diff --git a/.yoi/workflow/multi-agent-workflow.md b/.yoi/workflow/multi-agent-workflow.md
index 9dc7ff5f..d9e8bbab 100644
--- a/.yoi/workflow/multi-agent-workflow.md
+++ b/.yoi/workflow/multi-agent-workflow.md
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ reviewer には coder の実装方針ではなく、この intent packet と dif
      - child worktree path / branch
      - 対象 ticket path
      - intent packet
-     - Bash は必ず child worktree に `cd` すること
+     - SpawnPod の `cwd` は child worktree に設定すること（`cwd` は process/tool default cwd であり、scope/authority ではない）
      - main workspace の `TODO.md` / `tickets/` / `docs/report/` / `.yoi` は編集しないこと
      - child worktree 内の tracked `.yoi` project records は実装対象に必要な branch-local artifacts/dossiers として編集してよいが、`.yoi/memory` や local/runtime/secret-like files は作らないこと
      - active orchestration progress と最終 review/approval/close は main workspace の責任として残すこと
diff --git a/.yoi/workflow/worktree-workflow.md b/.yoi/workflow/worktree-workflow.md
index 999bbf9f..593f0d67 100644
--- a/.yoi/workflow/worktree-workflow.md
+++ b/.yoi/workflow/worktree-workflow.md
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ fi
 
 ## Pod へ渡す scope
 
-Pod を使う場合、Pod の cwd は main workspace のままになる。必ず作業対象が child worktree であることを明示し、Bash 実行時は毎回 `cd <repo>/.worktree/<task-name> && ...` させる。
+Pod を使う場合、coder Pod の SpawnPod `cwd` は child worktree に設定する。`cwd` は child process/tool default cwd だけを変え、runtime workspace root・project record root・scope/authority は変えないため、下の明示 scope は別途渡す。
 
 coder Pod 推奨 scope:
 
diff --git a/crates/client/src/ticket_role.rs b/crates/client/src/ticket_role.rs
index 7f878a34..4f0b7906 100644
--- a/crates/client/src/ticket_role.rs
+++ b/crates/client/src/ticket_role.rs
@@ -550,7 +550,7 @@ fn append_orchestrator_agent_routing_guidance(out: &mut String) {
     out.push_str("- Create worktrees or spawn coder/reviewer Pods only after `workflow_state = inprogress` is already recorded and accepted. If the Ticket is still queued and unblocked, record `queued -> inprogress` before any worktree/SpawnPod side effect.\n");
     out.push_str("- Use `worktree-workflow` for the mechanical worktree plan: create `.worktree/<task-name>`, keep tracked `.yoi` project records visible in the child worktree, exclude `.yoi/memory` plus local/runtime/log/lock/secret-like `.yoi` paths, and keep active orchestration progress plus final review/approval/close in the main workspace unless explicitly designed otherwise.\n");
     out.push_str("- Use `multi-agent-workflow` for the sibling loop: coder and reviewer are siblings under this Orchestrator; coder gets narrow write scope to the child worktree; reviewer is read-only by default.\n");
-    out.push_str("- Give the coder an intent packet that distinguishes binding decisions/invariants, implementation latitude, escalation conditions, child worktree/branch, validation commands, and report expectations; require Bash commands to `cd` into the child worktree, prohibit editing main-workspace `.yoi`/Ticket/workflow/docs records, and prohibit creating generated memory/local/runtime/secret-like files in the child worktree.\n");
+    out.push_str("- Give the coder an intent packet that distinguishes binding decisions/invariants, implementation latitude, escalation conditions, child worktree/branch, validation commands, and report expectations; set SpawnPod `cwd` to the child worktree while delegating explicit scope separately, prohibit editing main-workspace `.yoi`/Ticket/workflow/docs records, and prohibit creating generated memory/local/runtime/secret-like files in the child worktree.\n");
     out.push_str("- Give the reviewer the recorded Ticket intent, binding decisions/invariants, implementation latitude, acceptance criteria, explicit escalation conditions, diff/commits, validation evidence, and blocker/non-blocker criteria; reviewer judgment is against recorded requirements and decisions, not unrecorded preferred tactics. Keep branch-local reviewer verdicts in the review report or merge-ready dossier rather than recording them as final main-branch Ticket approval.\n");
     out.push_str("- Ticket thread progress may record worktree plan, coder delegated/completed/blocked, reviewer delegated, blocker/fix-loop summaries, and merge-ready dossier pointer; do not merge, close, or record final main approval in this routing/branch-review phase.\n");
     out.push_str("- Stop at a merge-ready dossier for `orchestrator-merge-completion` containing Ticket id/slug, branch/worktree, commits, intent/invariant check, implementation summary, coder/reviewer Pods, blockers fixed or rejected findings with reasons, validation performed, residual risks, dirty state, and parent/human decision needs if any.\n");
@@ -567,7 +567,7 @@ fn append_orchestrator_agent_routing_guidance(out: &mut String) {
 
 fn append_coder_agent_routing_guidance(out: &mut String) {
     out.push_str("\nCoder worktree routing guidance:\n");
-    out.push_str("- Implement only in the provided child worktree/branch. Use `cd <worktree>` before Bash commands and do not edit main-workspace `.yoi`, Ticket, workflow, docs, or memory records; child-worktree `.yoi` project records may be visible when they are part of the branch.\n");
+    out.push_str("- Implement only in the provided child worktree/branch. SpawnPod should set `cwd` to that worktree so Bash/tool defaults already start there; do not treat `cwd` as authority, and do not edit main-workspace `.yoi`, Ticket, workflow, docs, or memory records; child-worktree `.yoi` project records may be visible when they are part of the branch.\n");
     out.push_str("- Do not create `.yoi/memory`, local/runtime state, logs, locks, caches, sockets, or secret-like files in the child worktree.\n");
     out.push_str("- Treat the intent packet, binding decisions/invariants, implementation latitude, validation expectations, and report expectations as the contract. Investigate and choose local tactics only within the recorded implementation latitude; escalate to Orchestrator rather than expanding scope when design, permission, history, prompt-context, dependency, or Ticket-boundary questions appear.\n");
     out.push_str("- Report worktree path, branch, commits/status, changed files, implementation summary, validation run, unresolved notes, and whether the branch is ready for external review. Do not merge, push, close Tickets, or delete worktrees.\n");
diff --git a/crates/pod/src/controller.rs b/crates/pod/src/controller.rs
index 37f392fb..21f2a49d 100644
--- a/crates/pod/src/controller.rs
+++ b/crates/pod/src/controller.rs
@@ -508,6 +508,7 @@ where
     // below so the worker borrow doesn't conflict with reads on `pod`.
     let scope_handle = pod.scope().clone();
     let pwd = pod.pwd().to_path_buf();
+    let workspace_root = pod.workspace_root().to_path_buf();
     let task_feature = pod.task_feature();
     let session_id_for_usage = pod.segment_id().to_string();
     let memory_config = pod.manifest().memory.clone();
@@ -538,7 +539,9 @@ where
 
