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.
News and Blog
Training on the Councillors' Code for the Scottish Conservative Councillors Association
20th November 2025
The Standards Commission was pleased to have been invited by the Scottish Conservative Councillors Association to provide training for its members on the Councillors' Code of Conduct. The training, which took place online on 18 November 2025, provoked a lot of discussion among attendees, and the Standards Commission hopes that they found the training as useful and informative as it did.
Joint Webinars with the Improvement Service
17th November 2025
Joint Webinars with the Improvement Service The Improvement Service and Standards Commission are hosting two webinars for elected members on the following provisions in the Councillors’ Code of Conduct: Distinguishing between strategic and operational matters on 15 January 2026 from 10:00 – 11:30...
Meet the Standards Commission's Members - Malcolm Bell
11th November 2025
1. Why did you apply to be a member of the Standards Commission? I have over 40 years in public service and I saw the Standards Commission as an opportunity to remain engaged and contribute further. I have always been committed to upholding high ethical standards in public life and believe my experience and skills can support the Commission’s valuable work. 2. How do you find being a member of a...
Fixed Term Case Manager Vacancy
31st October 2025
We are currently recruiting for a full-time, fixed-term Case Manager. The advert, job description and an application form can be found here. The salary is £56,875 and closing date is noon on 17 November 2025.
New Advice Note on the Ethical Standards Framework for Independent Councillors
21st October 2025
The Standards Commission, has produced an Advice Note on the Ethical Standards Framework for Independent Councillors. The Advice Note aims to provide guidance to independent (non-political party affiliated) councillors on their responsibilities under, and how to seek assistance with, any aspect of the ethical standards framework. While the guidance in this Advice Note is relevant to all councillors, it has been developed specifically with independent members in mind. This is because th...
Standards Update September 2025
30th September 2025
Our latest Standards Update is now available.
Collective Responsibility
17th September 2025
Model Code of Conduct The Scottish Parliament demonstrated its commitment to the promotion of high standards in public life by passing the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 as one of its earliest statutes. The Act introduced an ethical framework which required a Model Code of Conduct to be issued for board members of the devolved public bodies listed in Schedule 3 of the Act. The Model Code of Conduct for Members of Devolved Public Bodies, which is issu...
New eLearning Module for Councillors on Making Quasi-Judicial and Regulatory Decisions
11th September 2025
The Standards Commission has produced an eLearning Module for Councillors on Section 7 of the Councillors’ Code, which covers their conduct when they make decisions on quasi-judicial and regulatory matters, such as planning and licensing application. The eLearning Module can be found here.
New Advice Note for Local Authority Chairs
28th August 2025
The Standards Commission has published a new Advice Note for Local Authority Chairs. The Advice Note aims to provide guidance to local authority Chairs and Conveners on their role and responsibilities within the ethical standards framework. It is primarily intended to assist those who chair full Council Committee and Sub-Committee meetings and those who, from time to time, deputise for them. The new Advice Note can be downloaded here:
Meet the Standards Commission's Members - Lezley Stewart
15th August 2025
1. Why did you apply to be a member of the Standards Commission? At the time I saw the vacancy advertised, I had recently ceased working full time and was enjoying all the freedom and opportunities that brings! The vacancy sparked my interest however, as the work of the Commission connects with my values, and reflects my own career [as an Office Holder working under a Code of Conduct]. I felt I had the experience/skills that the Commissio...
