Meet the Standards Commission's Members - Lezley Stewart

15th August 2025

1.       Why did you apply to be a member of the Standards Commission?

At the time I saw the vacancy advertised, I had recently ceased working full time and was enjoying all the freedom and opportunities that brings!  The vacancy sparked my interest however, as the work of the Commission connects with my values, and reflects my own career [as an Office Holder working under a Code of Conduct].  I felt I had the experience/skills that the Commission were looking for and so decided to apply.

2.       Have you been surprised by any aspect of the role?

While the role is very part-time overall, at times there is a quite a volume of work, correspondence or business to deal with.  There are ebbs and flows of course, but at the start I was a bit surprised by the regularity of it all, whereas now I am fully into the way of things.

3.       How do you find being a member of a Hearing Panel?

I enjoy working with my fellow members as one of the three that makes up a Panel.  At times this means acting as Chair on a rotation basis, and that carries more weight of responsibility.  The team-working aspect is very fulfilling, and we learn from each other and challenge each other appropriately, and that can make a serious undertaking also an enjoyable part of the role.

4.       If you could change one thing about the Standards Commission or ethical standards framework, what would it be?

I would suggest perception.  The work of the Commission is not just about adjudication on potential breaches of the Code of Conduct, but equally about encouragement and education.  Rather than seeing the role of the Commission as enforcing compliance, we primarily seek to resource best practice.

5.       And finally, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Simple pleasures really… walking with my husband and dog in the countryside, yoga, jogging, socialising, reading, making things, and just any new experience that sparks my interest.  I travel to see family and friends regularly and visit Orkney and the Lake District most years on holiday. Perhaps most of all, I just enjoy having the spare time!