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Assembly Commission |
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Venue: |
Presiding Officer’s office, 4th floor - Tŷ Hywel |
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Date: |
Thursday, 25 June 2015 |
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Time: |
13.00 - 14.00 |
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Minutes: AC(4)2015(9) |
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Commission Members: |
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Dame Rosemary Butler AM (Chair) Peter Black AM Angela Burns AM Sandy Mewies AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM |
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Officials present: |
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Claire Clancy, Chief Executive & Clerk of the Assembly Craig Stephenson, Director of Commission Services John Chick, Head of Members' Business Support Sulafa Thomas, Head of Commission Secretariat
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Others in attendance: |
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David Melding AM, Deputy Presiding Officer Helena Feltham, Independent Adviser
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1 Introduction
1.1 Introduction and apologies
There were no apologies.
1.2 Declarations of interest
There were no declarations of interest.
1.3 Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of 11 June were agreed.
2 Dissolution of the Fourth Assembly and Transition to the Fifth Assembly
Commissioners considered a paper providing information to inform decisions relating to preparations for dissolution of the Fourth Assembly.
The first area for decision related to the use of Assembly resources during the dissolution period at the end of the Fourth Assembly. Commissioners discussed the options, and agreed that some, limited, Commission resources enabling Members to complete residual casework only would be permitted. This takes account of the restrictions necessary to give effect to the fundamental concept of dissolution - ensuring a level playing field for all candidates seeking election.
Further information will be provided before the summer recess, and guidance will be prepared for Members and issued in the autumn term to enable Members to prepare for dissolution in a timely way. Commissioners also flagged the importance of guidance for support staff being available to AMs (as employers).
Commissioners also considered a recommendation from the Remuneration Board about providing an outplacement/advice service in relation to the 2016 election. Commissioners agreed to provide this type of service to support Members losing their seat at an election, and particularly to support staff who will be made redundant as a consequence of their employer no longer being an Assembly Member.
3 Fifth Assembly - Vote 2016 awareness campaign
The Commission considered a paper which provided a broad outline of the planned communications activities supporting the Vote 2016 campaign, focusing on the National Assembly election on 5 May 2016.
Commissioners felt the plans offered an opportunity to further engage the people of Wales in the democratic process. They were content with the approach outlined, including the opportunity to position the Senedd’s tenth anniversary on 1 March 2016 as a key milestone in the campaign that will promote the building as the home of Welsh democracy and public life.
Commissioners discussed the importance of maintaining some more ‘old fashioned’ marketing methods – such as leaflets and posters – alongside the electronic and social media to reach a wide range of audiences.
4 Paper to note - Draft Audit and Risk Assurance Committee minutes 8 June 2015
The Audit and Risk Assurance Committee minutes from the meeting on 8 June were noted.
5 Any other business
Commissioners raised concerns about two facilities management related issues.
The Commission will next meet on Thursday 9 July. The meeting will focus on performance and Commissioners will consider the draft budget for 2016/17.