Standing orders and operational guidance

Principles of Corporate Governance and how they apply to the CLD Standards Council

Published
10/09/2018
Last updated
19/08/2026

Corporate governance

Corporate governance is concerned with the strategic direction and effective  stewardship of the organisation. It is the way in which organisations are  directed, controlled and led. It defines relationships and the distribution of rights and responsibilities among those who work with, and in, the organisation; determines the rules and procedures through which objectives are set; and provides the means of attaining those objectives and monitoring performance. Importantly, it defines where accountability lies throughout the organisation.  

Current Status of the Standards Council and Direction of Development

The CLD Standards Council is not formally constituted as a legal entity nor as a public body or Scottish Charity. Nonetheless it is recognised as having a distinct identity with ownership of its own strategic areas of responsibility. The Chair of the Standards Council is formally appointed by the Chief Accountable Officer of the host agency with a recommendation submitted to Scottish Ministers for endorsement. The roles of the Executive and Standing committees are noted in the Framework Agreement. 

To ensure that the CLD Standards Council fulfils its purpose and functions effectively, the Council continues to develop, implement and maintain corporate governance arrangements based on those required of a formally constituted public body.

Responsibilities of Standards Council Executive members

Board members of Public Bodies have a responsibility to ensure the effective 
governance and financial management of their Public Body; Executive Committee members of the Standards Council are expected to take on similar responsibilities. Public bodies are “required to demonstrate their commitment to public service delivery and reform”2 and members of the Standards Council Executive and Standing committees should also adhere to this principle.

Core Principles of Corporate Governance for members of the Standards Council Executive and functional Committees

Upholding Standards in Public Life (2021) notes a set of general principles 
that act as a guide for members of the CLD Standards Council Executive and Standing Committees. 

Upholding Standards in Public Life - Published Report - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

  • Selflessness
  • Integrity
  • Objectivity
  • Accountability
  • Openness
  • Honesty
  • Leadership