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Openness and accountability

On this page:

• The LSC's Framework Document
• The Commission's Code of Best Practice
• The LSC's Staff Code of Conduct
• Risk Management Statement

All documents referred to below are under Related Documents on the right of this page.

As a public body, we are committed to transparency, openness and accountability in all that we do. Please see the Access to Information page for any Freedom of Information requests.

The LSC's Framework Document

This work explains the LSC's relationship with our sponsoring government department, the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA).

It is made up of two sections: the Management Statement and the Financial Memorandum.

The Management Statement sets out the broad framework in which the LSC operates:

• our overall aims to support the DCA's wider objectives and Public Service Agreement (PSA) targets
• rules regarding our functions, duties and powers
• how public funds are paid to the LSC
• how we have to account for our performance
• the relationship between the Secretary of State, the DCA and the LSC.

The Financial Memorandum provides more detail on the financial framework in which we must operate.

The Commission's Code of Best Practice

Our Commissioners agree to abide by a Code of Best Practice when they accept their appointment to the Commission. The code is reviewed at least every five years.

The code explains when Commissioners should declare any conflicts of interest that may affect their judgement and duties as Commissioners. A register of Commissioners' interests is under Related Documents.

The code also outlines the Commission's duty to operate an environmental policy. Our Environmental Policy Statement and Strategy is on the Our publications page.

The LSC's Staff Code of Conduct

Our Commissioners are required to set out a Code of Conduct for all LSC employees. This reflects the public service values in the Code of Best Practice.

The Staff Code of Conduct is based on three main principles: integrity, impartiality and honesty. It is reviewed at least every three years, and advises on:

• dealing with conflicts of interest
• deciding whether to accept gifts and hospitality
• involvement in political activity
• openness and disclosure of official information
• dealing with concerns about improper conduct.

A Register of Executive Team members' interests is under Related Documents.

Risk Management Statement

We are committed to embedding effective risk management into all of our management processes. This statement explains:

• how we assess, manage and review risk at corporate and operational levels
• our aims to improve our risk management approach.