Standards Updates | The Standards Commission for Scotland
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:22
Standards Updates | The Standards Commission for Scotland
Call:
0131 348 6666
|
Email:
enquiries@standardscommission.org.uk
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Advice Notes & Resources
The Standards Commission provides training and support to councillors, members of devolved public bodies and other stakeholders to promote the Codes of Conduct and assist them in attaining the highest possible ethical standards.
In this section
Advice Notes
Standards Updates
E-Learning Modules & Videos
Standard Presentations & Training
Surveys
Links to Other Organisations
Standards Updates
The Standards Commission's quarterly Standards Updates contain news and information on matters concerning the ethical standards framework, including events being held and work being undertaken. Details of projects the Standards Commission is involved in and information we have gathered from workshops and training sessions are included.
The Standards Updates also contain details of recent Hearings including the outcome and any learning points for councillors and members of devolved public bodies.
A brief description of the content of each Standards Update is outlined below. To access a particular Standards Update, please click the download button alongside that entry.
Downloads
Standards Update March 2026
Includes information about:
Video for NHS Board Secretaries
Webinars with the Improvement Service
Card for Councillors on Health and Social Care Integration Joint Boards
Standards Officers’ Workshop
Blog – Councillors Standing for Election
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
31st March 2026
Download PDF
Standards Update December 2025
Includes information about:
Joint Webinars with the Improvement Service
Blog: Does the Councillors’ Code Prevent Effective Scrutiny by Councillors?
Standards Officers’ Workshop
Advice Note for Independent Councillors
Training on the Councillors' Code for the Scottish Conservative Councillors Association
Monitoring Officers’ Workshop
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
17th December 2025
Download PDF
Standards Update September 2025
Includes information about:
New Advice Note for Local Authority Chairs
E-Learning Module for Councillors on Making Quasi-Judicial and Regulatory Decisions
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
30th September 2025
Download PDF
Standards Update June 2025
Includes information about:
Civility in Public Life
Video on complaints about councillors and members of public bodies
Easy Read Guide on the Codes of Conduct
Update from the Ethical Standards Commissioner
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
30th June 2025
Download PDF
Standards Update 45
Includes information about:
Advice Note for Councillors on Quasi-Judicial and Regulatory Decision-Making
Outcome of Appeal against Standards Commission Decision
New Standards Commission Member
Update from the Ethical Standards Commissioner
Standards Officers’ Workshop
Videos for Respondents and Witnesses
Advice Note for Members of Health and Social Care Integration Joint Boards
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
31st March 2025
Download PDF
Standards Update 44
Includes information about:
Guidance on the Councillors’ Code
Upcoming Joint Webinars with the Improvement Service
Appeal Decision
Update from the Ethical Standards Commissioner
Information for Witnesses
Monitoring Officers’ Workshop
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
18th December 2024
Download PDF
Standards Update 43
Includes information about:
Joint Improvement Service / Standards Commission Webinar on Confidentiality
Advice Note for Councillors on Gifts and Hospitality
Consultation on 2000 Act
“When the Code Applies” Card
Update from the Ethical Standards Commissioner
Standard Training Presentations on the Codes of Conduct
Standards Commission’s Annual Report 2023/24
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
30th September 2024
Download PDF
Standards Update 42
Includes information about:
Consultation on Proposed Amendments to Ethical Standards Legislation
Correspondence to Political Parties
Revised Advice Note for Members of IJB’s
New Commission Members
Updated Councillors’ Code of Conduct Guidance and Dispensation
New E-Learning Module: What is Confidential Information?
