Model code of conduct for members of devolved public bodies: consultation

Background

This consultation presents proposals which will bring about amendments to the Model Code of Conduct for Members of devolved public bodies.

Section 1 of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (the Act) requires Scottish Ministers to issue a Code of Conduct for Councillors (Councillors’ Code) and a Model Code of Conduct for members of devolved public bodies (Members’ Code) for those organisations listed in Schedule 3 to the Act, as amended. The current version of the Model Code was originally issued in 2010 and amended in 2014.  It can be found on the Scottish Government website at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/model-code-conduct-members-devolved-public-bodies/

The Act states that Ministers shall issue a Model Code only after it has been laid before and approved by a resolution of the Scottish Parliament. The same applies to any revision or re-issue of the Model Code.

The aim of the Model Code is to set out clearly and openly the standards that Board Members of listed organisations in Schedule 3 of the Act must comply with when carrying out their duties. The Model Code is supported by independent guidance which is published separately by the Standards Commission for Scotland. The Commission’s current guidance can be found at: https://www.standardscommissionscotland.org.uk/guidance/guidance-notes

The Standards Commission intends to revise its guidance to reflect any changes made to the Model Code. The revised guidance will be published on the Standards Commission’s website in due course.