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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.

Standards Commission's Policies & Procedures

This section contains information about some of the Standards Commission's policies and procedures. Please note, however, the Rules that govern how the Standards Commission conducts Hearings about alleged breaches of the Codes of Conduct are contained in the Hearing Process Guide and Rules, which can be found on the Hearing Rules page of the website.

The Equality Act 2010, which came into force in 1 October 2010, obliges public bodies to assess and review policies, procedures and practices to ensure there is no unlawful discrimination or disadvantage as a result of their impact against any individual.  It is a way of ensuring and showing due regard has been paid to the general duties under the 2010 Act.  Equalities impact assessments can also be used to promote or improve equality of opportunity.  The Standards Commission undertake equalities impact assessments when any policies, procedures and practices are introduced or amended.  

Standing Orders

The Standards Commission's Standing Orders outline the arrangements that cover the conduct of business and how the organisation will discharge its functions.

Code of Conduct for Members of the Standards Commission 

Members of the Standards Commission are subject to their own Code of Conduct, which sets out the standards of conduct that must be observed in all situations where they act as a Member of the Standards Commission.  A copy of the Code of Conduct for Members of the Standards Commission is available to download as a pdf. 

Use of Personal Information

Personal information provided to the Standards Commission will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Policy, and the Data Protection Privacy Statement.

Equality Impact Assessment Policy

The Standards Commission is aware of, and complies with, its duties under the Equality Act 2010. In its decisions and operations, the Standards Commission has regard to the need to:

  • Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Act;
  • Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it; and
  • Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.

The Standards Commission uses Equality Impact Assessments (EQIA) as a tool to help it to anticipate the needs of diverse groups when making decisions about policies, procedures and service delivery. It enables the Standards Commission to ensure its decisions accords with its values. A policy outlining when and how the Standards Commission will conduct EQIAs can be found in our Equality Impact Assessment Policy, which is available to download as a pdf.

Records Management Plan

The Records Management Plan outlines how the Standards Commission's manages the records generated and retained by the organisation.

Fraud Prevention & Whistleblowing Policy

The Standards Commission's Fraud Prevention & Whistleblowing Policy provides information to Members and staff, which includes former Members or employees, about reporting any genuine concerns they may have about wrongdoing and malpractice which they believe has occurred or is likely to occur.  

Scheme of Delegation

The Standards Commission's Scheme of Delegation outlines the delegated decision making powers, including decisions made under statutory powers along with the ones on governance and staffing matters and in respect of the organisation's rules, policies and procedures.

Risk Management Policy

The Risk Management Policy outlines the Standards Commission's approach to and the management of risks.   

Procurement and Finance Policy and Procedures

The Standards Commission's Procurement and Finance Policy and Procedures details the financial decision making powers in respect of procurement and contract management together with outlining the authorisation procedures in relation to all financial transactions. 

Downloads
Standing Orders

Standing Orders

2023
28th February 2023

Code of Conduct for Standards Commission Members

Code of Conduct for Standards Commission Members

8th February 2022

Data Protection Policy

Data Protection Policy

8th November 2022

Data Protection Privacy Statement

Data Protection Privacy Statement

8th November 2022

Procurement and Finance Policy and Procedures

Procurement and Finance Policy and Procedures

2023
28th February 2023

Risk Management Policy

Risk Management Policy

2023
13th December 2023