Cross-Party Groups in the Senedd - Consultation

1. Cross-Party Groups (CPGs)are groups set up by Members of the Senedd in respect of any subject area relevant to the Senedd with representatives from at least three party groups represented in the Senedd. External members are also able to join at the discretion of the group. Such groups are widely recognised as a valuable part of the democratic process and provide a forum for Members from different political groups to consider shared interests in subject areas relevant to the Senedd.

2. These groups are not bound by Standing Orders, and have no formal role in Senedd business. However in 2013 a set of  Rules for the operation of Cross-Party Groups (annex A) were adopted by the Senedd. In addition to setting out Membership requirements (as above) these rules also require groups to:

-elect a Chair and secretary, of which the Chair must be a Member of the Senedd and the secretary may be a Member, Member support staff or an individual from outside the Senedd; and

-provide relevant information within specified timeframes to the Table Office including advance notice of meetings, minutes, and an annual report and financial statement within 12 months from the time the group is first registered.

3. Failure to comply with, or contravention of the rules on CPGs covering registration, election of office-holders, holding of Annual General Meetings (AGMs) or the provision of information required by the rules, could lead to withdrawal of recognition of the group on the authority of the Llywydd (the group would be de-registered and all details removed from the Senedd's website).

4. All Members of the Senedd who are members of a CPG have a responsibility to ensure that the group conducts itself properly. However, the Chair of the group will be held primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with the rules.

5. The Standards of Conduct Committee has agreed to review the current arrangements for CPGs to consider if the rules provide sufficient guidance, are clear, accessible and transparent for key stakeholders and remain fit for purpose during the Sixth Senedd.

6. The Committee are seeking responses on the following questions:

· What are your views on the arrangements for Cross-Party Groups in the Senedd?

· Have you got any concerns or encountered any problems with the arrangements? If so what?

· Do the current rules reflect the functions and responsibilities of Cross-Party Groups, as you understand them?

· Are there any further steps that could be taken to increase transparency for Cross-Party Groups? If so, what?