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
Audit Scotland’s Section 22 Report on the Ethical Standards Commissioner - Statement from the Standards Commission for Scotland
20th December 2021
Audit Scotland today published a Section 22 report on the Ethical Standards Commissioner (ESC). The report can be found at: https://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/report/the-202021-audit-of-the-commissioner-for-ethical-standards-in-public-life-in-scotland Reports are prepared by the Auditor General under Section 22 of the Public Finance and Accou...
Standards Update December 2021
20th December 2021
Our latest Standards Update is now available.
Honesty and Trust
17th December 2021
It’s fair to say there has been a great deal of press coverage recently about the honesty of our leaders. The conduct of politicians and others in public life is under intense scrutiny, with many questions asked of their integrity. Of course, putting a “spin” on matters is seen as part and parcel of politics. There is, however, a difference between highlighting issues or facts to suit your argument (or omitting to talk about on...
New Codes of Conduct Issued
8th December 2021
The Codes of Conduct for councillors and members of devolved public bodies in Scotland have been strengthened to make it clear that behaviour such as bullying and harassment is completely unacceptable. Provisions relating to the acceptance of gifts and hospitality have also been tightened to ensure that individuals do not try to profit from their position as a councillor or board member, and to ensure they are not being improperly influenced. Further, a new three-stage...
Standard Training Presentations on the Revised Codes of Conducts
30th November 2021
Revised Codes of Conduct: Standard Presentations The Scottish Parliament has approved revised Codes of Conduct for Councillors and Members of Devolved Public Bodies. These are due to be issued and published on 7 December 2021. The Standards Commission has produced the following standard presentations to assist with training on the revised Codes: The revised Councillors' Code of Conduct (2021)The revised Model Code of Conduct for Members of Devolved Public...
Respect is Still Key
4th November 2021
The tragic death of Sir David Amess MP last month brought sharp focus on the security of our elected politicians and others in public life. It also provoked questions about the tone of public debate and highlighted the need for respect across the entire political spectrum. Our July blog post, “Why Respect is Key”, sought...
Vacancy - New Member of the Standards Commission
28th October 2021
The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) is seeking to appoint, with the agreement of the Scottish Parliament, a part-time member who must be able to spend 24 days per year on commission business and additional days for Hearings. We are looking for a talented individual who has the ability to assimilate complex information to reach sound and impartial decisions, is committed to high ethical standards and who also has excellent communication skills. The appointment...
Standards Commission Decision to Disqualify Councillor Upheld by Court
22nd October 2021
The Standards Commission for Scotland has today issued a Press Release regarding the decision of the Sheriff Principal in an appeal by former councillor Paul Mack. In refusing the appeal in its entirety, the Sheriff Principal confirmed that the original decision by the Standards Commission to disqualify Mr Mack was neither excessive nor unreasonable. Paul Mack’s disqualification will remain in place until September 2022. This means he cannot stand for election as a councillor until...
Standards Update September 2021
30th September 2021
Our latest Standards Update is now available.
Holding Hearings in Public
28th September 2021
Why hold Hearings in Public? One of the Standards Commission’s main responsibilities is to hold Hearings to decide whether or not councillors and board members of devolved public bodies have breached their Codes of Conduct. These Hearings are held in public, either in person, or online. If they are held online, they are simultaneously livestreamed on the Standards Commission’s website. But why all the exposure? It’s understandable if there has...
