Standards Commission for Scotland

The Standards Commission for Scotland was established under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000. The Commission's purpose is to advance high ethical standards in public life. Its main tool is the promotion and enforcement of Codes of Conduct for councillors (approved by the Scottish Parliament) and those appointed to "devolved public bodies".

The Standards Commission is concerned with ethical conduct. It deals with complaints of misconduct against individual members. It does not deal with issues of maladministration; these are matters for the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.

The Commission is appointed by the Scottish ministers but is intended to be independent of government in its workings.

Code of Conduct for Councillors

The Commission publishes a Code of Conduct. Local authorities are encouraged also to establish their own codes of conduct (consistent with the Standards Commission's) and to enforce these codes themselves

The Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of councillors in Scotland.

The Chief Investigating Officer

In addition to the Commission, the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 established the office of the Chief Investigating Officer. The Chief Investigating Officer is not a part of the Commission but has a duty to investigate complaints of misconduct referred to him. He is not entirely independent though; he must comply with any directions given by the Commission, which may not however direct him as to how to carry any particular investigation out.

Public Bodies under the Standards Commission's Supervision

The Commission has authority over: 32 local authorities and 129 other public bodies. Community councils are not under this authority.

The Devolved Public Bodies [Section 38 and Schedule 3 of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000] over which the Commission has authority are:
* The Accounts Commission for Scotland
* The Crofters Commission
* The Deer Commission for Scotland
* Highlands and Islands Enterprise
* The Parole Board for Scotland
* Scottish Agricultural Wages Board
* The Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board
* The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission
* The Scottish Environment Protection Agency
* Scottish Enterprise
* The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland
* The National Galleries of Scotland Board of Trustees
* The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh Board of Trustees
* The Scottish Arts Council
* Scottish Natural Heritage
* The Trustees of the National Library of Scotland
* The National Museums of Scotland Board of Trustees
* The Scottish Tourist Board
* Area tourist boards
* Colleges of further education
* The Scottish Further Education Funding Council
* The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council
* The Scottish Qualifications Authority
* The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland
* The Common Services Agency for the Scottish Health Service
* NHS Health boards
* The Health Education Board for Scotland
* The Health Technology Board for Scotland
* The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland
* National Health Service trusts
* Scottish Ambulance Service Board
* The Scottish Council for Post Graduate Medical and Dental Education
* Scottish Hospital Endowments Research Trust
* The Scottish Medical Practices Committee
* The State Hospitals Board for Scotland
* Scottish Children's Reporter Administration
* Scottish Homes
* The Scottish Legal Aid Board
* The Scottish Sports Council
* The Water Authorities

ee also

* Scottish Public Services Ombudsman
* Standards Board for England
* Adjudication Panel for England
* Northern Ireland Ombudsman
* Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000
* Standards Commission for Scotland

References

External links

* [http://www.standardscommissionscotland.org.uk/ Standards Commission for Scotland - Official website]
* [http://www.standardsboard.gov.uk Standards Board for England]
* [http://www.ni-ombudsman.org.uk/ Northern Ireland Ombudsman]
* [http://www.ombudsman-wales.org.uk/content.php?nID=1;lang=1 Public Services Ombudsman for Wales]
* [http://www.fixthelaw.co.uk/index.php/Standards_Board_for_England Coverage on a UK law wiki]
* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/public/features/story/0,,2049122,00.html Guardian news article - How to set the highest standards locally]