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Standards Commission’s Response to Scottish Government’ Electoral Reform Consultation
Standards Commission’s Response to Scottish Government’ Electoral Reform Consultation The Scottish Government is currently consulting on potential reforms to electoral law. The consultation sets out proposals on how to increase voter registration and how to improve accessibility in elections. The consultation closes on 15 March 2023. Details of the consultation and how to respond can be found
Multiple Roles: Conflicts of Interest?
Councillors and members of devolved public bodies in Scotland often have multiple roles. A councillor might, for example, also be a member of the local health board or regional transport partnership. Similarly, a member of a health board may also be a member of the local health and social care partnership, or they may sit on the board of a college or enterprise organisation. Being a member of two or more organisations can bring real benefits to both, in terms of a councillor or member...
Distinguishing between lobbying and helping constituents or service users
For local authorities and public bodies to be as accessible, approachable and responsive as possible to the people they serve, they should aim to put the public interest at the forefront of all decision-making. This can mean seeking the views of and engaging with service users, constituents, stakeholders and members of public in general. There is, however, a difference between on the one hand, engaging with and helping those who might be affected by the work of a council or public body...
Preferential Treatment
We’ve noted, in previous blogs, that the success of public bodies, including local authorities, in delivering effective services relies in no small part on them having constructive relationships with the public, key stakeholders and service users. This is because a lack of trust in those in public life does not just affect the reputation of any one individual, it can also erode confidence in public messaging, public bodies and the delivery of public services. Mutual respect, comm...
Making a complaint
Making a Complaint We’ve noted in previous blogs, the importance of those elected and appointed to serve as local government councillors and board members of public bodies adhering to the key principles of public life and complying with their Codes of Conduct. But what happens if they don’t? Well… anyone can make a complaint about the conduct of a councillor or a member of a public body in Scotland. We would encourage anyone who is considering making a...
Sanctions
As part of its adjudicatory function, the Standards Commission holds Hearings to determine whether councillors or members of devolved public bodies have breached their Codes of Conduct. Hearings arise if Standards Commission members, following their consideration of an investigation report referred by the Ethical Standards Commi...
Confidentiality
Confidentiality Local authorities and public bodies in Scotland spend public money and provide services to the public. The public cannot, however, hold local authorities and public bodies to account unless they are open and transparent about their work, performance and how they use their resources. But does this mean that, as constituents, service users and stakeholders, we should expect local government councillors and those appointed, nominated or elected to t...
Dispensations Granted for Members of Cairngorms National Park Authority and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority
Following a request to do so from both Cairngorms National Park Authority and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, the Standards Commission decided to grant a dispensation to allow the Members of both to take part in any discussion, decision-making and voting, without being bound by the provision on collective responsibility, on the Scottish Government’s consultation on the future governance of National Parks in Scotland and the future governance arrangements of Nation...
When do the Codes of Conduct apply?
All councillors and board members of devolved public bodies in Scotland are required to abide by Codes of Conduct, which outline how they should behave. The Codes cover general conduct and require councillors and members to behave respectfully towards members of the public, council or devolved public body employees, and their colleagues. The Codes state that councillors and members should not bully or harass anyone, require them to maintain confidentiality, and to only accept gifts and...
New Advice Note for Members of College Boards
The Standards Commission has produced an Advice Note for members of college boards and regional strategic bodies, which has been prepared with the assistance of the Good Governance Steering Group. The aim of the Advice Note is to provide members with an overview of their responsibilities under the ethical standards framework. It seeks, in particular, to assist such members in recognising and dealing with potential conflicts of interest. This is to help minimise the risk of the impact o...
