FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q What is the Standards Commission?

A The Standards Commission is an independent body set up by the Ethical Standards in Public etc. (Scotland) Act 2000. The Commission encourages high ethical standards in public life through the promotion and enforcement of Codes of Conduct for Councillors and Members of Devolved Public Bodies.

The Standards Commission works with local authorities and public bodies to help them assist their councillors and members to achieve the highest standards of conduct.  We issue guidance on the Codes of Conduct.

Complaints about misconduct are investigated by the Public Standards Commissioner for Scotland (PSC) who reports the outcome to the Commission. The Commission may decide to hold a Hearing, direct the PSC to carry out further investigations or take no action.

Q Where can I get a copy of the Codes of Conduct?

A You can see the Codes on the Standards Commission for Scotland website or you can ask for a copy from the Standards Commission office. We do not charge for supplying a copy of the Code.

Q Who are Members of the Standards Commission?

A Details of the Members of the Standards Commission can be found by following this link.

Q How can someone complain about the Standards Commission, or about the staff in the Commission's Office?

A Information about how to make a complaint is contained within the Standard Commission's Customer Charter and can be found by following this link.

Q: How is the Standards Commission different from the Scottish Public Standards Commissioner?

A: The Public Standards Commissioner (PSC) is an independent officeholder responsible for investigating complaints about councillors, members of devolved public bodies and Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) who are alleged to have contravened their relevant Code of Conduct.

Where the PSC concludes that a councillor or member has contravened the relevant Code he reports this to the Standards Commission.  It is the Standards Commission's responsibility to determine whether to hold a Hearing, direct the PSCS to undertake further investigations, or do neither.  Where the Standards Commission decides to hold a Hearing, a Hearing Panel comprised of Members of the Commission will determine whether the councillor or member has breached the relevant Code and, in the event that a breach is found, the sanction to be applied.

Where the PSC reports on the outcome of his investigation into whether an MSP has broken the Code of Conduct for MSPs he does so to the Scottish Parliament.  The Standards Commission has no jurisdiction to adjudicate on complaints relating to MSPs.

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

A: The Standards Commission's main task is to assist local authorities and public bodies in ensuring that high standards of ethical conduct are maintained across local authorities and public bodies.  The Standards Commission also enforces compliance with the Codes of Conduct.  Where the Public Standards Commissioner for Scotland (PSC) submits a report to the Commission indicating his view that a breach of a Code has occurred, it is the Standards Commission's responsibility to determine whether to hold a Hearing, direct the PSC to undertake further investigations, or do neither.  Where the Standards Commission decides to hold a Hearing, a Hearing Panel comprised of Members of the Commission will determine whether the councillor or member has breached the relevant Code and, in the event that a breach is found, the sanction to be applied.  Unlike the Ombudsman, the Standards Commission does not deal with issues of maladministration.

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

A: The Standards Commission's main task is to assist local authorities and public bodies in ensuring that high standards of ethical conduct are maintained across local authorities and public bodies.  The Standards Commission also enforces compliance with the Codes of Conduct.  Where the Public Standards Commissioner for Scotland (PSCS) submits a report to the Standards Commission indicating his view that a breach of a Code has occurred, it is the Standards Commission's responsibility to determine whether to hold a Hearing, direct the PSC to undertake further investigations, or do neither.  Where the Standards Commission decides to hold a Hearing, a Hearing Panel comprised of Members of the Commission will determine whether the councillor or member has breached the relevant Code and, in the event that a breach is found, the sanction to be applied.  The Accounts Commission audits the accounts of councils to secure financial propriety and seeks to promote Best Value in the delivery of council services