Responsibilities of Members
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 Eight Principles of Public Life set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life. These are:
1. Selflessness
Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.
2. Integrity
Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.
3. Objectivity
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merits.
4. Accountability
Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
5. Openness
Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
6. Honesty
Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interests.
7. Leadership
Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
8. Respect
You must respect fellow members of your public body and employees of the body and the role they play, treating them with courtesy at all times.
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.
