, and during Full Council meetings. This policy, which will be incorporated into the council's constitution, clarifies the Mayor's responsibilities, including representing the borough at official functions, chairing council meetings, and managing associated communications, budgets, and staffing. The protocol aims to provide a clearer framework for the Mayor's duties and will serve as an induction document for future Mayors. It also specifies when other senior councillors may represent the Mayor at events.

Review of the Constitution – Foreign Travel Policy and Guidelines

A new Foreign Travel Policy and Guidelines was approved by the committee. This policy aims to ensure that the objectives of each visit are clearly defined, achieved, and that value for money is secured, while also prioritising the safety of officers and members travelling abroad. The guidelines will be reviewed annually by the Monitoring Officer to account for changing circumstances and experiences. This policy will also be integrated into the council's constitution.

Members Working Abroad Policy

The committee approved a new policy that allows members to work abroad, addressing the council's previous stance of not supporting such activities. The policy sets out the procedures for members to work remotely from overseas in a safe and responsible manner. Since its introduction, 10 applications have been received for periods ranging from one to three weeks, with popular destinations including the USA, Italy, and France.

The committee discussed and agreed on amendments to clarify paragraph 4.4, which previously stated that members should not use personal devices to access the council network. The revised wording clarifies that members can continue to access Microsoft 365 from personal devices while abroad, provided they do not use private VPNs and adhere to existing security controls. Additionally, paragraph 4.5, concerning disciplinary action for failing to obtain approval, was amended to state that such failures could result in a breach of the Members' Code of Conduct and an investigation by the Monitoring Officer. The Monitoring Officer confirmed that the list of prohibited countries for accessing council data is subject to regular review.