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.
News and Blog
Standards Update September 2020
30th September 2020
Our latest Standards Update is now available.
Advice Note for Public on Councillors’ Code
30th July 2020
We’ve produced a new leaflet on the Councillors’ Code of Conduct for members of the public. It explains what the Code does and does not cover, so that members of the public can see what is expected of a councillor and what could constitute a potential breach of the Code. The leaflet also outlines how members of the public can raise concerns about a potential breach of the Code and provides information about the complaint process. The leaflet can be found
Standards Commission Hearings
16th July 2020
While Hearings are normally open to the public and press, social distancing guidelines in place during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic mean that the Standards Commission will have to limit the number of attendees at Hearings scheduled to be held in August, September and October 2020. We intend to do so on a first come, first served basis, so if you would like to reserve a place at a Hearing, please email: enquiries@standardscommission.org.uk...
Standards Update July 2020
1st July 2020
Our latest Standards Update can be found here.
Amended Advice Notes
27th May 2020
We’ve amended the following three Advice Notes for Councillors on: · Distinguishing between Strategic and Operational Matters · The Application of Article 10 of the ECHR · Bullying and Harassment The amendments aim to strengthen the provisions concerning respect, bullying and harassment and how these are interpreted.
Standards Update March 2020
31st March 2020
Our latest Standards Update can be found here.
Standards Commission - remote working arrangements
18th March 2020
Following the latest government advice, Standards Commission staff are now working from home. We do not have access to our usual phone number but you can continue to contact us at: enquiries@standardscommission.org.uk. We will respond to all emails as quickly as possible.
Hearing in Stornoway on 18 March 2020 postponed
17th March 2020
The Standards Commission is unable to proceed with the Hearing scheduled to take place in Stornoway on 18 March 2020. A decision on whether to reschedule the Hearing will be taken and published in the next few days.
Postponement of Standards Officers' workshop on 23 March 2020
16th March 2020
We are disappointed to announce that we have decided to postpone our Standards Officers' workshop on 23 March 2020 because of the risks arising from Coronavirus (COVID-19). The safety and wellbeing of delegates is of paramount importance and we are keen to minimise the risk of infection. We hope to reschedule the event and will contact delegates with an alternative date as soon as one is identified. We are sorry for any inconvenience this decision may cause, but hope that delega...
Suspension Guidance
25th February 2020
The Standards Commission has produced guidance to provide clarity on the extent of the activities in which a councillor can engage while they are subject to a period of full suspension (either on the finding of a breach of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct at a Hearing or as an interim measure while an investigation about their conduct is ongoing). The guidance can be found
