Responsibilities of Members

SLCC members are expected to act in the best interests of the organisation. They must act in accordance with:

  • The Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007
  • SLCC governance arrangements
  • The declaration and registration of members' interests
  • SLCC processes, standards and rules
  • SLCC financial, operational and personnel policies.

Members are also expected to follow the Nine Principles of Public Life set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life. The general principles upon which this Code is based should be used for guidance and interpretation only. These general principles are:

1. Duty

Members have a duty to uphold the law and act in accordance with the law and the public trust placed in them. They have a duty to act in the interests of the SLCC and in accordance with the SLCC's core functions.

2. Selflessness

Members have a duty to take decisions solely in terms of public interest. They must not act in order to gain financial or other material benefit for themselves, family or friends.

3. Integrity

Members must not place themselves under any financial, or other, obligation to any individual or organisation that might reasonably be thought to influence them in the performance of their duties.

4. Objectivity

Members must make decisions solely on merit and in a way that is consistent with the functions of the SLCC when carrying out public business including making appointments, awarding contracts or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits.

5. Accountability and Stewardship

Members are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public. They have a duty to consider issues on their merits, taking account of the views of others and must ensure that the SLCC uses its resources prudently and in accordance with the law.

6. Openness

Members have a duty to be as open as possible about their decisions and actions, giving reasons for their decisions and restricting information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

7. Honesty

Members have a duty to act honestly. They must declare any private interests relating to their public duties and take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

8. Leadership

Members have a duty to promote and support these principles by leadership and example, and to maintain and strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the integrity of the SLCC and its members in conducting public business.

9. Respect

Members must respect fellow members of the SLCC and employees of the SLCC and the role they play, treating them with courtesy at all times. Similarly they must respect members of the public when performing duties as a member of the SLCC.

Members of the SLCC are also expected to declare any interest that may conflict with their duties, and must not hold any political post or engage in any political activity or matter that directly affects the SLCC.

In this section