     let mut feature_registry = FeatureRegistryBuilder::new();
     feature_registry.add_module(task_feature);
-    feature_registry.add_module(crate::feature::builtin::ticket_tools_feature(&pwd));
+    feature_registry.add_module(crate::feature::builtin::ticket_tools_feature(
+        &workspace_root,
+    ));
     let _feature_install_report = pod.install_features(feature_registry);
 
     let worker = pod.worker_mut();
@@ -549,7 +552,7 @@ where
     // their built-in linter. Companion deny rules on the generic CRUD
     // scope were already applied during `Pod::from_manifest`.
     if let Some(mem) = memory_config.as_ref() {
-        let layout = memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(mem, &pwd);
+        let layout = memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(mem, &workspace_root);
         let query_cfg = memory::tool::QueryConfig::from(mem);
         worker.register_tool(memory::tool::read_tool_with_usage(
             layout.clone(),
@@ -569,6 +572,7 @@ where
         spawner_name.clone(),
         spawner_socket,
         runtime_base.clone(),
+        workspace_root.clone(),
         pwd.clone(),
         spawned_registry.clone(),
         self_parent_socket,
diff --git a/crates/pod/src/entrypoint.rs b/crates/pod/src/entrypoint.rs
index de117eaa..6ec5e86f 100644
--- a/crates/pod/src/entrypoint.rs
+++ b/crates/pod/src/entrypoint.rs
@@ -29,6 +29,12 @@ struct Cli {
     #[arg(long, value_name = "PATH")]
     workspace: Option<PathBuf>,
 
+    /// Internal spawned child process/tool working directory. This is separate
+    /// from `--workspace`; adopted Pods use `--workspace` for runtime context
+    /// and this path for tool defaults.
+    #[arg(long, value_name = "PATH", requires = "adopt", hide = true)]
+    tool_cwd: Option<PathBuf>,
+
     /// Manifest TOML to use directly as a one-file compatibility/debug input.
     /// This bypasses profile discovery but still applies builtin defaults and
     /// the same required-field validation boundary.
@@ -101,6 +107,17 @@ fn runtime_workspace_root(cli: &Cli) -> Result<PathBuf, String> {
     }
 }
 
+fn runtime_tool_cwd(cli: &Cli, workspace_root: &Path) -> Result<PathBuf, String> {
+    let raw = cli.tool_cwd.as_deref().unwrap_or(workspace_root);
+    let path = if raw.is_absolute() {
+        raw.to_path_buf()
+    } else {
+        workspace_root.join(raw)
+    };
+    std::fs::canonicalize(&path)
+        .map_err(|e| format!("failed to resolve tool cwd {}: {e}", path.display()))
+}
+
 fn runtime_pod_name(cli: &Cli, workspace_root: &Path) -> String {
     cli.pod
         .as_deref()
@@ -355,8 +372,33 @@ async fn run_cli_inner(cli: Cli) -> ExitCode {
                 return ExitCode::FAILURE;
             }
         };
-        match Pod::from_manifest_spawned(manifest, store, loader, callback).await {
-            Ok(p) => p,
+        let tool_cwd = match runtime_tool_cwd(&cli, &workspace_root) {
+            Ok(path) => path,
+            Err(e) => {
+                eprintln!("error: {e}");
+                return ExitCode::FAILURE;
+            }
+        };
+        match Pod::from_manifest_spawned_with_context(
+            manifest,
+            store,
+            loader,
+            callback,
+            workspace_root.clone(),
+            tool_cwd.clone(),
+        )
+        .await
+        {
+            Ok(p) => {
+                if let Err(e) = std::env::set_current_dir(&tool_cwd) {
+                    eprintln!(
+                        "error: failed to enter tool cwd {}: {e}",
+                        tool_cwd.display()
+                    );
+                    return ExitCode::FAILURE;
+                }
+                p
+            }
             Err(e) => {
                 eprintln!("error: failed to create spawned pod: {e}");
                 return ExitCode::FAILURE;
diff --git a/crates/pod/src/pod.rs b/crates/pod/src/pod.rs
index 257e12a0..7f91cf40 100644
--- a/crates/pod/src/pod.rs
+++ b/crates/pod/src/pod.rs
@@ -231,8 +231,11 @@ pub struct Pod<C: LlmClient, St: Store> {
     /// `segment_id` and append tally. `self.segment_id()` is a thin
     /// wrapper over `segment_state.segment_id()`.
     segment_state: Arc<SegmentState>,
-    /// Absolute working directory of the Pod.
+    /// Absolute tool/process working directory of the Pod.
     pwd: PathBuf,
+    /// Absolute runtime workspace root used for project records, workflow,
+    /// memory, Ticket config, Profile context, and spawned-child inheritance.
+    workspace_root: PathBuf,
     /// Shared, atomically-swappable view of the Pod's resolved scope.
     /// Cloned out to `ScopedFs` instances (builtin tools, fs_view,
     /// compact worker) so scope updates propagate to every consumer
@@ -421,6 +424,7 @@ impl<C: LlmClient + Clone + 'static, St: Store + Clone + 'static> Pod<C, St> {
             pod_metadata_writer: None,
             segment_state: self.segment_state.clone(),
             pwd: self.pwd.clone(),
+            workspace_root: self.workspace_root.clone(),
             scope: self.scope.clone(),
             delegation_scope: self.delegation_scope.clone(),
             hook_builder: HookRegistryBuilder::new(),
@@ -602,6 +606,7 @@ impl<C: LlmClient, St: Store> Pod<C, St> {
             store,
             pod_metadata_writer: None,
             segment_state: SegmentState::new(session_id, segment_id, 0),
+            workspace_root: pwd.clone(),
             pwd,
             scope: SharedScope::new(scope),
             delegation_scope,
@@ -712,11 +717,17 @@ impl<C: LlmClient, St: Store> Pod<C, St> {
         self.runtime_ticket_role = role;
     }
 
