The Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (the 2000 Act) provided a framework to encourage and where necessary enforce, high ethical standards in public life.  The 2000 Act established the Standards Commission for Scotland and the post of Chief Investigating Officer (whose functions are now undertaken by the Public Standards Commissioner for Scotland).

The 2000 Act provided for the Councillors' Code of ConductThe Scottish Parliamentary Commissions and Commissioners etc. Act 2010 provided for the establishment of the Commission for Ethical Standards in Public Life and that one of its two members, the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland would undertake those functions previously undertaken by the Chief Investigating Officer.

The Public Standards Commissioner is an independent officeholder who is dedicated to the provisions of high ethical standards in public life in Scotland. The Commissioner can investigate written complaints about:

- Councillors;
- Members of devolved public bodies; and
- Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)

who are alleged to have contravened their Code of Conduct.
 

Making a complaint

If you wish to make a complaint about a councillor, a member of a devolved public body, or an MSP, or just want to know more about the kinds of issues that can be considered, please visit the Commissioner's website using the link above.

North Ayrshire Council Guidelines for Member/Officer Relations

In 2023, North Ayrshire Council also approved revised Guidelines for Member/Officer relations, incorporating the Protocol for Member/Officer Relations required by the Councillors' Code of Conduct.