Committee on Standards in Public Life
CSPL
Summary
The Committee on Standards in Public Life was established by Letters Patent in 1994 (the Nolan Committee) as a purely advisory non-departmental public body. It has no statutory basis and no legal powers: it cannot investigate individuals, compel evidence, or impose sanctions. Members are appointed by the Prime Minister for renewable 3-year terms and serve at will. The Committee's budget is determined by the Cabinet Office. The CSPL conducts thematic reviews of standards across public life and publishes its reports and recommendations publicly. Its influence is persuasive only; government may accept, reject, or defer recommendations. It operates under the Nolan Principles (Seven Principles of Public Life) which it promulgated in its first report in 1995.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 3 years |
| Removal standard | At will (weak protection) |
| Budget independence | Executive discretion |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Case-by-case |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | Advisory only (not binding) |
Statute
- Name
- Letters Patent establishing the Committee on Standards in Public Life (non-statutory)
- Citation
- Letters Patent, 1994 (non-statutory advisory body)
Jurisdiction scope
Standards of conduct of all holders of public office in the UK; advisory remit covering all branches of central and devolved government