The Audit, Governance and Standards Committee met on Saturday 17 May 2025 to discuss the formation of sub-committees. The committee voted to establish two sub-committees: one to handle complaints of misconduct against elected councillors and co-opted members, and another to consider civic awards. The decision on the membership of these sub-committees was deferred to the next committee meeting.

Formation of Audit, Governance and Standards Sub-Committees

The committee voted to establish two sub-committees: the Audit, Governance and Standards (Standards) Sub-Committee, which will consider complaints of misconduct against elected councillors and co-opted members; and the Audit, Governance and Standards (Civic Awards) Sub-Committee, which will consider civic awards. However, the decision on the membership for these sub-committees was reserved for the next meeting of the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee.

The council's constitution outlines the responsibilities of the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee, including the establishment of these sub-committees. The report notes that the Standards Sub-Committee meets on an ad hoc basis, having convened only once in the past five years, while the Civic Awards Sub-Committee typically meets once a year in February.

The report also highlights the importance of clear accountability arrangements for promoting high standards of conduct and boosting public confidence in the council. It states that:

Clear arrangements concerning the accountability of members are very important for promoting high standards of conduct. In addition it is important in aiding the decision-making process and helping to boost public confidence in the council. These arrangements ensure that members of the public are aware of the process in place to ensure that high standards of conduct are maintained within the council.

The Southwark Civic Awards scheme, initiated in 1997, recognises exceptional contributions to community life by individuals and organisations in the borough. The council assembly resolved in 2016 that decisions on granting civic awards be delegated to a sub-committee of the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee. The membership of the Civic Awards Sub-Committee must include four co-opted members, two of whom must be women.