Welcome
This course has been developed by the Standards Commission for Scotland to help councillors understand what the Councillors’ Code of Conduct requires, why compliance with it matters, and how to apply its provisions in the types of scenarios they may face.
In this three-hour course you will explore the key duties, behaviours and responsibilities expected of councillors in Scotland, and examine how the Ethical Standards Framework supports ethical leadership, transparency and public confidence in local government.
Through a series of practical scenarios, reflective questions and knowledge checks, the course will demonstrate how the Code requires you to behave in complex and sensitive situations, such as identifying when to declare and register interests, making regulatory and quasi-judicial decisions, and interacting with others. The aim is not only to help you meet the requirements of the Code, but also to strengthen governance, support robust scrutiny, maintain the relationships that enable local government to function effectively, and ensure public trust and confidence in you and your council.
The activities will improve your awareness and understanding of the role, help you lead by example and maintain high standards of integrity, support constructive working relationships, and carry out your role with confidence, fairness and accountability.
The course concludes with an end-of-course quiz that gives you the opportunity to test your understanding of the key topics covered throughout the learning. If you successfully pass the quiz you will be able to download a Statement of Participation as recognition of your achievement.