-    /// The Pod's working directory.
+    /// The Pod's tool/process working directory.
     pub fn pwd(&self) -> &Path {
         &self.pwd
     }
 
+    /// The Pod's runtime workspace root. This stays separate from `pwd` for
+    /// spawned children whose SpawnPod `cwd` only changes tool defaults.
+    pub fn workspace_root(&self) -> &Path {
+        &self.workspace_root
+    }
+
     /// The Pod's directory scope, as a shared atomically-swappable
     /// handle. Clone it to share scope state with another consumer
     /// (e.g. a tool that needs to mutate scope dynamically).
@@ -1256,7 +1267,7 @@ impl<C: LlmClient, St: Store> Pod<C, St> {
                 .map(|d| d.name)
                 .collect()
         };
-        let agents_md_read = read_agents_md(&self.pwd);
+        let agents_md_read = read_agents_md(&self.workspace_root);
         for warning in agents_md_read.warnings {
             if let Some(n) = alerter.as_ref() {
                 n.alert(AlertLevel::Warn, AlertSource::AgentsMd, warning);
@@ -2801,7 +2812,7 @@ impl<C: LlmClient, St: Store> Pod<C, St> {
         // `Some(0)` means disabled, same as `None`. Otherwise the
         // `tokens_since >= 0` comparison would fire on every post-run.
         let Some(threshold) = memory_cfg.extract_threshold.filter(|n| *n > 0) else {
-            let layout = memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(&memory_cfg, &self.pwd);
+            let layout = memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(&memory_cfg, &self.workspace_root);
             let model = memory_cfg
                 .extract_model
                 .as_ref()
@@ -2831,7 +2842,7 @@ impl<C: LlmClient, St: Store> Pod<C, St> {
                 .compare_exchange(false, true, Ordering::AcqRel, Ordering::Acquire)
                 .is_err()
             {
-                let layout = memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(&memory_cfg, &self.pwd);
+                let layout = memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(&memory_cfg, &self.workspace_root);
                 let model = memory_cfg
                     .extract_model
                     .as_ref()
@@ -2887,7 +2898,7 @@ impl<C: LlmClient, St: Store> Pod<C, St> {
     ) -> Result<ExtractDecision, PodError> {
         use memory::extract;
 
-        let layout = memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(memory_cfg, &self.pwd);
+        let layout = memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(memory_cfg, &self.workspace_root);
         let model = memory_cfg
             .extract_model
             .as_ref()
@@ -3210,7 +3221,7 @@ impl<C: LlmClient, St: Store> Pod<C, St> {
         let files_threshold = memory_cfg.consolidation_threshold_files.filter(|n| *n > 0);
         let bytes_threshold = memory_cfg.consolidation_threshold_bytes.filter(|n| *n > 0);
         if files_threshold.is_none() && bytes_threshold.is_none() {
-            let layout = memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(&memory_cfg, &self.pwd);
+            let layout = memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(&memory_cfg, &self.workspace_root);
             let model = memory_cfg
                 .consolidation_model
                 .as_ref()
@@ -3238,7 +3249,7 @@ impl<C: LlmClient, St: Store> Pod<C, St> {
                 .compare_exchange(false, true, Ordering::AcqRel, Ordering::Acquire)
                 .is_err()
             {
-                let layout = memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(&memory_cfg, &self.pwd);
+                let layout = memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(&memory_cfg, &self.workspace_root);
                 let model = memory_cfg
                     .consolidation_model
                     .as_ref()
@@ -3291,7 +3302,7 @@ impl<C: LlmClient, St: Store> Pod<C, St> {
     ) -> Result<ConsolidateDecision, PodError> {
         use memory::consolidate;
 
-        let layout = memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(memory_cfg, &self.pwd);
+        let layout = memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(memory_cfg, &self.workspace_root);
         let model = memory_cfg
             .consolidation_model
             .as_ref()
@@ -3747,6 +3758,7 @@ where
             pod_metadata_writer,
             segment_state: SegmentState::new(session_id, segment_id, 0),
             pwd: common.pwd,
+            workspace_root: common.workspace_root,
             scope: SharedScope::new(common.scope),
             delegation_scope: common.delegation_scope,
             hook_builder: HookRegistryBuilder::new(),
@@ -3802,7 +3814,34 @@ where
         loader: PromptLoader,
         callback_socket: PathBuf,
     ) -> Result<Self, PodError> {
-        let mut common = prepare_pod_common(&manifest, &loader, /* parse_template */ true)?;
+        let pwd = current_pwd()?;
+        Self::from_manifest_spawned_with_context(
+            manifest,
+            store,
+            loader,
+            callback_socket,
+            pwd.clone(),
+            pwd,
+        )
+        .await
+    }
+
+    pub async fn from_manifest_spawned_with_context(
+        manifest: PodManifest,
+        store: St,
+        loader: PromptLoader,
+        callback_socket: PathBuf,
+        workspace_root: PathBuf,
+        tool_cwd: PathBuf,
+    ) -> Result<Self, PodError> {
+        let mut common = prepare_pod_common_with_context(
+            &manifest,
+            &loader,
+            /* parse_template */ true,
+            workspace_root,
+            tool_cwd,
+            manifest.scope.clone(),
+        )?;
         let skill_shadows = std::mem::take(&mut common.skill_shadows);
 
