Ethical Standards Legislation

The Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (the 2000 Act) provides a framework to encourage, and where necessary, enforce, high ethical standards in public life.  The 2000 Act established the Standards Commission for Scotland and the post of Chief Investigating Officer. The 2000 Act was amended by the Scottish Parliamentary Commissions and Commissioners etc. Act 2010 and the Chief Investigating Officer's functions are now undertaken by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. 

The 2000 Act provided for a Councillors' Code of Conduct which provides for the principles and rules governing the conduct of councillors across all Scotland's local authorities and a Model Code of Conduct for Members of Devolved Public Bodies upon which devolved public bodies base their individual Members' Codes.

The Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 includes, at Schedule 3, a list of bodies who are covered by the ethical standards framework.  An up to date list of bodies currently covered by Schedule 3 can be found on the Scottish Government's website.

Item
Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000	View
Explanatory Notes to Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act	View
The Scottish Parliamentary Commissions and Commissioners etc. Act 2010	View
The Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (Register of Interests) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2021	View
The Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (Register of Interests) Regulations 2003	View