June 2013

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards

The seven principles of public life

selflessness

integrity

objectivity

accountability

openness

honesty

leadership

• Kathryn Hudson

• Appointed for five years from 1.1.13

• Independent of the House

• Work overseen by the Committee, but not directed

The current Commissioner

Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards: Functions

• To maintain four Registers

• To provide confidential advice to Members

• To advise the Committee on Standards and Privileges

• To monitor the Code and Registers

• To investigate breaches of the rules

The Registers

Members’ interests

Members’ staff

Journalists

All party groups

The Code of Conduct

Examples of the rules

– Resolving conflicts of interest;

– Outlining bribery;

– Preventing paid advocacy (a form of lobbying)

– Proper use of expenses, allowances, facilities and services

– Requirement to register and declare interests

– Not bring House into disrepute

Investigating Complaints

Complaints Statistics2002-03

52 complaints received; 24 accepted for inquiry

2009-10

317 complaints received; 72 accepted for inquiry

2010-11

115 complaints received; 12 accepted for inquiry

2011-2012

109 complaints received; 8 accepted for inquiry

June 2013

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards