Panels Code of Conduct for Panel Members

SECTION 4: REGISTRATION OF INTERESTS

4.1      The following paragraphs set out what I have to register when I am appointed and whenever my circumstances change. The register covers my current term of appointment.

4.2      I understand that regulations made by the Scottish Ministers describe the detail and timescale for registering interests; including a requirement that a Panel member must register their registrable interests within one month of becoming a Panel member, and register any changes to those interests within one month of those changes having occurred.

4.3      The interests which I am required to register are those set out in the following paragraphs. Other than as required by paragraph 4.23, I understand it is not necessary to register the interests of my spouse or cohabitee.

Category One: Remuneration

4.4      I will register any work for which I receive, or expect to receive, payment. I have a registrable interest where I receive remuneration by virtue of being:

1. a) employed;
2. b) self-employed;
3. c) the holder of an office;
4. d) a director of an undertaking;
5. e) a partner in a firm;
6. f) appointed or nominated by my public body to another body; or
7. g) engaged in a trade, profession or vocation or any other work.

4.5      I understand that in relation to 4.4 above, the amount of remuneration does not require to be registered. I understand that any remuneration received as a panel member of this specific public body does not have to be registered.

4.6      I understand that if a position is not remunerated it does not need to be registered under this category. However, unremunerated directorships may need to be registered under Category Two, “Other Roles”.

4.7      I must register any allowances I receive in relation to membership of any organisation under Category One.

4.8      When registering employment as an employee, I must give the full name of the employer, the nature of its business, and the nature of the post I hold in the organisation.

4.9      When registering remuneration from the categories listed in paragraph 4.4 (b) to (g) above, I must provide the full name and give details of the nature of the business, organisation, undertaking, partnership or other body, as appropriate. I recognise that some other employments may be incompatible with my role as Panel member of my public body in terms of paragraph 6.8 of this Code.

4.10    Where I otherwise undertake a trade, profession or vocation, or any other work, the detail to be given is the nature of the work and how often it is undertaken.

4.11    When registering a directorship, it is necessary to provide the registered name and registered number of the undertaking in which the directorship is held and provide information about the nature of its business.

4.12    I understand that registration of a pension is not required as this falls outside the scope of the category.

Category Two: Other Roles

4.13    I will register any unremunerated directorships where the body in question is a subsidiary or parent company of an undertaking in which I hold a remunerated directorship.

4.14    I will register the registered name and registered number of the subsidiary or parent company or other undertaking and the nature of its business, and its relationship to the company or other undertaking in which I am a director and from which I receive remuneration.

Category Three: Contracts

4.15    I have a registerable interest where I (or a firm in which I am a partner, or an undertaking in which I am a director or in which I have shares of a value as described in paragraph 4.20 below) have made a contract with my public body:

1. a) under which goods or services are to be provided, or works are to be executed; and
2. b) which has not been fully discharged.

4.16    I will register a description of the contract, including its duration, but excluding the value.

Category Four: Election Expenses

4.17    If I have been elected to my public body, then I will register a description of, and statement of, any assistance towards election expenses relating to election to my public body.

Category Five: Houses, Land and Buildings

4.18    I have a registrable interest where I own or have any other right or interest in houses, land and buildings, which may be significant to, of relevance to, or bear upon, the work and operation of my public body.

4.19    I accept that, when deciding whether or not I need to register any interest I have in houses, land or buildings, the test to be applied is whether a member of the public, with knowledge of the relevant facts, would reasonably regard the interest as being so significant that it could potentially affect my responsibilities to my public body and to the public, or could influence my actions, speeches or decision-making.

Category Six: Interest in Shares and Securities

4.20    I have a registerable interest where:

1. a) I own or have an interest in more than 1% of the issued share capital of the company or other body; or
2. b) Where, at the relevant date, the market value of any shares and securities (in any one specific company or body) that I own or have an interest in is greater than £25,000.

Category Seven: Gifts and Hospitality

4.21    I understand the requirements of paragraphs 3.13 to 3.21 regarding gifts and hospitality. As I will not accept any gifts or hospitality, other than under the limited circumstances allowed, I understand there is no longer the need to register any.

Category Eight: Non–Financial Interests

4.22    I may also have other interests, and I understand it is equally important that relevant interests such as membership or holding office in other public bodies, companies, clubs, societies and organisations such as trades unions and voluntary organisations, are registered and described. In this context, I understand non-financial interests are those which members of the public with knowledge of the relevant facts might reasonably think could influence my actions, speeches, votes or decision-making in my public body (this includes its Committees and memberships of other organisations to which I have been appointed or nominated by my public body).

Category Nine: Close Family Members

4.23    I will register the interests of any close family member who has transactions with my public body or is likely to have transactions or do business with it.