Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) is a new independent body set up to ensure the effectiveness of environmental law, and prevent enforcement gaps arising from the UK leaving the European Union.
ESS is currently operating on a non-statutory basis, but will gain the statutory powers set out in the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act later in 2021.
Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) governing Board consists of 5 members including a Chair. The Scottish Parliament approved ESS Board members in December 2020. The Board Members have significant experience in leading independent scrutiny organisations and particular expertise in European environmental law. The Board will be supported by an executive team led by a Chief Executive.
Their remit is to provide advice on the performance of the Scottish Government and relevant public authorities in complying with environmental law, as well as improving the effectiveness, implementation and application of environmental law in Scotland.
