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
Updated Standard Presentation to Elected Members
1st May 2017
The Standards Commission has updated its Standard Presentation for Elected Members on the Councillors' Code of Conduct. This can be found under Training on the Education & Resources Menu or by clicking the link below: Standard Presentation to Elected Members on the Councillors' Code of Conduct
Appointment of New Commission Member
7th April 2017
The Standards Commission is pleased to announce that Mrs Patricia Stewart took up her appointment as a Member of the Standards Commission on 1 April 2017. Mrs Stewart was appointed to replace Mr Matt Smith, whose tenure ended on 31 March 2017. Mrs Stewart is currently also a Director of Peridot International Ltd, a consultancy focusing on project management, management and HR consultancy. Mrs Stewart has over 25 years’ experience in senior management...
New Member of the Commission - Mr Michael McCormick
16th February 2017
The Standards Commission is pleased to announce that Mr Michael McCormick was appointed as a Member of the Standards Commission on 1 February 2017. Mr McCormick is currently also a Non-Executive Director on the Board of NHS 24 and he periodically performs the role of selector at assessment centres operated by the College of Policing. Mr McCormick previously competed thirty years in policing in Scotland, serving with Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, Lo...
How Councils Work - Follow Up Report Nov 2016
14th December 2016
In November 2016 the Accounts Commission issued a follow up Report on roles and working relationships in councils aimed at supporting councillors and officers in ensuring their Council's governance arrangements remain fit for purpose. The follow up Report can be found here.
Consultation on the Councillors' Code of Conduct
12th December 2016
The Scottish Government is today launching a consultation on the Councillors Code of Conduct. The purpose of the consultation is to seek views on possible changes to the Code’s provisions on conflicts of interest as regards councillors who are also members of other public bodies such as Regional Transport Partnerships.. The Consultation can be accessed at: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/...
New Convener Appointed
28th November 2016
The Standards Commission for Scotland is pleased to announce that Professor Kevin Dunion OBE has been appointed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to be the new Convener of the Standards Commission as of 1 February 2017. Professor Dunion commenced his appointment as a Member of the Standards Commission on 1 September 2015. As well as having chaired and participated in a number of Hearings of the Standards Commission since his appointment as a Member, Professor Dunion al...
Advice Note for Councillors on ALEOs
29th September 2016
We are grateful to those who took part in the Standards Commission's recent consultation on its draft Advice Note for councillors who are nominated or appointed to ALEOs and for the very helpful comments and suggestions received. The Advice Note has now been finalised and can be found here. It is hoped that this can be used as an additional reso...
Feedback on the Hearings Survey
3rd August 2016
Review of feedback from the Hearing Survey and the Standards Commission's comments are available to view at the following link Hearing Survey - Report.
Survey on the Hearing Process
27th May 2016
We are keen to ensure that we reflect best practice and are continually striving to improve our processes in respect of how we manage and conduct Hearings. If you are someone who has attended a Hearing and/or has been involved in the process within the past 6 months (commencing January 2016), we are interested in your views and feedback on the different aspects of the Hearing. We would, therefore, be grateful if you would consider completing a short survey, which is broken down i...
Health and Social Care IJBs - Standards Officer Appointments
2nd March 2016
The Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (Register of Interests) Regulations 2003 requires the Standards Commission to approve the Standards Officer of devolved public bodies, where that body has no employees. This applies to Health & Social Care Integration Joint Boards(IJBs). The Standards Commission has agreed an approval process with the Scottish Government’s Directorate for Health and Social Care Integration, under which the Chief Officers of IJBs&nb...
