After section 63 insert—

“63ACode of practice

(1)

The professional association—

(a)

must prepare and publish a code of practice in relation to the functions of officers of court; and

(b)

may prepare and publish such a code in relation to the undertaking of activities by such officers.

(2)

The professional association may revise the whole or any part of a code published under this section.

(3)

Where a code or any part of a code is revised under subsection (2), the professional association—

(a)

in a case where the revision results in substantial changes, must publish the revised code;

(b)

in any other case, may publish the revised code.

(4)

The professional association must not publish a code of practice or a revised code of practice under this section without the prior approval of the Lord President of the Court of Session.

(5)

The professional association must send a copy of each code of practice published under this section to—

(a)

the Scottish Ministers;

(b)

the Lord President of the Court of Session;

(c)

each sheriff principal; and

(d)

each officer of court.”.