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
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...
Video on when the Codes of Conduct apply and what they cover
13th April 2026
The Standards Commission has produced a short video explaining when the Codes of Conduct for councillors and members of devolved public bodies apply and what they cover. The video can be found on this page. We have also produced a Card for councillors to download and provide to constituents to explain when the Councillors’ Code of Conduct applies, in order to help manage expectatio...
Standards Update March 2026
31st March 2026
Our latest Standards Update is now available.
Card for Councillors on Health and Social Care Integration Joint Boards
23rd March 2026
The Standards Commission has produced a card for councillors who have been appointed or nominated by their Council to a Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board (IJB). The Card is intended to assist them in managing their constituents' expectations in terms of what they can and cannot do, when acting as a member of the IJB. For example, it notes that councillors can inform the IJB about the Council’s policies and priorities. However, when acting as a member of...
Councillors standing for election
23rd March 2026
With the election for the Scottish Parliament fast approaching, it seems a good time to remind any councillors who are standing for election as an MSP that they must still comply with the Councillors’ Code of Conduct while they remain in post. Councillors, as elected representatives, are responsible for making strategic decisions and for scrutinising how their local authorities deliver essential services. They are also responsible for undertaking casework on behalf of constituent...
Video for NHS Board Secretaries on the role of a Standards Officer
12th February 2026
The Standards Commission has produced a short video for NHS Board Secretaries on the role of a Standards Officer. The video can be found here and covers: the NHS context; the purpose of the role and why it is important; and the tasks NHS Board Standards Officers are expected to undertake, in terms of the ethi...
Revised Guidance on the Councillors’ Code and Advice Notes for Councillors
28th January 2026
Revised Guidance on the Councillors’ Code and Advice Notes for Councillors Following feedback and in light of some enquiries received by email, telephone and at training events, we’ve reviewed and updated our Guidance on the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. We’ve also updated the following Advice Notes for councillors, in order to ensure they are as clear and helpful as possible: Advice Note on Distinguishing Between their Strategic Ro...
