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| Committee News Release | |
| CSTAN-NR 017/2000 | Friday 15 September, 2000 |
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| Garry Watson has been
appointed Adviser to the Standards Committee. The new position will carry responsibility
for the initial consideration, and where necessary, investigation of complaints against
MSPs which fall within the remit of the Standards Committee. Welcoming the appointment committee convener Mike Rumbles said: "The committee agreed the appointment of a standards adviser as an interim measure until such time as the Parliament has had the opportunity to debate our proposals to establish a Standards Commissioner. "This will enable us to introduce quickly an independent element into the Parliament’s procedures for enforcement of the Code of Conduct. The committee believes that this is essential to ensure public confidence in the Parliament’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of public probity. "The appointment of the adviser is also an important step forward in the committee’s work in developing transparent procedures that are both fair and robust for the enforcement of the Code of Conduct for MSPs." Mr Watson will take up his new post on 25 September. He has previously served as a Scottish Legal Services Ombudsman. BACKGROUND NOTES The Standards Committee agreed the appointment of an Adviser as an interim measure until such time as the Parliament considers the committee’s proposals to establish a Standards Commissioner. As the appointment of a Commissioner would require an Act of Parliament, the interim Adviser position is likely to continue at least until June 2001. Role of the Adviser Where cases of complaint against a MSP are considered to require investigation, the Adviser will conduct that investigation in private and independently of the committee. The Adviser will then report his conclusions to the committee for its consideration. The Standards Committee will retain responsibility for recommending to Parliament whether sanctions are appropriate, with the final decision on whether to impose sanctions being taken by a full meeting of the Parliament. Terms of Employment Mr Watson will be employed on a part-time basis, usually working no more than one to two days per month. This will increase markedly in the event of any substantial investigation being required. He will be remunerated at the standard daily rate of £137. |
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