On Board: a guide for members of management advisory boards

Key Messages

• Management Advisory Board members are not bound by the Ethical Standards in Public Life (Scotland) Act 2000, but they should comply with their Board's Code of Conduct, which is likely to be based on the nine key principles outlined in the Model Code of Conduct for Board members.
• Executive members are covered by the Civil Service Code (the UK Code for Non-Ministerial Offices and the Scottish Code for Executive Agencies).
• Board members should declare financial and non-financial interests which might be perceived to influence their contribution to a discussion or decision in Board proceedings.
• The test on making a declaration is whether a member of the public, with knowledge of the relevant facts, would reasonably regard the interest as so significant that it is likely to prejudice your discussion or decision-making.
• You must ensure that the reputation of your public body is not damaged by the receipt (or provision) of inappropriate gifts and hospitality.
• It is good practice for public bodies to set up, maintain and make available for public inspection a register of Board member interests. It is your responsibility to ensure that your entries are current.