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.
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 expectations. The Card notes that councillors must comply with the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, when acting in that capacity. It explains, however, that the Code does not apply to a councillor’s personal or private life. The Card notes the Code only covers their conduct as a councillor, and not their performance. The performance of councillors is a matter for the public, when voting in local elections. The Card can be found here.
