'Disturbing' failings flagged at body that scrutinises complaints against MSPs

The Auditor General for Scotland has highlighted “substantial weaknesses” and a “disturbing” number of failings at the body responsible for investigating complaints against MSPs and other public officials.

In a report laid before parliament today, Stephen Boyle said “significant improvements” would need to be made by the office of the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland in order “to provide effective strategic leadership, fulfil its statutory role and restore confidence in the effectiveness of this essential public office”.

Audit Scotland has made 22 recommendations for improvement at the body, which assesses complaints about the conduct of MSPs, local authority councillors and members of public bodies to decide whether they should be investigated further.

Among the key failings identified by the auditor were a lack of openness and transparency, a breakdown in key relationships both externally and internally, and the absence of a mechanism by which staff could raise concerns. A whistleblowing policy, for example, was found to be not fit for purpose.

Boyle said: "It is disturbing to see so many failings in an organisation, not least because it deals directly with concerns raised by members of the public.

"It is vital that progress underway continues and that the recommendations made by the auditor are implemented.

"The overarching risk is that there will be a loss of public trust in the ability of the commissioner's office to properly investigate and consider complaints made against individuals in public life in Scotland."

Richard Leonard, convener of the Holyrood Public Audit Committee, said the “catalogue of failings” detailed in the report is of “deep concern”.

“Our committee seeks to ensure the people of Scotland have confidence in the organisations they are ultimately funding by shining a light on those failing to live up to their responsibilities,” he said.

“It is essential that we get to the bottom of what exactly went wrong with the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland when we consider this report early next year.”

The commissioner is an independent regulator funded by government with an annual budget of £1m.