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.
Proposed changes to the Councillors' Code of Conduct
6th April 2018
Scottish Minister propose amending the Councillors' Code of Conduct to to add an explicit reference to bullying and harassment, and to amend the provisions on declarations of interest in relation to councillors who are also members of Regional Transport Partnerships. The amended Code can be found on the Scottish Government's website at: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2018/04/6836.
The Standards Commission welcomes the proposed changes and, in particular, the inclusion of the provision concerning bullying and harassment. While we consider that the requirements under existing Code that oblige elected members to treat colleagues, the public and Council officers with courtesy and respect when acting as a councillor, when on council business and when representing the council, may be sufficiently wide to cover any allegations of harassment and bullying; we nevertheless consider the proposals will further strengthen the Code in this regard. We consider that the addition of the provision will reiterate and emphasise the fact that such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
