About Us
The Standards Commission is an independent body whose purpose is to encourage high ethical standards in public life through the promotion and enforcement of Codes of Conduct for councillors and those appointed to the boards of devolved public bodies.
News and Blog
Standards Update March 2022
31st March 2022
Our latest Standards Update is now available.
Outcome of Appeal to Court of Session
11th March 2022
The Court of Session considered an appeal made by Councillor Mack of Renfrewshire Council against a decision by the Standards Commission to disqualify him for 16 months for a breach of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. The Court determined that the disqualification period should be to 10 months, reduced to account for the period already served. The Court stated that it agree that with the Panel’s assessment that a disqualification was an appropriate sanction and noted: “that...
Similar names, different roles.....
25th February 2022
Similar Names, Different Roles The existing ethical standards framework in Scotland for councillors and members of devolved public bodies (such as colleges, health boards and regional transport partnerships) was established in 2000. The framework allowed the Scottish Ministers to issue Codes of Conduct for councillors and members that are intended to regulate their behaviour and promote high ethical standards. The Codes require councillors and members to behave...
New Standards Commission Member
9th February 2022
We are delighted that Suzanne Vestri has been appointed by the Scottish Parliament as a Member of the Standards Commission. Suzanne is a self-employed consultant providing support and training to public and voluntary sector organisations. She previously led the award-winning ‘see me’ campaign to end mental health discrimination. Suzanne breeds rare-breed sheep and runs a successful wool business, and is a volunteer First Responder for the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Leadership
1st February 2022
We expect politicians and others in public life to lead. They are responsible for making decisions that impact almost every aspect of our lives, from how we are protected, to the services we receive and the tax we pay. Leadership has been of particular importance during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Central and local governments have made decisions that have had a huge impact on our health and well-being, the economy, and even our rights and freedoms. It is essential, theref...
Audit Scotland’s Section 22 Report on the Ethical Standards Commissioner - Statement from the Standards Commission for Scotland
20th December 2021
Audit Scotland today published a Section 22 report on the Ethical Standards Commissioner (ESC). The report can be found at: https://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/report/the-202021-audit-of-the-commissioner-for-ethical-standards-in-public-life-in-scotland Reports are prepared by the Auditor General under Section 22 of the Public Finance and Accou...
Standards Update December 2021
20th December 2021
Our latest Standards Update is now available.
Honesty and Trust
17th December 2021
It’s fair to say there has been a great deal of press coverage recently about the honesty of our leaders. The conduct of politicians and others in public life is under intense scrutiny, with many questions asked of their integrity. Of course, putting a “spin” on matters is seen as part and parcel of politics. There is, however, a difference between highlighting issues or facts to suit your argument (or omitting to talk about on...
New Codes of Conduct Issued
8th December 2021
The Codes of Conduct for councillors and members of devolved public bodies in Scotland have been strengthened to make it clear that behaviour such as bullying and harassment is completely unacceptable. Provisions relating to the acceptance of gifts and hospitality have also been tightened to ensure that individuals do not try to profit from their position as a councillor or board member, and to ensure they are not being improperly influenced. Further, a new three-stage...
Standard Training Presentations on the Revised Codes of Conducts
30th November 2021
Revised Codes of Conduct: Standard Presentations The Scottish Parliament has approved revised Codes of Conduct for Councillors and Members of Devolved Public Bodies. These are due to be issued and published on 7 December 2021. The Standards Commission has produced the following standard presentations to assist with training on the revised Codes: The revised Councillors' Code of Conduct (2021)The revised Model Code of Conduct for Members of Devolved Public...
