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
Dispensation for Cairngorms National Park Authority Members
22nd January 2025
The Standards Commission has granted a dispensation to allow all members of Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) to take part in discussions and decision-making in respect of local authority visitor levies (including in respect of any responses to levy proposals). The dispensation allows all members of CNPA to take part in discussions and decision-making, without having to declare an interest, regardless of whether they have a connection to the issue by virtue of being an elected member...
Upcoming Webinars with the Improvement Service
13th January 2025
The Standards Commission and Improvement Service are conducting the following two free webinars for elected members: Identifying and Managing Conflicts of Interest - Thursday, 16 January, 10.00-11.30am Involvement in Quasi-Judicial and Regulatory Matters - Thursday, 30 January, 10.00-11.30am Both webinars will be held on MS Teams. More information on the webinars and how to sign up can be found o...
Culture of Respect in Public Bodies
6th January 2025
Culture of Respect in Public Bodies The Model Code of Conduct for Members of Devolved Public Bodies is based on the nine key principles of public life in Scotland. These include selflessness, integrity and objectivity. They also include the principle of ‘respect’. Most public bodies in Scotland are obliged to adopt the Code, meaning their board members must adhere to its provisions. The Standards Commission can impose a sanction, which can be either censure...
