Civility in Public Life

28th May 2025

The Standards Commission’s Convener, Suzanne Vestri, is due to attend a roundtable event next week, being organised by COSLA, to discuss and raise awareness of the importance of civility in public life.

Civility in public life is something that the Standards Commission has always advocated, through our work to promote the Codes of Conduct for councillors and board members of public bodies, at our training events and previously, in this blog.

Politicians and others in public service are entitled to respect. Members of the public may not always agree with their views and decisions and have a right to make their own opinions known. There is no reason, however, why this cannot be done in a civilised and respectful manner. Politicians and other individuals in public life should not have to face threats of violence, offensive personal comments or abuse, or otherwise be made to feel unsafe. A successful democracy relies on there being individuals willing to stand for, or be appointed to, public office.

A lack of civility towards those in public life can have an adverse effect on participation, which in turn means that the views and interests of some groups are under-represented.

It is important to note, nevertheless, that increasing political polarisation, along with the immediate and often adversarial nature of social media, has contributed to the deterioration in the standards of public debate.

How politicians and others in public life conduct themselves and interact with others in person, during debates, at meetings and on social media, impacts on the standards of public debate. If, for example, a national or local politician is rude or disrespectful (or if they fail to address such behaviour in others), then such conduct is reinforced or normalised. It can also create a hostile and unpleasant environment in their local authority or public body, which can adversely affect how that organisation operates.  This in turn can have a negative impact on the provision of public services.

So, it is essential that politicians and others in public life lead by example by demonstrating civility and actively promoting and supporting a culture of respect. It is also important that they recognise their role is to serve. The public has a right to expect those in public life to work in their best interests, rather than to spend their time engaging in offensive or abusive behaviour towards those who do not share their views, or by belittling or bullying the employees of a public body or local authority. 

The Standards Commission strongly encourages all councillors and members of public bodies in Scotland to sign up to the Civility Pledge and to continue to adhere to their Codes of Conduct.