Most complaints about councillors concern disrespect, bullying and harassment

In a year where the conduct of politicians has been under the spotlight, the Standards Commission has worked to promote the key principles of public life and ensure adherence to the Codes of Conduct for all councillors and members of devolved public bodies.

The report covers the period from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022.

During the year, the Standards Commission:

• Produced guidance and advice notes on the revised codes of conduct for councillors and members of devolved public bodies, which are designed to help councillors and members understand the requirements and comply with the provisions
• Published training presentations on codes for officers of councils and devolved public bodies to use when training and inducting their councillors and members
• Worked with the acting ethical standards commissioner to improve the processes for the investigating and adjudicating complaints about councillors and members of devolved public bodies
• Made the final decision on complaints about 28 councillors and members, which included holding five public Hearings, and communicated its decisions in the media and on its website and social media platforms

Paul Walker, Standards Commission convener, said: “Adherence to the principles and Codes of Conduct is crucial to ensure the public has trust and confidence in those in public life.

“A successful democracy relies on there being individuals who are willing to stand for public office and also relies on the public trusting public institutions and bodies.

“Our work – to promote good leadership, integrity, high ethical standards and respectful behaviour – remains vital and has never been more relevant in a political climate that’s become very polarised and where social media is often adversarial in nature.”