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Media Information
2nd May 2003

Scotland's New Ethical Framework Goes 'Live'

High standards of behaviour are now placed at the heart of public life in Scotland through the new ethical framework, effective from May 1, which requires councillors and appointed members of designated devolved public bodies to comply with Codes of Conduct approved by Parliament and Scottish Ministers.

There is one Code of Conduct for all councillors. There are also Codes for appointed members of each of the designated devolved public bodies, adapted from a model code to reflect the distinctive functions and characteristics of the individual body.

The guardian of these Codes is the Standards Commission for Scotland, an independent body, based in Rosyth, which will encourage high ethical standards in public life by its promotion and enforcement of the Codes.

The Commission, through its Chief Investigating Officer, will investigate all complaints of alleged breaches of the Codes. If he finds evidence of a breach it will be reported to the Commission. It will hold a hearing in public and, if necessary, impose a sanction: censure, suspension, or disqualification.

The Standards Commission is issuing an information leaflet for the public, which sets out how complaints can be made. Copies are available from the Commission's web site, by post or by email.

Easy public access to relevant information, notably on the Commission's web site, means that the people of Scotland can readily observe the ethical framework in action and assess for themselves the contribution it makes to public life.

Professor Hugh Begg, Convener of the Standards Commission, said:

"All Members of the Commission share the view that public life in Scotland is characterised by very high standards of conduct however, when complaints are received, the Commission will be thorough in its investigation and open, fair and impartial in its judgements. In those few cases where we find that there has been some form of misconduct, we will not hesitate to use the powers available to us.

"We look forward to working in partnership with all those who hold public office and are available to the officers who advise them to assist in the proper interpretation of the Codes. In this way we can all make our contribution to ensuring integrity in public life in Scotland."

Ends

2nd May, 2003

Issued on behalf of the Standards Commission for Scotland by Metropublic Communications Consultants. For further information please contact:

Helen Cree
Metropublic
46 The Shore
Edinburgh
EH6 6QU
helen.cree@metropublic.com
Mobile: +44 (0) 7786 547 479

Notes to Editors

The relevant legislation is contained in the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.
The Standards Commission for Scotland has two separate functions: investigation and adjudication.
The Commission has two offices: the Office of Administration and Hearings and the Office of Investigations.

The Commission has six appointed members, each with a breadth of experience in public life. They are:
Professor Hugh M Begg (Convener)
Mrs Linda Costelloe Baker
Professor Lorne Crerar
Mrs Wendy Goldstraw
Mrs Elinor Smith
Mr Albert Tait OBE

The Chief Investigating Officer is Mr Stuart Allan

The Act, the Codes of Conduct, the relevant guidance and all procedures for complaints, investigations and hearings are available for reference via the Standards Commission web site at:
www.standardscommissionscotland.org.uk

The Standards Commission for Scotland
Forsyth House
Innova Campus
Rosyth Europarc
ROSYTH
Fife KY11 2UU
Telephone: 01383 428058
Fax: 01383 428020
Email: admin.standards@ednet.co.uk