About The Standards Commission

The Standards Commission for Scotland was established under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.

The Commission is committed to high ethical standards in public life through the promotion and enforcement of Codes of Conduct for councillors (approved by the Scottish Parliament) and those appointed to devolved public bodies (approved by the Scottish Ministers).

Appointments to and funding for the Commission are provided by the Scottish Ministers. Set up by an Act of the Scottish Parliament, the Commission is completely independent of government when considering alleged contravention's of the Codes and in its decision.

The Commission will be open, fair and impartial in its judgements and it will be efficient, effective and accountable in its use of resources.

Q: Which authorities does the Standards Commission work with?

Q: How is the Standards Commission different from the Public Services Ombudsman?

Q: How is the Standards Commission different from the Accounts Commission?

Q: Which authorities does the Standards Commission work with?

A: The Commission works with:

• 32 local authorities
• 129 Public bodies.

Q: How is the Standards Commission different from the Public Services Ombudsman?

A: The Commission's main task is to ensure that standards of ethical conduct are maintained across local authorities and public bodies and to deal with complaints of misconduct against individual members. Unlike the Ombudsman, the Commission does not deal with issues of maladministration.

Q: How is the Standards Commission different from the Accounts Commission?

A: The Commission's main task is to ensure that standards of ethical conduct are maintained across local authorities and public bodies and to deal with complaints of misconduct against individual members. The Accounts Commission audits the accounts of councils to secure financial propriety and seeks to promote Best Value in the delivery of council services.