         // A spawned child starts its own conversation, so it mints a
@@ -3827,6 +3866,7 @@ where
             pod_metadata_writer,
             segment_state: SegmentState::new(session_id, segment_id, 0),
             pwd: common.pwd,
+            workspace_root: common.workspace_root,
             scope: SharedScope::new(common.scope),
             delegation_scope: common.delegation_scope,
             hook_builder: HookRegistryBuilder::new(),
@@ -4006,6 +4046,7 @@ where
             pod_metadata_writer,
             segment_state: SegmentState::new(session_id, segment_id, state.entries_count),
             pwd: common.pwd,
+            workspace_root: common.workspace_root,
             scope: SharedScope::new(common.scope),
             delegation_scope: common.delegation_scope,
             hook_builder: HookRegistryBuilder::new(),
@@ -4630,11 +4671,13 @@ pub enum PodError {
 }
 
 /// Bundle of resources that every high-level Pod constructor needs:
-/// pwd, scope, an LLM client, the prompt catalog, and (optionally) a
-/// parsed system-prompt template. Built once by [`prepare_pod_common`]
-/// from the resolved manifest and then split into Pod fields.
+/// tool pwd, runtime workspace root, scope, an LLM client, the prompt catalog,
+/// and (optionally) a parsed system-prompt template. Built once by
+/// [`prepare_pod_common`] from the resolved manifest and then split into Pod
+/// fields.
 struct PodCommon {
     pwd: PathBuf,
+    workspace_root: PathBuf,
     scope: Scope,
     delegation_scope: DelegationScope,
     client: Box<dyn LlmClient>,
@@ -4725,8 +4768,9 @@ fn prepare_pod_common(
     parse_template: bool,
 ) -> Result<PodCommon, PodError> {
     let pwd = current_pwd()?;
-    let scope = build_scope_with_memory(manifest, &pwd)?;
-    prepare_pod_common_from_scope(manifest, loader, parse_template, pwd, scope)
+    let workspace_root = pwd.clone();
+    let scope = build_scope_with_memory(manifest, &workspace_root)?;
+    prepare_pod_common_from_scope(manifest, loader, parse_template, workspace_root, pwd, scope)
 }
 
 fn prepare_pod_common_with_scope(
@@ -4736,17 +4780,45 @@ fn prepare_pod_common_with_scope(
     scope_config: ScopeConfig,
 ) -> Result<PodCommon, PodError> {
     let pwd = current_pwd()?;
+    let workspace_root = pwd.clone();
     let scope = Scope::from_config(&scope_config).map_err(PodError::Scope)?;
-    prepare_pod_common_from_scope(manifest, loader, parse_template, pwd, scope)
+    prepare_pod_common_from_scope(manifest, loader, parse_template, workspace_root, pwd, scope)
+}
+
+fn prepare_pod_common_with_context(
+    manifest: &PodManifest,
+    loader: &PromptLoader,
+    parse_template: bool,
+    workspace_root: PathBuf,
+    pwd: PathBuf,
+    scope_config: ScopeConfig,
+) -> Result<PodCommon, PodError> {
+    let workspace_root =
+        std::fs::canonicalize(&workspace_root).map_err(|source| PodError::InvalidPwd {
+            pwd: workspace_root.clone(),
+            source,
+        })?;
+    let pwd = std::fs::canonicalize(&pwd).map_err(|source| PodError::InvalidPwd {
+        pwd: pwd.clone(),
+        source,
+    })?;
+    let scope = Scope::from_config(&scope_config).map_err(PodError::Scope)?;
+    prepare_pod_common_from_scope(manifest, loader, parse_template, workspace_root, pwd, scope)
 }
 
 fn prepare_pod_common_from_scope(
     manifest: &PodManifest,
     loader: &PromptLoader,
     parse_template: bool,
+    workspace_root: PathBuf,
     pwd: PathBuf,
     scope: Scope,
 ) -> Result<PodCommon, PodError> {
+    if !scope.is_readable(&workspace_root) {
+        return Err(PodError::PwdOutsideScope {
+            pwd: workspace_root,
+        });
+    }
     if !scope.is_readable(&pwd) {
         return Err(PodError::PwdOutsideScope { pwd });
     }
@@ -4758,7 +4830,7 @@ fn prepare_pod_common_from_scope(
     let memory_layout = manifest
         .memory
         .as_ref()
-        .map(|mem| memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(mem, &pwd));
+        .map(|mem| memory::WorkspaceLayout::resolve(mem, &workspace_root));
     let mut workflow_registry = match memory_layout.as_ref() {
         Some(layout) => workflow_crate::load_workflows(layout).map_err(PodError::WorkflowLoad)?,
         None => workflow_crate::WorkflowRegistry::empty(),
@@ -4776,6 +4848,7 @@ fn prepare_pod_common_from_scope(
 
     Ok(PodCommon {
         pwd,
+        workspace_root,
         scope,
         delegation_scope,
         client,
@@ -4881,6 +4954,70 @@ fn current_pwd() -> Result<PathBuf, PodError> {
         .map_err(|source| PodError::InvalidPwd { pwd: cwd, source })
 }
 