Standards Commission – LinkedIn
Advice Note on the Role of a Standards Officer
Direction on the Progress of Investigations
Appeal against Breach Finding
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
27th June 2024
Download PDF
Standards Update 41
Includes information about:
Updated Guidance on the Councillors’ Code of Conduct and Model Code of Conduct
Advice Note for Councillors on the Right to Access Information
Webinars with Improvement Service
Standards Officers’ Workshop
Advice Notes on the use of Social Media
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
28th March 2024
Download PDF
Standards Update 40
Includes information about:
Strategic Plan 2024-28
Update from the ESC
Revised Advice Notes on the Right to Freedom of Expression
Advice Note for Members of College Boards and Strategic Bodies
Advice Note for Councillors on the Right of Access to Information held by the Council
Policy on Application of Sanctions
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
20th December 2023
Download PDF
Standards Update 39
Includes information about:
Eligibility Criteria for Complaints about Councillors and Members of Devolved Public Bodies
Suspension Guidance
Update from the ESC
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
28th September 2023
Download PDF
Standards Update 38
Includes information about:
Advice Note for Chairs of Public Bodies
Response to Consultation on the National Performance Framework
New Animated Videos
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
29th June 2023
Download PDF
Standards Update 37
Includes information about:
New Standards Commission Members
Ethical Standards Commissioner
Eligibility Direction
Response to Consultation on Electoral Reform
Standards Officers’ Workshop
Business Plan 2023-24
Outcome of recent Hearing and case referrals
30th March 2023
Download PDF
Standards Update 36
Includes information about:
New E-Learning Modules
Advice Notes for Councillors
New Section-by-Section Guidance
Making a complaint
Standards Officers’ Workshop
Renewal of Direction on Outcome of Investigations
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
20th December 2022
Download PDF
Standards Update 35
Includes information about:
Responses to Surveys of Members and Standards Officers
Revised Hearing Rules
Direction to the Ethical Standards Commissioner on the Progress of Investigations
Advice Note for Members on Conduct at Online Meetings
Outcomes of recent case referrals
29th September 2022
Download PDF
Standards Update 34
Includes information about:
Combined Code and Guidance
Monitoring Officers’ Workshop 2022
Responses to Councillors and Monitoring Officers Surveys
Police Scotland - Serious Organised Crime Awareness
Summary Advice Note for Councillors on Article 10 of the ECHR
Following us on Social Media
Standards Commission Glossary
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
30th June 2022
Download PDF
Standards Update 33
Includes information about:
Surveys for Monitoring Officers and Councillors
Outcome of Appeal to Court of Session
New Standards Commission Member
Standards Officers’ Workshop
Outcomes of recent case referrals
31st March 2022
Download PDF
Quick Links
About Us
Cases
Advice Notes & Resources
Guidance
Codes of Conduct
Corporate Information
Accessibility
Contact Us
Standards Commission for Scotland
Room T2.21
,
Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
,
EH99 1SP
Tel:
0131 348 6666
Email:
enquiries@standardscommission.org.uk
Connect With Us
Link To LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Link To Facebook
Facebook
Copyright 2015 - 2026 The Standards Commission for Scotland
Responsive Website Design
,
Development & Hosting by
mtc.
Call:
0131 348 6666
|
Email:
enquiries@standardscommission.org.uk
Type Size
Advice Notes & Resources
The Standards Commission provides training and support to councillors, members of devolved public bodies and other stakeholders to promote the Codes of Conduct and assist them in attaining the highest possible ethical standards.
In this section
Advice Notes
Standards Updates
E-Learning Modules & Videos
Standard Presentations & Training
Surveys
Links to Other Organisations
Standards Updates
The Standards Commission's quarterly Standards Updates contain news and information on matters concerning the ethical standards framework, including events being held and work being undertaken. Details of projects the Standards Commission is involved in and information we have gathered from workshops and training sessions are included.
The Standards Updates also contain details of recent Hearings including the outcome and any learning points for councillors and members of devolved public bodies.
A brief description of the content of each Standards Update is outlined below. To access a particular Standards Update, please click the download button alongside that entry.
Downloads
Standards Update March 2026
Includes information about:
Video for NHS Board Secretaries
Webinars with the Improvement Service
Card for Councillors on Health and Social Care Integration Joint Boards
Standards Officers’ Workshop
Blog – Councillors Standing for Election
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
31st March 2026
Download PDF
Standards Update December 2025
Includes information about:
Joint Webinars with the Improvement Service
Blog: Does the Councillors’ Code Prevent Effective Scrutiny by Councillors?
