Press Releases

Media Information
31 March 2004

New appointment to Standards Commission.

Peter Donaldson has been appointed as the new Member of the Standards Commission for Scotland.

The Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Services Tavish Scott said:

"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Donaldson to the Standards Commission for Scotland. The Executive made clear commitments last year in our Partnership Agreement to develop a confident, democratic Scotland and to ensure the delivery of excellent public services.

"The work of the Standards Commission is one vital element in ensuring delivery on these commitments - promoting high standards in public life is essential in order to secure a strong sense of confidence from the people of Scotland in our public services. As a member of the Commission, Mr Donaldson will have an important role in promoting high standards and in ensuring that the conduct of those delivering public services is beyond reproach."

Mr Donaldson joins the Standards Commission for Scotland as it begins to hold its first public hearings - following the introduction of Codes of Conduct for councillors and for members of public bodies on May 1, 2003. Since that date, the Commission has received more than 120 complaints about misconduct.

Mr Donaldson's appointment will commence on April 1, 2004. The Standards Commission is based in Rosyth.

The Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 introduced a new ethical standards framework to Scotland. The Act underlines the strong commitment to the promotion of high standards in public life by the Executive and the Scottish Parliament. Key elements of the Act were statutory Codes of Conduct (for councillors and for members of public bodies) and the establishment of the Standards Commission for Scotland.

The Commission advises on compliance with the Codes of Conduct and investigates allegations of breaches. It has power to hold hearings. Where breaches of a Code are found, the Commission can impose sanctions such as censure, suspension and disqualification for up to five years.

Mr Donaldson was formerly Chief Executive of Gordon District Council and a Director of Housing and Property with Aberdeenshire Council. He is currently a Regional Controller with the Ministry of Defence and has twice been elected as Chair of the Chartered Institute of Housing. Mr Donaldson has extensive experience in the public sector in Scotland, and enjoys hill walking and classical music.

Appointments to the Standards Commission are remunerated. A Member of the Commission receives £5,092 per annum for a two day a month commitment to the Commission's work, plus additional paid time for hearings conducted by the Commission. Mr Donaldson's appointment to the Commission will expire on March 31, 2007. Mr Donaldson has indicated that he has not been involved in any political activities during the last five years.

News Release: SEFD378/2004 - 31/03/2004