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod spawned_context_tests {
+    use super::*;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn spawn_pod_context_keeps_workspace_root_separate_from_tool_pwd() {
+        let tmp = tempfile::tempdir().unwrap();
+        let workspace_root = tmp.path().join("workspace-root");
+        let tool_cwd = tmp.path().join("child-worktree");
+        std::fs::create_dir_all(&workspace_root).unwrap();
+        std::fs::create_dir_all(&tool_cwd).unwrap();
+
+        let mut manifest = minimal_manifest_for_context_test(&workspace_root, &tool_cwd);
+        manifest.memory = Some(manifest::MemoryConfig::default());
+        let common = prepare_pod_common_with_context(
+            &manifest,
+            &PromptLoader::builtins_only(),
+            false,
+            workspace_root.clone(),
+            tool_cwd.clone(),
+            manifest.scope.clone(),
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+
+        assert_eq!(
+            common.workspace_root,
+            workspace_root.canonicalize().unwrap()
+        );
+        assert_eq!(common.pwd, tool_cwd.canonicalize().unwrap());
+        assert_eq!(
+            common.memory_layout.as_ref().unwrap().root(),
+            workspace_root.canonicalize().unwrap()
+        );
+    }
+
+    fn minimal_manifest_for_context_test(workspace_root: &Path, tool_cwd: &Path) -> PodManifest {
+        let toml_str = format!(
+            r#"
+[pod]
+name = "spawn-context-test"
+
+[model]
+scheme = "anthropic"
+model_id = "claude-sonnet-4-20250514"
+
+[worker]
+
+[[scope.allow]]
+target = "{}"
+permission = "read"
+
+[[scope.allow]]
+target = "{}"
+permission = "write"
+"#,
+            workspace_root.display(),
+            tool_cwd.display()
+        );
+        let mut manifest = PodManifest::from_toml(&toml_str).unwrap();
+        manifest.model.auth = Some(manifest::AuthRef::None);
+        manifest
+    }
+}
+
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod memory_worker_event_tests {
     use super::*;
diff --git a/crates/pod/src/spawn/tool.rs b/crates/pod/src/spawn/tool.rs
index f0540b5a..642c78ba 100644
--- a/crates/pod/src/spawn/tool.rs
+++ b/crates/pod/src/spawn/tool.rs
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ use manifest::{
     CompactionConfigPartial, DelegationScope, FileUploadLimitsPartial, Permission,
     PermissionConfigPartial, PodManifest, PodManifestConfig, PodMetaConfig, ProfileDiscovery,
     ProfileError, ProfileRegistry, ProfileRegistrySource, ProfileResolveOptions, ProfileResolver,
-    ProfileSelector, ScopeConfig, ScopeRule, SessionConfigPartial, SharedScope,
+    ProfileSelector, Scope, ScopeConfig, ScopeRule, SessionConfigPartial, SharedScope,
     ToolOutputLimitsPartial, WorkerManifestConfig,
 };
 use serde::Deserialize;
@@ -52,6 +52,11 @@ struct SpawnPodInput {
     /// Instruction-file reference (e.g. `$yoi/default`, `$user/my-agent`).
     #[serde(default)]
     instruction: Option<String>,
+    /// Child process/tool working directory. This is not the runtime workspace
+    /// root and grants no filesystem authority. When omitted, the spawned Pod
+    /// starts in the spawner's current working directory.
+    #[serde(default)]
+    cwd: Option<PathBuf>,
     /// First message sent to the spawned Pod via `Method::Run`.
     task: String,
     /// Allow rules delegated to the spawned Pod. Must be a subset of the
@@ -219,8 +224,11 @@ pub struct SpawnPodTool {
     /// Root of the `$XDG_RUNTIME_DIR/yoi/` tree, used to predict
     /// the spawned Pod's socket path before the child has bound it.
     runtime_base: PathBuf,
-    /// Directory the spawned Pod should run in when the LLM did not
-    /// override it. Defaults to the spawner's pwd — see module docs.
+    /// Inherited runtime workspace root for Profile/project/Ticket/workflow/
+    /// memory context. SpawnPod `cwd` must not affect this value.
+    workspace_root: PathBuf,
+    /// Directory the spawned Pod's tools should use when the LLM did not
+    /// override it. Defaults to the spawner's tool pwd.
     spawner_pwd: PathBuf,
     /// Optional typed runtime command injected by tests. Production resolves
     /// the runtime command from `std::env::current_exe()` at launch time.
@@ -261,6 +269,7 @@ impl SpawnPodTool {
         spawner_name: String,
         callback_socket: PathBuf,
         runtime_base: PathBuf,
+        workspace_root: PathBuf,
         spawner_pwd: PathBuf,
         registry: Arc<SpawnedPodRegistry>,
         parent_socket: Option<PathBuf>,
@@ -274,6 +283,7 @@ impl SpawnPodTool {
             spawner_name,
             callback_socket,
             runtime_base,
+            workspace_root,
             spawner_pwd,
             runtime_command,
             registry,
@@ -304,6 +314,7 @@ impl Tool for SpawnPodTool {
 
         let scope_allow = parse_scope(&input.scope)?;
         self.validate_delegation_scope(&scope_allow)?;
+        let child_cwd = validate_spawn_cwd(input.cwd.as_deref(), &scope_allow, &self.spawner_pwd)?;
 
         let spawn_selector =
             parse_spawn_profile_selector(input.profile.as_deref()).map_err(|msg| {
@@ -349,7 +360,12 @@ impl Tool for SpawnPodTool {
         // entry on exit.
 
         let start_outcome = self
-            .exec_child(&input.name, &spawn_config_json, &predicted_socket)
+            .exec_child(
+                &input.name,
+                &spawn_config_json,
+                &predicted_socket,
+                &child_cwd,
+            )
             .await;
         if let Err(e) = start_outcome {
             self.release_reservation(&lock_path, &input.name);
@@ -422,6 +438,7 @@ impl SpawnPodTool {
         pod_name: &str,
         spawn_config_json: &str,
         predicted_socket: &Path,
+        child_cwd: &Path,
     ) -> Result<(), ToolError> {
         let runtime_command = match &self.runtime_command {
             Some(command) => command.clone(),
@@ -458,7 +475,11 @@ impl SpawnPodTool {
             .arg(&self.callback_socket)
             .arg("--spawn-config-json")
             .arg(spawn_config_json)
-            .current_dir(&self.spawner_pwd)
+            .arg("--workspace")
+            .arg(&self.workspace_root)
+            .arg("--tool-cwd")
+            .arg(child_cwd)
+            .current_dir(&self.workspace_root)
             .stdin(Stdio::null())
             .stdout(Stdio::null())
             .stderr(Stdio::from(stderr_file))
@@ -531,14 +552,67 @@ fn parse_scope(rules: &[ScopeRuleInput]) -> Result<Vec<ScopeRule>, ToolError> {
         .collect()
 }
 
