The Scottish Ministerial Code has been updated to further
strengthen transparency and propriety.
Updates to the Code include:
- New text reflecting the updates to the procedure for handling
complaints by civil servants about the behaviour of a Minister or
former Minister, making clear that for future complaints certain
information about concluded cases will be made public, including
the Minister’s name, the nature of the complaint and the outcome
of the complaint, even after a Minister has left office, and
setting out the obligation on Ministers to cooperate with the
procedure.
- The introduction of an annual review of Ministers’ private
interests, and proactive publication of these interests on an
annual basis, to enhance integrity and transparency around actual
or perceived conflicts of interest. In addition, new text
has been introduced to provide additional clarity for Ministers
on managing overlaps between their Ministerial responsibilities
and constituency interests.
- General updates on provisions for maternity leave and to
reflect the introduction of the Bute House Agreement, as well as
minor amends to take account of digital developments, new
published strategies and changes in Ministerial titles and
responsibilities.
The First Minister said:
“This new edition of the Ministerial Code sets the highest
standards of propriety and transparency for Government
Ministers. All Scottish Ministers, including myself, are
bound by its terms and are committed to uphold the Principles of
Public life, ensuring integrity, accountability and honesty at
every level of leadership.
“Scottish Ministers are committed to building a better future for
the people of Scotland while facing the profound challenges of
our time. This will mean taking some tough decisions to ensure
that we support those in greatest need, and it is vital that we
are guided in this mission by a clear set of principles.”
Background
2023 edition of the Ministerial Code.
Ministerial Complaints
procedure.
The first annual review of Minister’s private interests will
publish early in the next parliamentary session.
