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Key Principles of Public Life
Both the Councillors’ Code of Conduct and the Model Code of Conduct for Members of Devolved Public Bodies are based on the nine key principles of public life in Scotland. But what are the key principles, and where did they come from? The nine key principles of public life in Scotland are: 1. Selflessness 2. Integrity 3. Objectivity 4. ...
Standards Commission / Improvement Service - joint webinars
You are invited to join two webinars hosted by the Improvement Service (IS) and the Standards Commission on following the ethical standards of public life when engaging with the public. The webinars will cover the key issues elected members need to be aware of when engaging with the public, including guidance around the use of language, data protection and confidentiality contained in the Councillors' Code of Conduct. The first webinar will provide an overview of the key points...
Updated Guidance on the Councillors' Code of Conduct
The Standards Commission has updated its Guidance on the Councillors’ Code, in light of feedback and issues that have arisen during the Ethical Standards Commissioner’s investigations and at Hearings. Thank you very much to everyone who helped us with suggestions and feedback. A copy of the updated Guidance can be found on our website at: https://www.standardscommissionscotland.org.uk/guid...
Why have Codes of Conduct for Board Members?
Why have Codes of Conduct for Board Members? The Standards Commission’s remit covers both local government councillors and board members of devolved public bodies in Scotland. Few would argue with the need to ensure high ethical standards in local government – after all, local authorities have responsibility for a wide range of matters that affect almost every aspect of our day to day lives. But why is it important for members of devolved public bodi...
Improvement Service and Standards Commission Briefing Note for Councillors on the Right to Access Information
This Briefing Note outlines the circumstances under which an elected member has a right of access to information held by the council. It also highlights some of the provisions in the Councillors’ Code of Conduct that may apply and should be considered when an elected member is exercising their right to access information.
Elected Member Safety
It has been well-documented that the polarisation of politics and relative anonymity afforded to users of social media has led to an increase in the abuse and vitriol directed at politicians, including elected members of local authorities. Politicians and others in public life know that not everyone will agree with their views and decisions, and understand that members of the public have a right to make their own opinions known. It is not acceptable, however, for elected members to fac...
New E-Learning Module: What is Confidential Information?
The Standards Commission has produced a new e-learning module covering confidentiality, sitting alongside the existing modules on the applicability of the Code and the identification and declaration of interests. The new module can be accessed here: https://www.standardscommissionscotland.org.uk/education-and-resources/the-codes-of-conduct If there are any topics...
NPA/LLT/4337
New Commission Member
The Standards Commission is delighted to welcome a new member, Lezley Stewart. Dr Stewart is a graduate of University of St Andrews and University of Edinburgh, and Princeton and Pittsburgh Seminaries, USA. She worked for the Church of Scotland for over 25 years in Dundee and Edinburgh, serving as an ordained Office Holder. Most recently, Dr Stewart was employed as the Recruitment & Support Secretary and Ministries Support Manager for the Church of Scotland with oversi...
Language Matters
The Councillors’ Code of Conduct in Scotland requires elected members to behave in a respectful manner towards their colleagues, council officers and members of the public, and to treat them with courtesy at all times when they: are acting as a councillor; have identified as a councillor (for example, by stating they are a councillor on a social media account or in the sign-off to correspondence); or could objectively be considered to be acting as a counci...
