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.

Members and Staff of the Commission

The Standards Commission comprises a Convener and four Commission Members who are appointed by the Parliamentary corporation. The Standards Commission employs four staff, led by an Executive Director. The organisation's current structure can be downloaded as a pdf.

Information about the Standards Commission's Members including their registered interests, is outlined below.

Code of Conduct for Standards Commission Members

Members of the Standards Commission have adopted their own Code of Conduct.

Code of Conduct for Standards Commission Staff

Standards Commission staff have adopted their own Code of Conduct.

Members
Suzanne Vestri, Convener Other interests and positions held: Self-employed consultant providing advice and training for the public and voluntary sectors Owner of wool business Appointment Information Appointed as Convener for remaining term: 7 May 2024 - 6 February 2028 Appointed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body as a Commission Member: 7 February 2022 - 6 February 2028 Latest Register Update 07/11/25 - No changes required	View Register of Interests
Helen Donaldson Other interests and positions held: None Appointment Information Appointed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body as a Commission Member: 1 April 2023 - 31 March 2029 Latest Register Update 06/11/25 - No changes required	View Register of Interests
Lezley Stewart Other interests and positions held: Office Holder and Member of the Church of Scotland Appointment Information Appointed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body as a Commission Member: 29 April 2024 - 28 April 2030 Latest Register Update 03/11/25 - No changes required	View Register of Interests
Morag Ferguson Other interests and positions held: None Appointment Information Appointed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body as a Commission Member: 3 June 2024 - 2 June 2030 Latest Register Update 03/11/25 - No changes required	View Register of Interests
Malcolm Bell Other interests and positions held: Member - Accounts Commission Scotland Honorary Sheriff Justice of the Peace Appointment Information Appointed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body as a Commission Member: 10 March 2025 - 9 March 2031 Latest Register Update 04/11/25 - No changes required	View Register of Interests

Staff
Lorna Johnston, Executive Director The Executive Director is responsible for effectively managing the Standards Commission’s staff, property, assets and resources to ensure it is successful in fulfilling its statutory responsibilities and achieving its strategic and operational aims and objectives. The Executive Director leads on the Standards Commission’s stakeholder engagement, including undertaking communication and outreach work to promote adherence to the ethical standards framework. The Executive Director is also responsible for the Standards Commission’s adjudicatory function and for providing legal and procedural advice at its Hearings.	View Register of Interests
Richard Wilson, Case Manager The Case Manager is responsible for the management of cases referred to the Standards Commission for adjudication and its public Hearings. The role also includes providing support to the Executive Director and undertaking clerking duties, in addition to providing legal and procedural advice at Hearings. Responsibilities also include answering enquiries from a wide range of key stakeholders, organisations and members of the public; and assisting with training and developing educational material to support the promotion of the ethical standards framework and the work of the Standards Commission.
Sarah Nicholson, Office Manager The Office Manager provides financial, business and administrative support to the Standards Commission and the Executive Director to help ensure the effective management of the organisation and the efficient use of its resources in pursuit of its strategic and operational aims. The Office Manager is responsible for supporting governance, through providing support services to the Commission and its Committees and liaising with both internal and external auditors.
Julie Scott, Administrative Assistant The Administrative Assistant is responsible for administrative support to the Convener, Members and Executive Team. The role also includes answering enquiries from a wide range of key stakeholders, organisations and members of the public; assisting with the management of public Hearings and other events; maintaining records and databases; and supporting the promotion of the ethical standards framework and the work of the Standards Commission through the use of social media platforms and website.