The SNP government takes a series of 'researchers' to investigate the behavior of its ministers and former ministers.
Documents that are seen by the mail on Sunday show that a number of new recruits are being introduced to ensure that complaints against ministers are thoroughly, fair and with full impartiality '.
The move has followed a number of ministerial scandals in recent years.
The current health secretary, Neil Gray, is central in a 'Limogate' row after he used cars financed with taxpayers to see his favorite football team.
Former health secretary Michael Matheson was forced to resign from his cabinet role after it was revealed that he had collected a £ 11k data roaming account during a family holiday in Morocco.
In the meantime, Minister of Education – and former transport secretary – Jenny Gilruth were also confronted with claims that she has violated the ministerial code in the midst of allegations that she deliberately chose to postpone vital railway works – to enormous costs for the taxpayer – to let her voters travel at Christmas.
And last year documents revealed that the Scottish government's own lawyers expressed their concern about the independence of an investigation into the behavior of Nicola Sturgeon.
But last night, critics feared that the Scottish government could simply register the researchers to 'mark their own homework'.
Neil Gray is in the middle of a 'Limogate' row after he used funded cars to see his favorite football team with taxpayers.
Aberdeen -President Dave Cormack and Neil Gray during the Viaplay Cup Final Match between Rangers and Aberdeen in Hampden Park, on December 17, 2023.
The Scottish conservative MSP Stephen Kerr said: 'This smells of SNP secrecy and the nationalists who usually try to brush scandals under the carpet.
'The audience will be deeply alerted that the SNP seems to have been set to mark their own homework instead of making themselves independent.
'That will undoubtedly lead to an increased risk of reports in alleged ministerial misconduct that ultimately is nothing more than a whitewash.
“The SNP government must urgently explain why they think that supervision of hiring these researchers is appropriate and how they will not become conflict in their role.”
The new roles for 'external researchers' are advertised on the Scottish Government Jobs Portal – and will be paid by the taxpayer 'in accordance with the policy of the public wage sector'.
The advertisement reads: 'How can we ensure that complaints against ministers are thoroughly, honestly and with full impartiality?
“After a collaboration process with our recognized trade unions, we have developed an external process for the investigation and assessment of formal complaints about the behavior of a minister or former minister.”
The post continues: “In order to fulfill this obligation, we want to appoint a number of experienced researchers who can be called up to carry out an impartial collection of facts and evidence and complete a report in response to a formal complaint of this nature.”
Successful applicants must be 'available to conduct a study in the short term', cannot work in the civil service and must show good communication skills and 'personal resilience'.
A spokesperson for the Scottish government said: “The appointment of five independent researchers and five decision makers made in 2022 is now coming to an end. The process for appointing a new Pole is underway and we expect to conclude this soon. '
