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
Public Body Board Members - Representative or Representing?
27th July 2026
Public Body Board Members - Representative or Representing? Composition of public body boards Boards of public bodies in Scotland are often made up of individuals who are appointed, elected or nominated in different ways. For example, college sector boards include members who are elected or nominated by virtue of them being a member of staff, a student or a member of a trade union. Health and Social Care Integration Joint Boards include representatives from councils, NHS boa...
Advice Note for Members on Distinguishing Between their Strategic Role and any Operational Work
15th July 2026
The Standards Commission has reviewed and updated its Advice Note for Members of Devolved Public Bodies on Distinguishing Between their Strategic Role and any Operational Work. The Advice Note now makes it clear that: What may be strategic and what may be operational can vary between different public bodies, depending on their size and the sector in which they operate. The distinction between what is strategic and operational may also alter if the size or remit of the member&rsqu...
Standards Update - June 2026
30th June 2026
Our latest Standards Update is now available.
The Right to Freedom of Expression
30th June 2026
The Right to Freedom of Expression What is the right to freedom of expression? The right to freedom of expression is outlined in Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which was incorporated into UK law by the Human Rights Act 1998. Article 10 of the ECHR states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by pub...
Video for Council Officers on Councillors’ Code of Conduct
8th June 2026
The Standards Commission has produced a video for council officers on the main provisions of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. The video aims to promote and enhance their understanding of what is expected, in terms of the Code, so that they can help elected members comply with its provisions. The video can be found on the Stan...
Guidance on the Model Code of Conduct for Members of Devolved Public Bodies
1st June 2026
The Standards Commission has reviewed and updated its Guidance on the Model Code of Conduct for Members of Devolved Public Bodies in light of some queries received and feedback provided at recent training events. The revised version can be found here.
Preparing for Elected Office in Scottish Local Government
13th May 2026
The Improvement Service has developed a short course in partnership with the Open University for people who are considering standing to become a councillor. Elected Members are asked to share and promote this free resource to anyone who might be interested in standing for elected office in Scottish Local Government. The course helps potential candidates understand: what councils in Scotland do, including their powers and the broad financial context that they operate...
Online session for council officers on the Councillors’ Code of Conduct
11th May 2026
The Standards Commission is holding an online awareness and training session for council officers on the provisions in the Councillors’ Code of Conduct on Friday 22 May from 10:00 to 11:30. If you are a council officer and are interested in attending please ask your Monitoring Officer for the joining link. Alternatively, please email enquiries@standardscommission.org.uk.
Blog: The Ethical Standards Framework in Scotland
6th May 2026
The Ethical Standards Framework in Scotland The existing ethical standards framework in Scotland for councillors and members of devolved public bodies, was established in 2000 by the enactment of The Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. Scotland Act 2000 (2000 Act). The 2000 Act requires Ministers to issue, with the approval of the Scottish Parliament, Codes of Conduct for councillors and board members of devolved public bodies (which include health boards, col...
Guest Blog by the Jo Cox Foundation: Addressing abuse and promoting respect in politics and communities
14th April 2026
Addressing abuse and promoting respect in politics and communities Guest Blog by Dr. Hannah Phillips. Respectful Politics Policy Manager, The Jo Cox Foundation The Jo Cox Foundation builds more connected, less lonely, and more respectful communities across the UK - through grassroots social action, partnerships, and national influence. This year is particularly poignant for us because it is the tenth anniversary since Jo was murdered. While we commemorate the trage...