Standards Officers’ Workshop
Advice Note for Independent Councillors
Training on the Councillors' Code for the Scottish Conservative Councillors Association
Monitoring Officers’ Workshop
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
17th December 2025
Download PDF
Standards Update September 2025
Includes information about:
New Advice Note for Local Authority Chairs
E-Learning Module for Councillors on Making Quasi-Judicial and Regulatory Decisions
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
30th September 2025
Download PDF
Standards Update June 2025
Includes information about:
Civility in Public Life
Video on complaints about councillors and members of public bodies
Easy Read Guide on the Codes of Conduct
Update from the Ethical Standards Commissioner
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
30th June 2025
Download PDF
Standards Update 45
Includes information about:
Advice Note for Councillors on Quasi-Judicial and Regulatory Decision-Making
Outcome of Appeal against Standards Commission Decision
New Standards Commission Member
Update from the Ethical Standards Commissioner
Standards Officers’ Workshop
Videos for Respondents and Witnesses
Advice Note for Members of Health and Social Care Integration Joint Boards
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
31st March 2025
Download PDF
Standards Update 44
Includes information about:
Guidance on the Councillors’ Code
Upcoming Joint Webinars with the Improvement Service
Appeal Decision
Update from the Ethical Standards Commissioner
Information for Witnesses
Monitoring Officers’ Workshop
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
18th December 2024
Download PDF
Standards Update 43
Includes information about:
Joint Improvement Service / Standards Commission Webinar on Confidentiality
Advice Note for Councillors on Gifts and Hospitality
Consultation on 2000 Act
“When the Code Applies” Card
Update from the Ethical Standards Commissioner
Standard Training Presentations on the Codes of Conduct
Standards Commission’s Annual Report 2023/24
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
30th September 2024
Download PDF
Standards Update 42
Includes information about:
Consultation on Proposed Amendments to Ethical Standards Legislation
Correspondence to Political Parties
Revised Advice Note for Members of IJB’s
New Commission Members
Updated Councillors’ Code of Conduct Guidance and Dispensation
New E-Learning Module: What is Confidential Information?
Standards Commission – LinkedIn
Advice Note on the Role of a Standards Officer
Direction on the Progress of Investigations
Appeal against Breach Finding
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
27th June 2024
Download PDF
Standards Update 41
Includes information about:
Updated Guidance on the Councillors’ Code of Conduct and Model Code of Conduct
Advice Note for Councillors on the Right to Access Information
Webinars with Improvement Service
Standards Officers’ Workshop
Advice Notes on the use of Social Media
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
28th March 2024
Download PDF
Standards Update 40
Includes information about:
Strategic Plan 2024-28
Update from the ESC
Revised Advice Notes on the Right to Freedom of Expression
Advice Note for Members of College Boards and Strategic Bodies
Advice Note for Councillors on the Right of Access to Information held by the Council
Policy on Application of Sanctions
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
20th December 2023
Download PDF
Standards Update 39
Includes information about:
Eligibility Criteria for Complaints about Councillors and Members of Devolved Public Bodies
Suspension Guidance
Update from the ESC
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
28th September 2023
Download PDF
Standards Update 38
Includes information about:
Advice Note for Chairs of Public Bodies
Response to Consultation on the National Performance Framework
New Animated Videos
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
29th June 2023
Download PDF
Standards Update 37
Includes information about:
New Standards Commission Members
Ethical Standards Commissioner
Eligibility Direction
Response to Consultation on Electoral Reform
Standards Officers’ Workshop
Business Plan 2023-24
Outcome of recent Hearing and case referrals
30th March 2023
Download PDF
Standards Update 36
Includes information about:
New E-Learning Modules
Advice Notes for Councillors
New Section-by-Section Guidance
Making a complaint
Standards Officers’ Workshop
Renewal of Direction on Outcome of Investigations
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
20th December 2022
Download PDF
Standards Update 35
Includes information about:
Responses to Surveys of Members and Standards Officers
Revised Hearing Rules
Direction to the Ethical Standards Commissioner on the Progress of Investigations
Advice Note for Members on Conduct at Online Meetings
Outcomes of recent case referrals
29th September 2022
Download PDF
Standards Update 34
Includes information about:
Combined Code and Guidance
Monitoring Officers’ Workshop 2022
Responses to Councillors and Monitoring Officers Surveys
Police Scotland - Serious Organised Crime Awareness
Summary Advice Note for Councillors on Article 10 of the ECHR
Following us on Social Media
Standards Commission Glossary
Outcomes of recent Hearings and case referrals
30th June 2022
Download PDF
Standards Update 33
Includes information about:
Surveys for Monitoring Officers and Councillors
Outcome of Appeal to Court of Session
New Standards Commission Member
Standards Officers’ Workshop
Outcomes of recent case referrals
31st March 2022
Download PDF
Quick Links
About Us
Cases
Advice Notes & Resources
Guidance
Codes of Conduct
Corporate Information
Accessibility
Contact Us
Standards Commission for Scotland
Room T2.21
,
Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
,
EH99 1SP
Tel:
0131 348 6666
Email:
enquiries@standardscommission.org.uk
Connect With Us
Link To LinkedIn
Link To Facebook
Copyright 2015 - 2026 The Standards Commission for Scotland
Responsive Website Design
,
Development & Hosting by
mtc.