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About the Ethical Standards Commissioner

Promoting high ethical standards in public life

The Ethical Standards Commissioner is an independent regulator appointed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and approved by MSPs. The position is currently held by Ian Bruce, who first became Acting Commissioner in April 2021 and was formally appointed as Ethical Standards Commissioner in March 2023.

Our powers and legislation Meet the Team Our Strategic Plan

Investigating complaints

We investigate complaints about the conduct of MSPs, councillors, board members of public bodies and registered lobbyists. Our work is a part of Scotland's system of checks and balances, designed to promote good behaviour and ensure people are held to account when standards aren’t met. By carrying out fair and thorough investigations, we help to maintain public trust.

Regulating public appointments

We oversee how chairs and board members are appointed to most public bodies in Scotland. These board members aren’t elected, but they play a crucial role in running essential public services. We promote fair, transparent and inclusive appointment practices, helping improve board diversity fit for the public's needs. When good practice isn’t followed, we report this publicly so the Scottish Government and public bodies can learn and strengthen the appointments process.

Our values


 

Integrity

We will conduct all of our activities in an ethical way, characterised by effective stewardship of public money, accountability, honesty, integrity, propriety, fairness and transparency.

 


 

Respect

We will treat each individual and organisation that comes into contact with us with empathy, kindness and respect, recognising that we must earn their trust and ensure that our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion informs all of our work.

 


 

Accountability

We welcome constructive criticism and challenge. If we get things wrong we will remedy our errors and learn from these in order to improve our future performance.

Current vacancies

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We have no vacancies at the moment.

Current tenders

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We are not tendering for goods or services at the moment.

Regulating public appointments

Public appointments Guidance for applicants