+fn validate_spawn_cwd(
+    cwd: Option<&Path>,
+    scope_allow: &[ScopeRule],
+    default_cwd: &Path,
+) -> Result<PathBuf, ToolError> {
+    let Some(cwd) = cwd else {
+        return Ok(default_cwd.to_path_buf());
+    };
+    if !cwd.is_absolute() {
+        return Err(ToolError::InvalidArgument(format!(
+            "SpawnPod.cwd must be absolute: {}",
+            cwd.display()
+        )));
+    }
+    let metadata = std::fs::metadata(cwd).map_err(|e| {
+        if e.kind() == std::io::ErrorKind::NotFound {
+            ToolError::InvalidArgument(format!("SpawnPod.cwd does not exist: {}", cwd.display()))
+        } else {
+            ToolError::InvalidArgument(format!(
+                "SpawnPod.cwd is not usable: {}: {e}",
+                cwd.display()
+            ))
+        }
+    })?;
+    if !metadata.is_dir() {
+        return Err(ToolError::InvalidArgument(format!(
+            "SpawnPod.cwd must be a directory: {}",
+            cwd.display()
+        )));
+    }
+    let canonical = std::fs::canonicalize(cwd).map_err(|e| {
+        ToolError::InvalidArgument(format!(
+            "SpawnPod.cwd is not usable: {}: {e}",
+            cwd.display()
+        ))
+    })?;
+    let child_scope = Scope::from_config(&ScopeConfig {
+        allow: scope_allow.to_vec(),
+        deny: Vec::new(),
+    })
+    .map_err(|e| {
+        ToolError::InvalidArgument(format!(
+            "requested child scope cannot validate SpawnPod.cwd: {e}"
+        ))
+    })?;
+    if !child_scope.is_readable(&canonical) {
+        return Err(ToolError::InvalidArgument(format!(
+            "SpawnPod.cwd {} is outside the child's delegated readable scope; cwd grants no authority, so add an explicit read or write scope rule covering it",
+            cwd.display()
+        )));
+    }
+    Ok(canonical)
+}
+
 /// Serialise the internal manifest config that gets handed to the child
 /// Pod runtime process via the hidden `--spawn-config-json` flag.
 /// `PodManifestConfig`'s `Serialize` impl is the single source of truth for the
 /// internal handoff shape.
 ///
-/// The child's working directory is set separately via
-/// `Command::current_dir` (see [`SpawnPodTool::exec_child`]) — it is
-/// not part of the manifest.
+/// The child's tool working directory is carried separately through
+/// the child runtime entrypoint; it is not part of the manifest.
 impl SpawnPodTool {
     fn build_spawn_config_json(
         &self,
@@ -550,7 +624,7 @@ impl SpawnPodTool {
         build_spawn_config_json_for_profile(
             &self.spawner_manifest,
             &self.available_profiles,
-            &self.spawner_pwd,
+            &self.workspace_root,
             name,
             instruction_override,
             scope_allow,
@@ -562,7 +636,7 @@ impl SpawnPodTool {
 fn build_spawn_config_json_for_profile(
     spawner_manifest: &PodManifest,
     available_profiles: &AvailableProfiles,
-    spawner_pwd: &Path,
+    workspace_root: &Path,
     name: &str,
     instruction_override: Option<&str>,
     scope_allow: &[ScopeRule],
@@ -584,7 +658,7 @@ fn build_spawn_config_json_for_profile(
                 SpawnProfileSelector::Inherit => unreachable!(),
             };
             let resolved = ProfileResolver::new()
-                .with_workspace_base(spawner_pwd)
+                .with_workspace_base(workspace_root)
                 .resolve_from_registry(
                     &profile_selector,
                     registry,
@@ -801,6 +875,7 @@ pub fn spawn_pod_tool(
     spawner_name: String,
     callback_socket: PathBuf,
     runtime_base: PathBuf,
+    workspace_root: PathBuf,
     spawner_pwd: PathBuf,
     registry: Arc<SpawnedPodRegistry>,
     parent_socket: Option<PathBuf>,
@@ -812,6 +887,7 @@ pub fn spawn_pod_tool(
         spawner_name,
         callback_socket,
         runtime_base,
+        workspace_root,
         spawner_pwd,
         registry,
         parent_socket,
@@ -827,6 +903,7 @@ pub fn spawn_pod_tool_with_runtime_command(
     spawner_name: String,
     callback_socket: PathBuf,
     runtime_base: PathBuf,
+    workspace_root: PathBuf,
     spawner_pwd: PathBuf,
     registry: Arc<SpawnedPodRegistry>,
     parent_socket: Option<PathBuf>,
@@ -839,6 +916,7 @@ pub fn spawn_pod_tool_with_runtime_command(
         spawner_name,
         callback_socket,
         runtime_base,
+        workspace_root,
         spawner_pwd,
         registry,
         parent_socket,
@@ -853,6 +931,7 @@ fn spawn_pod_tool_impl(
     spawner_name: String,
     callback_socket: PathBuf,
     runtime_base: PathBuf,
+    workspace_root: PathBuf,
     spawner_pwd: PathBuf,
     registry: Arc<SpawnedPodRegistry>,
     parent_socket: Option<PathBuf>,
@@ -864,7 +943,7 @@ fn spawn_pod_tool_impl(
     Arc::new(move || {
         let schema = schemars::schema_for!(SpawnPodInput);
         let schema_value = serde_json::to_value(schema).unwrap_or(serde_json::json!({}));
-        let available_profiles = AvailableProfiles::discover(&spawner_pwd);
+        let available_profiles = AvailableProfiles::discover(&workspace_root);
         let description = prompts
             .spawn_pod_tool_description(
                 &available_profiles.compact_list(),
@@ -884,6 +963,7 @@ fn spawn_pod_tool_impl(
             spawner_name.clone(),
             callback_socket.clone(),
             runtime_base.clone(),
+            workspace_root.clone(),
             spawner_pwd.clone(),
             registry.clone(),
             parent_socket.clone(),
@@ -912,6 +992,63 @@ mod tests {
         }
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn spawn_pod_input_schema_includes_optional_cwd() {
+        let schema = serde_json::to_value(schemars::schema_for!(SpawnPodInput)).unwrap();
+        let properties = schema
+            .get("properties")
+            .and_then(serde_json::Value::as_object)
+            .expect("schema properties");
+        assert!(properties.contains_key("cwd"), "schema: {schema}");
+        let required = schema
+            .get("required")
+            .and_then(serde_json::Value::as_array)
+            .expect("schema required list");
+        assert!(
+            !required.iter().any(|value| value.as_str() == Some("cwd")),
+            "cwd must remain optional: {schema}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn spawn_pod_validate_cwd_requires_absolute_existing_directory_in_child_scope() {
+        let root = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        let child_cwd = root.path().join("child");
+        std::fs::create_dir(&child_cwd).unwrap();
+        let file_path = root.path().join("file.txt");
+        std::fs::write(&file_path, "not a dir").unwrap();
+        let outside = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        let missing = root.path().join("missing");
+        let rules = vec![abs_rule(root.path(), Permission::Write)];
+
+        assert_eq!(
+            validate_spawn_cwd(None, &rules, root.path()).unwrap(),
+            root.path()
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            validate_spawn_cwd(Some(&child_cwd), &rules, root.path()).unwrap(),
+            std::fs::canonicalize(&child_cwd).unwrap()
+        );
+
+        for (cwd, expected) in [
+            (Path::new("relative"), "must be absolute"),
+            (missing.as_path(), "does not exist"),
+            (file_path.as_path(), "must be a directory"),
+            (
+                outside.path(),
+                "outside the child's delegated readable scope",
+            ),
+        ] {
+            let err = validate_spawn_cwd(Some(cwd), &rules, root.path()).unwrap_err();
+            match err {
+                ToolError::InvalidArgument(message) => {
+                    assert!(message.contains(expected), "{message}")
+                }
+                other => panic!("expected InvalidArgument, got {other:?}"),
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
     fn parent_manifest(root: &Path, deny: Option<&Path>) -> PodManifest {
         PodManifestConfig {
             pod: PodMetaConfig {
diff --git a/crates/pod/tests/spawn_pod_test.rs b/crates/pod/tests/spawn_pod_test.rs
index 522b45ef..82f7c10a 100644
--- a/crates/pod/tests/spawn_pod_test.rs
+++ b/crates/pod/tests/spawn_pod_test.rs
@@ -145,6 +145,31 @@ fn mock_runtime_command() -> PodRuntimeCommand {
     PodRuntimeCommand::new(which_true(), Vec::new())
 }
 
