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Scottish Government Consultations on the Councillors' Code of Conduct and the Model Code of Conduct for Members of Devolved Public Bodies
The Scottish Government has today launched consultations on both the Councillors' Code of Conduct and the Model Code of Conduct for Members of Devolved Public Bodies. The consultation on the Councillors’ Code can be found here.
Direction on the Outcome of Investigations
The Standards Commission has issued a Direction to the Ethical Standards Commissioner (ESC) requiring her to provide a report to the Standards Commission, at the conclusion of every investigation into a complaint about a councillor or member of a devolved public body received on or after 12 November 2020, outlining her findings and conclusions as to whether or not there has been a contravention of the relevant Code. The Direction means that the Standards Commission will make the final de...
Committee on Standards in Public Life Public (CSPL) Consultation: Standards Matter 2
The CSPL is carrying out a landscape review of the institutions, processes and structures in place to support high standards of conduct. The review’s terms of reference can be found here and include: reviewing how well ethical standards are upheld in public life in the UK as a whole and the strength of...
Appeal Decision
At a hearing on 4 February 2021, a Sheriff Principal considered an appeal lodged by a Respondent against a decision made by a Panel of the Standards Commission, at a Hearing on 10 September 2020, to find him in breach of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct and to disqualify him. The Sheriff Principal did not consider, or make any finding, on the Panel’s decisions on breach and sanction, but determined that it should not have proceeded with the Hearing in the absence of the Respondent...
Direction on the Eligibility of Complaints
The Standards Commission has issued a Direction to the Ethical Standards Commissioner (ESC) requiring her to carry out an investigation into every complaint about a councillor and member of a devolved public body she receives, unless: the conduct referred to in the complaint would not, even if it could be established to have occurred, constitute a contravention of the councillors', or as the case may be, the members' code; the councillor or a member of a devolved public...
BSL video on Councillors' Code of Conduct and Guidance - Advice for Members of the Public
We have created a British Sign Language video outlining and explaining the main provisions in the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. The video covers:⦁ The key principles⦁ General conduct including respect, confidentiality and gifts and hospitality⦁ R...
Pause before you post!
We are all aware of the huge advantages and pitfalls of social media and its impact in terms of political debate. On the one hand, candidates and politicians can use social media to engage and interact with the public directly. They can keep the public informed about work and policy issues and can even combat misinformation. It gives them a chance to demonstrate they are interested, that they care and even that they have a sense of humour. Essentially, social media allows politicians t...
LA/DG/3817
Striking a balance!
Councillors are expected to provide strategic leadership and management. Sounds very grand, but what do we mean by this? One good example might be setting strategy and making major decisions that concern the Council as a whole. Another would be scrutinising the Council’s performance and the service it is providing. Councillors have a right to ask for good quality information to allow them to undertake their strategic and scrutiny roles effectively. What Councillors...
Why Transparency Matters
Politicians and other individuals in public life are expected to register and declare both their interests, and any gifts and hospitality received. This can sound like red tape - just another annoying and pointless task for them to remember to do. Surely requiring someone who is already busy or overworked to do so is simply bureaucratic nonsense? Well… no! The requirement to register and declare interests allows the public to have confidence that those who are resp...
