ISBN 978 0 7559 1737 2 (Web only publication)
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Contents
Foreword by the First Minister
1. Scottish Ministers
Ministerial Conduct
2. Ministers and the Government
The Scottish Government
Collective Responsibility
Cabinet Business
Cabinet Correspondence
Ministerial Discussions below the Level of the Cabinet
Priority of Cabinet Meetings
Attendance at Meetings of Cabinet Sub-Committees
Confidentiality of Cabinet Documents and Other Departmental Papers
The Law Officers
Civil Legal Proceedings
3. Ministers and the Scottish Parliament
Key Principles
Commitments to Legislate
Introduction of Bills
Parliamentary Statements and other Executive Announcements
Supply of Publications
Financial Resolutions
Ministerial Availability
Membership of Cross-Party Groups
Appearing before a Select Committee of the UK Parliament
4. Ministers and their Responsibilities
Ministerial Responsibilities and Titles
Ministers' Availability
Parliamentary Liaison Officers
Special Advisers
Unpaid Advisers
Royal Commissions and Committees of Inquiry
Contacts with Outside Interest Groups, Including Lobbyists
5. Ministers and Appointments
NDPB Selection Principles
New Appointments
Re-appointments
Final Decision
Announcing Appointments
First Minister Involvement
6. Ministers and Civil Servants
Ministers and the Civil Service
The Role of the Accountable Officer
Civil Servants and Party Conferences
7. Ministers' Constituency and Party Interests
Use of Government Property
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Cases
Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration
Lottery Bids
References for Constituents
Deputations and Representations
8. Ministers' Engagement on Planning Matters, Including the Granting of Energy Consents
General Principle
The Planning Minister
Other Ministers with a Particular Interest
All Ministers
The First Minister
9. Ministers' Visits
Ministers' Visits Overseas
Annual PQ on Ministerial Travel
Visits by Ministers from Foreign or Commonwealth Countries
Relations with other Governments
Ministers Recalled from Abroad
Ministers' Visits in the United Kingdom
Travel by Ministers
Public Accountability
Air Miles Etc
Travelling Expenses of Spouses
Travelling Expenses of Special Advisers and Unpaid Advisers
Offers of Hospitality, Gifts, Etc
Published List of Gifts
Contact with Commercial Companies
10. Ministers and the Presentation of Policy
Use of Official Facilities
Co-ordination of the Presentation of Government Policy
Publication of Government Policy Documents
Speeches or other Public Comment
News Conferences/Broadcasts
Press Articles
Books
Party and other Publications
Complaints
Royal Commissions
11. Ministers' Private Interests
Conflicts of Interest
Procedure
Public Appointments
External Organisations and Groups Etc.
Trade Unions
Financial Interests
Nominations for International Awards
Acceptance of Gifts and Services
Outgoing Ministers: Acceptance of Appointments
Outside the Government
12. Ministerial Pensions
Participation in the Scottish Parliamentary Pension Scheme
Participation in other Pension Schemes
Annex A: The Seven Principles of Public Life
Note: In this Code:
Ministers are the Scottish Cabinet Secretaries and junior Scottish Ministers
Government is the Scottish Government
Cabinet is the Scottish Cabinet
Parliament is the Scottish Parliament
Law Officers are the Lord Advocate and the Solicitor-General for Scotland
June 2008