+fn cwd_recording_runtime_command(script_path: &Path, output_path: &Path) -> PodRuntimeCommand {
+    let output = output_path.display();
+    std::fs::write(
+        script_path,
+        format!(
+            "tmp=\"{output}.tmp\"\npwd > \"$tmp\"\nprintf '%s\\n' \"$@\" >> \"$tmp\"\nmv \"$tmp\" \"{output}\"\n"
+        ),
+    )
+    .unwrap();
+    PodRuntimeCommand::new(which_sh(), vec![script_path.as_os_str().to_os_string()])
+}
+
+async fn read_recorded_runtime_invocation(output_path: &Path) -> Vec<String> {
+    for _ in 0..50 {
+        if let Ok(content) = std::fs::read_to_string(output_path) {
+            return content.lines().map(str::to_owned).collect();
+        }
+        tokio::time::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(10)).await;
+    }
+    panic!(
+        "runtime command did not record invocation at {}",
+        output_path.display()
+    );
+}
+
 /// `/bin/true` only exists on FHS-compliant systems. Resolve it via PATH
 /// so the tests work regardless of distro.
 fn which_true() -> String {
@@ -160,6 +185,19 @@ fn which_true() -> String {
     "/bin/true".into()
 }
 
+fn which_sh() -> String {
+    for dir in std::env::var_os("PATH")
+        .map(|p| std::env::split_paths(&p).collect::<Vec<_>>())
+        .unwrap_or_default()
+    {
+        let candidate = dir.join("sh");
+        if candidate.is_file() {
+            return candidate.to_string_lossy().into_owned();
+        }
+    }
+    "/bin/sh".into()
+}
+
 /// Tests don't exercise the model — they intercept the spawned
 /// child via a mock socket — but `spawn_pod_tool` needs a value to
 /// embed in the overlay TOML. Any well-formed `ModelManifest` works.
@@ -231,6 +269,124 @@ fn clear_env() {
     }
 }
 
