Transparency International UK’s Chief Executive Daniel Bruce has today written to First Minister Humza Yousaf offering the organisation’s advice and collaboration to take forward a programme for good governance in Scotland.

Daniel Bruce said: “In recent weeks every party in Scotland has re-stated the importance of openness and transparency in politics. We agree that good governance is vital for good business – be that corporations, charities, political parties or governments."

“Today we are offering to provide independent and evidence led advice to the First Minister about best practice in political integrity and good governance.
“If there was ever an opportunity to grasp the nettle of reform of transparency and accountability infrastructure, that time is now.

“We look forward to hearing from First Minister Humza Yousaf.”

The letter reads:

Dear First Minister,  

DELIVERING TRANSPARENCY IN SCOTLAND TO WIN THE PUBLIC’S TRUST 

On behalf of Transparency International, I would like to congratulate you on your new role as First Minister of Scotland. I am writing at what is clearly a difficult time for your party, to offer Transparency International’s advice and engagement to help you and your government deliver openness and transparency for Scotland. 

Our track record includes helping to form the European Commission Whistleblowing Directive, delivering the UK Bribery Act and convening the London Anti-Corruption Summit. This constructive engagement and collaborative action to fight corruption, strengthen institutions, and seek the highest standards of political integrity is our calling card. We would welcome an opportunity to discuss how we might engage in this way with you and your team to determine initiatives aimed at ensuring Scotland is synonymous with good governance.   

Good governance is critical for maintaining legitimacy in the eyes of the public, and for avoiding the perception of corruption that weighs on all politicians and our political institutions long after any wrongdoing has ceased.  To command public confidence in the governance of your party and of the country, we recommend that you urgently:  

• Appoint a ‘Good Governance Champion’ with responsibility for: 
  • working with the Scottish Government and Parliament to develop a more strategic approach to promoting and ensuring integrity in public life in Scotland, 
  • scrutinising and challenging the performance of relevant departments and agencies, 
  • Monitoring the delivery of open and transparency public inquiries, including the Scottish Covid inquiry.  
• Initiate an independent review into the architecture of political integrity and transparency in Scotland, taking into account recent reports from Audit Scotland; the recommendations of the
  Public Audit and Post Legislative Scrutiny Committee’s review of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016; recommendations from the Citizens’ Assembly on the Future of Scotland in this area; and associated European standards. 
• Establish an independent review of the governance of nationalised enterprises in Scotland including Ferguson Marine, referencing Transparency International’s 10 Anti-Corruption Principles for State-Owned Enterprises. 

As First Minister, you now have the opportunity to determine a new set of robust principles, processes and practices that can enable Scotland to claim her place as a beacon of open, transparent government.  

I and colleagues based in Edinburgh are available to meet with you or a Good Governance Champion at your earliest convenience to ensure your premiership is remembered as open and transparent. 

Yours sincerely 

Daniel Bruce 

Chief Executive 

[email protected]
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