THE SNP Government has updated its ministerial code in changes John Swinney has called the “most significant” in 16 years.
On Tuesday, the Scottish Government published the latest 2024 edition of the Scottish Ministerial Code, which it said strengthens “the processes to support transparency, accountability, and independent scrutiny”.
Among the changes, independent advisers have been empowered with initiating investigations into alleged breaches of the Ministerial Code when they feel it is warranted and without a direct referral from the First Minister.
If a breach is established, advisers will also be able to recommend appropriate sanctions.
Swinney said in a foreword to the new ministerial code: “This code sets out the standards that I expect of my ministers and that the people of Scotland deserve of its leaders. It enshrines the commitment we all make to uphold the seven principles of public life and to adhere to the values and the principles of service.
“The changes I have introduced in this code mark the most fundamental developments to the code since the introduction of independent advisers in 2008 and are furthered by my appointing three new advisers into the role.
“I have also published their Terms of Reference for the first time, that set out the detail of their strengthened role and the process of independent scrutiny and advice that they can provide to me.”
On December 6, the SNP Government announced the appointment of three new independent advisers: Claire Loftus, the former director of public prosecutions in the Republic of Ireland, John Manzoni, the former Cabinet Office permanent secretary and chief executive of the Civil Service, and Ernest Ryder, the former lord justice of appeal and senior president of tribunal.
Eilish Angiolini and James Hamilton both stepped down having served for more than a decade in the role, with the First Minister thanking them for their service.
The three new advisers will play a role in reviewing the processes in place to manage the annual review of ministers’ declarations of interest, the Government said.
Swinney said: “The updated Scottish Ministerial Code, my first as First Minister, contains the most significant changes since 2008. “The strengthening of the code gives a clear focus on public service and duty and the enhanced role of the independent advisers assures greater scrutiny, transparency and accountability.”
You can find the full 2024 Ministerial Code on the Scottish Government website.