+#[tokio::test]
+async fn spawn_pod_launches_runtime_in_workspace_and_passes_tool_cwd() {
+    let _env = EnvGuard::acquire();
+
+    let allow_root = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+    let child_cwd = allow_root.path().join("child-cwd");
+    std::fs::create_dir(&child_cwd).unwrap();
+    let script = allow_root.path().join("record-pwd.sh");
+    let output_path = allow_root.path().join("pwd.txt");
+    let (_tmp, runtime_base, spawner_socket, spawner_rd) =
+        setup_spawner("root", allow_root.path()).await;
+
+    let (_predicted_socket, listener) = bind_mock_pod_socket(&runtime_base, "child-cwd").await;
+    let received = accept_one_method(listener);
+
+    let registry = SpawnedPodRegistry::new(spawner_rd);
+    let def = spawn_pod_tool_with_runtime_command(
+        "root".into(),
+        spawner_socket,
+        runtime_base,
+        allow_root.path().to_path_buf(),
+        allow_root.path().to_path_buf(),
+        registry,
+        None,
+        dummy_manifest(allow_root.path()),
+        shared_scope_for(allow_root.path()),
+        builtin_prompts(),
+        cwd_recording_runtime_command(&script, &output_path),
+    );
+    let (_meta, tool) = def();
+
+    let input = json!({
+        "name": "child-cwd",
+        "task": "hello",
+        "profile": "inherit",
+        "cwd": child_cwd.to_str().unwrap(),
+        "scope": [{
+            "target": allow_root.path().to_str().unwrap(),
+            "permission": "write"
+        }]
+    })
+    .to_string();
+
+    tool.execute(&input).await.unwrap();
+    assert!(matches!(received.await.unwrap(), Some(Method::Run { .. })));
+    let invocation = read_recorded_runtime_invocation(&output_path).await;
+    assert_eq!(invocation[0], allow_root.path().to_str().unwrap());
+    assert!(
+        invocation
+            .windows(2)
+            .any(|pair| pair[0] == "--workspace" && pair[1] == allow_root.path().to_str().unwrap()),
+        "invocation should carry inherited workspace root: {invocation:?}"
+    );
+    assert!(
+        invocation
+            .windows(2)
+            .any(|pair| pair[0] == "--tool-cwd" && pair[1] == child_cwd.to_str().unwrap()),
+        "invocation should carry tool cwd separately: {invocation:?}"
+    );
+
+    clear_env();
+}
+
+#[tokio::test]
+async fn spawn_pod_omitted_cwd_preserves_spawner_pwd() {
+    let _env = EnvGuard::acquire();
+
+    let allow_root = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+    let script = allow_root.path().join("record-pwd.sh");
+    let output_path = allow_root.path().join("pwd.txt");
+    let (_tmp, runtime_base, spawner_socket, spawner_rd) =
+        setup_spawner("root", allow_root.path()).await;
+
+    let (_predicted_socket, listener) =
+        bind_mock_pod_socket(&runtime_base, "child-default-cwd").await;
+    let received = accept_one_method(listener);
+
+    let registry = SpawnedPodRegistry::new(spawner_rd);
+    let def = spawn_pod_tool_with_runtime_command(
+        "root".into(),
+        spawner_socket,
+        runtime_base,
+        allow_root.path().to_path_buf(),
+        allow_root.path().to_path_buf(),
+        registry,
+        None,
+        dummy_manifest(allow_root.path()),
+        shared_scope_for(allow_root.path()),
+        builtin_prompts(),
+        cwd_recording_runtime_command(&script, &output_path),
+    );
+    let (_meta, tool) = def();
+
+    let input = json!({
+        "name": "child-default-cwd",
+        "task": "hello",
+        "profile": "inherit",
+        "scope": [{
+            "target": allow_root.path().to_str().unwrap(),
+            "permission": "write"
+        }]
+    })
+    .to_string();
+
+    tool.execute(&input).await.unwrap();
+    assert!(matches!(received.await.unwrap(), Some(Method::Run { .. })));
+    let invocation = read_recorded_runtime_invocation(&output_path).await;
+    assert_eq!(invocation[0], allow_root.path().to_str().unwrap());
+    assert!(
+        invocation
+            .windows(2)
+            .any(|pair| pair[0] == "--tool-cwd" && pair[1] == allow_root.path().to_str().unwrap()),
+        "omitted cwd should preserve spawner pwd as tool cwd: {invocation:?}"
+    );
+
+    clear_env();
+}
+
 #[tokio::test]
 async fn spawn_pod_delegates_scope_and_sends_run() {
     let _env = EnvGuard::acquire();
@@ -249,6 +405,7 @@ async fn spawn_pod_delegates_scope_and_sends_run() {
         spawner_socket.clone(),
         runtime_base.clone(),
         allow_root.path().to_path_buf(),
+        allow_root.path().to_path_buf(),
         registry,
         None,
         dummy_manifest(allow_root.path()),
@@ -341,6 +498,7 @@ async fn spawn_pod_requires_explicit_delegation_even_with_direct_scope() {
         spawner_socket,
         runtime_base,
         allow_root.path().to_path_buf(),
+        allow_root.path().to_path_buf(),
         registry,
         None,
         manifest,
@@ -407,6 +565,7 @@ async fn spawn_pod_rejects_child_non_recursive_scope_under_parent_non_recursive_
         spawner_socket,
         runtime_base,
         allow_root.path().to_path_buf(),
+        allow_root.path().to_path_buf(),
         registry,
         None,
         manifest,
@@ -458,6 +617,7 @@ async fn spawn_pod_rejects_scope_outside_spawner() {
         spawner_socket,
         runtime_base,
         allow_root.path().to_path_buf(),
+        allow_root.path().to_path_buf(),
         registry,
         None,
         dummy_manifest(allow_root.path()),
@@ -531,6 +691,7 @@ async fn spawn_pod_rolls_back_reservation_when_socket_never_appears() {
         spawner_socket,
         runtime_base,
         allow_root.path().to_path_buf(),
+        allow_root.path().to_path_buf(),
         registry,
         None,
         dummy_manifest(allow_root.path()),
diff --git a/resources/prompts/internal.toml b/resources/prompts/internal.toml
index 55de66d5..466d9587 100644
--- a/resources/prompts/internal.toml
+++ b/resources/prompts/internal.toml
@@ -71,6 +71,8 @@ pod_orchestration_guidance_section = "{% include \"$yoi/common/pod-orchestration
 spawn_pod_tool_description = """\
 Spawn a new Pod process to work on a delegated task. The spawner's write scope is reduced by the scope passed here; the spawned Pod receives its own socket and starts running `task` immediately. The spawned Pod outlives the spawner's current turn and can be contacted again through its socket path.
 
+Optional `cwd`: when provided, it is the child process/tool default working directory only. It must be an absolute existing directory covered by the child's delegated readable scope, and it does not change workspace/Profile/memory/Ticket roots or grant authority.
+
 Profile selection: `profile` may be omitted or set to `default` to use the effective child default profile, set to `inherit` to derive reusable child configuration from this Pod, or set to one of the registry selectors below. Raw/path profile selectors are not accepted by SpawnPod. `scope` is always the only delegated filesystem capability; profile scope is replaced by the explicit SpawnPod scope.
 
 Default profile: {{ default_profile }}