Roles, Responsibilities and Membership of the Integration Joint Board Guidance and advice to supplement the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Integration Joint Board) (Scotland) Order 2014 and Amendment Order 2025

Section 3: Code of Conduct

3. Application of the Code of Conduct

All members have a personal responsibility to observe the rules within their IJBs Code of Conduct at all times when they are acting, or could be reasonably regarded as acting, as a member of their IJB.^[4] Members are personally responsible for ensuring that they are familiar with the Guidance and Advice Notes published by the Standards Commission Scotland to support understanding of, and compliance with, the provisions on their IJBs Code of Conduct.^[5]

The Standards Commission Scotland’s Advice Note for Members of Health and Social Care Integration Joint Boards provides information, and specific examples, on the various provisions in the Code of Conduct. This includes what interests need to be registered and declared. The Advice Note is aimed at helping members understand the requirements of the Code and how to apply its provisions to the situations in which they may find themselves.

It is recommended that the IJB provides all of its members with training and development to ensure that they are prepared to carry out the responsibilities of their role. The IJBs Standard’s Officer should consider including the ethical standards framework, the IJB Code of Conduct and the Standards Commission’s Guidance as part of the training.^[6]

Members should contact their IJBs Standards Officer or the Standards Commission for further advice on any of the provisions in the Code of Conduct. Further information on the Standards Officer role and responsibilities can be found in the Standards Commission for Scotland’s Advice Note on the Role of a Standards Officer.