Investigating complaints
We investigate complaints about the behaviour of MSPs, local authority councillors, and board members of public bodies and about lobbyists.
Regulating public appointments
We regulate and monitor how people are appointed to the boards of public bodies in Scotland, and promote diversity.
About the Ethical Standards Commissioner
The Commissioner and their team work within their remit to encourage fairness, good conduct and transparency in public life in Scotland. We investigate complaints about the behaviour of MSPs, local authority councillors and board members of public bodies and about lobbyists. We also regulate how people are appointed to the majority of boards of public bodies in Scotland.
Our values, our purpose and our objectives are set out in our strategic plan and our biennial business plan.
What's new
Complaints
Public appointments
Corporate
Updated Unacceptable Behaviour Policy
The Commissioner has recently updated their Unacceptable Behaviour Policy which defines unacceptable or unreasonable behaviour by those who interact with the work of the Commissioner.
Revised Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland
The Commissioner recently published a revised Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland. The Code will not come into effect until 3 October 2022.
Updated Privacy Policy
The Commissioner recently updated their Privacy Policy. The privacy policy explains what type of personal data we may collect about you when you interact with us. It also explains how we will store and handle that data and keep it safe.
Investigation Report on a complaint about the ESC
In January 2021, a number of concerns were raised about how we investigated a complaint about the conduct of a Councillor. The issues raised were significant and we commissioned an independent investigation. We have now published the resulting report which details the issues, the investigation, the findings and our responses to the recommendations.
Diversity in public appointments
Do you understand the difference that diversity makes in public appointments? Our page on promoting diversity might help.
Audit Scotland's s22 report
On 20 December 2021, the Auditor General for Scotland published a report outlining serious issues identified in the audit relating to 2020/21. The report and further details can be found on Audit Scotland’s website.
Progress to rebuild the organisation and its relationships with stakeholders is well underway.
More information about progress is available here: