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
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 traini...
Different Hats
14th May 2025
The boards of public bodies in Scotland often comprise 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 boards, the voluntary sector, as well as GPs and service users. In addition, board members can also be serv...
Dispensation for Members of the Scottish Funding Council
24th April 2025
Following a request to do so, the Standards Commission has decided to grant a dispensation to allow Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Board Members who are engaged with the further and higher education institutions and other institutions or organisations the SFC funds, which are related to the further and higher education sectors, in the following ways: as Members and / or Chairs of university and co...
Standards Update March 2025
31st March 2025
Our latest Standards Update is now available.
Role of a Public Body Chair in the Ethical Standards Framework
31st March 2025
Chairs of public bodies in Scotland have a key role to play in the ethical standards framework by ensuring the culture of their public body is constructive and respectful, and one where all board members are encouraged actively to participate and express views. What is the Chair’s role in terms of the ethical standards framework? Each individual board member is responsible for ensuring they are aware of, and comply with, the Code of Conduct for their public body’s...
Changes to Guidance and Advice Notes
28th March 2025
The Standards Commission has made the following changes to its Guidance on the Councillors' Code of Conduct, its Guidance on the Model Code of Conduct and some of its Advice Notes for councillors and members of devolved public bodies. The changes are outlined below, and the revised versions are all on the website, under either the 'Guidance' page or the '
New Standards Commission Member
12th March 2025
The Standards Commission is delighted to welcome its newest Member, Malcolm Bell. A retired senior police officer, Mr Bell was an elected councillor and Convener of Shetland Islands Council for 10 years until 2022, working under and promoting the Councillors' Code of Conduct. Mr Bell is an experienced investigator and has extensive governance experience. Amongst his previous appointments, he was Vice-Chair of NHS Shetland, President of the Scottish Provosts Association, has chai...
Making Planning and Licensing Decisions
4th March 2025
Elected members of local authorities are often required to make decisions on planning and licensing matters, such as on applications for planning permission and for licenses for: Houses in multiple occupancy, and short-term lets Taxis and private cars; Alcohol sales; and Entertainment, betting and gaming venues Section 7 of the Councillors...
New Advice Note for Councillors on Quasi-Judicial and Regulatory Decision-Making
3rd March 2025
The Standards Commission has published a new Advice Note for Councillors on Quasi-Judicial and Regulatory Decision-Making. The Advice Note aims to assist councillors in complying with the Councillors’ Code of Conduct (the Code) when they are involved in, considering and making decisions on quasi-judicial and regulatory matters. Section 7 of the Code outlines what councillors should do when involved in making decisions on quasi-judicial or regulatory matters. The Code notes what q...
Outcome of Appeal Against Standards Commission Decision
27th February 2025
At a Hearing held yesterday, a Sheriff Principal dismissed an appeal brought by a councillor against the Standards Commission’s decision to find a breach of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, and to impose a two-month suspension, in case LA/NL/3978. The appeal was dismissed following a motion raised by the Standards Commission on the basis that it was time-barred as it had not been lodged within the statutory time limit. It is likely, nevertheless, that the Standards Commission wou...
