The Standards Commission for Scotland and the Public Standards Commissioner for Scotland are two separate legal bodies.

The Public Standards Commissioner for Scotland ("PSC").

The Public Standards Commissioner is an independent officeholder who is dedicated to the provisions of high ethical standards in public life in Scotland.  The PSC can investigate written complaints about: 1. Councillors; 2. Members of devolved public bodies; and 3. Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) who are alleged to have contravened their Code of Conduct.

Read more about the Public Standards Commissioner here.

The Standards Commission for Scotland ("The Commission").

Where the PSC has concluded a breach of the Code has been found, the Commission then decides whether or not to hold a hearing. If a hearing is held, the Commission will decide whether there has been a breach and if so, what sanction (censure, suspension or disqualification) should be imposed. The Commission also has responsibility for issuing general guidance in relation to the Codes.

For full information on how to make a complaint alleging a contravention of the relevant Code of Conduct, please visit the Public Standards Commissioner's website.

The Commission is committed to high ethical standards in public life through the promotion and enforcement of Codes of Conduct for Councillors and those appointed to designated public bodies. The Commission will be open, fair and impartial in its judgements and it will be efficient, effective and accountable in its use of resources.

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