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Standards Updates
The Standards Commission's quarterly Standards Updates contain news and information on matters concerning the ethical standards framework, including events being held and work being undertaken. Details of projects the Standards Commission is involved in and information we have gathered from workshops and training sessions are included. The Standards Updates also contain details of recent Hearings including the outcome and any learning points for councillors and member...
Model Code of Conduct
Background The Scottish Parliament demonstrated its commitment to the promotion of high standards in public life by passing the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 as one of its earliest statutes. The Act introduced an ethical framework which required Scottish Ministers to issue a Code of Conduct for Councillors and a Model Code of Conduct for members of the devolved public bodies listed in schedule 3 of the Act. The Model Code for Members of Devolv...
Dispensations
Dispensations Section 5 of both the Councillors' and Members' Codes of Conduct deal with Declarations of Interests and set out the circumstances in which a councillor or member of a devolved public body would be required to declare a financial or non-financial interest and withdraw from discussion and voting upon any item that interest related to. In some very limited circumstances dispensations may be granted by the Standards Commission in relation to the existence of financi...
About Us
Our Purpose All councils and those devolved public bodies listed under Schedule 3 to the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (the 2000 Act) are obliged to have a Code of Conduct for their elected and appointed members. The Codes of Conduct have a key role in setting out, openly and clearly, the standards of conduct that must be adhered to by those in public office. The Standards Commission’s vision is to achieve the highest possible ethi...
Public Bodies
The public bodies covered by the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (the 2000 Act) are required to produce their own Code of Conduct, based on the Model Code of Conduct for Members of the Boards of Devolved Public Bodies. Links to the home page of the web...
Hearing Procedures, Rules and Guidance
Hearing Rules and Guidance The Hearing Process Guide and Rules (Hearing Rules) applies when the Standards Commission, after receiving a report from the Ethical Standards Commissioner (ESC), decides to hold a Hearing. Section 16 of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (the 2000 Act)...
How to Complain about a Breach of the Code of Conduct
Making a complaint Please note that the Standards Commission does not have the power to investigate a complaint unless it has been referred by the Ethical Standards Commissioner (ESC). Therefore, if you wish to make a complaint about a councillor or member of a devolved public body, you must make it to the ESC. Information on how to do so is available on the ESC's website at http://www.ethicalstandards....
E-Learning Modules & Videos
In order to aid understanding of certain key aspects of the Codes of Conduct, the Standards Commission is developing a series of interactive training modules. The modules should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete, and can be accessed by clicking on the links below: When do the Codes apply?
Remuneration
(i) I will register any work for which I receive, or expect to receive, payment. I have a registrable interest where I receive remuneration by virtue of being: a) employed;b) self-employed;c) the holder of an office;d) a director of an undertaking;e) a partner in a firm;f) appointed or nominated by my public body to another body; org) engaged in a trade, profession or vocation or any other work. (ii) I understand that in relation to (i) above,...
Case studies
Examples of decisions the Standards Commission has made can be found below. RESPECT AND COURTESY What happened?The councillor made offensive comments to two members of the public in social media posts. In an email exchange regarding the social media posts, the councillor also made abusive and discriminatory remarks towards a council officer. What did the Standards Commission decide?The Standards Commission a...
