Meetings

Commissioners noted two Protocols, agreed between the Senedd Commission and the four Welsh police forces, for a collaborative approach in certain circumstances. These being an Overarching Protocol on communication and liaison arrangements and on the investigation of alleged criminal acts by Members of the Senedd or their staff and a Protocol on Police Searches of Senedd Premises.

Commissioners received the background information that they had requested at their May meeting, on the content of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) that was in place between the Commission and South Wales Police, and an explanation of how the SLA had developed to meet a changing risk landscape. 

Paper 4 - Physical Security Improvements (access)

Commissioners were provided with an update about proposed development to security protocols, and recent security matters. Information would be provided for Commissioners to consider and subsequently share with their groups.

Commissioners considered and agreed, proposals to make enhancements to improve security at the public entry points in the Senedd and Tŷ Hywel, which will be built into budget planning.

Commissioners discussed proposals to make enhancements to the protective security at public entry points.

The proposal is to enhance the security of the estate by providing an appropriate and proportionate level of protection and delay at the main public entrances. The proposals would alter both entrances.

Commissioners agreed to seek views from their groups about potential changes.

Commissioners agreed the detail of the paper should not be published.

Oral item

At the request of Commissioners, an update on physical and cyber security was provided. Commissioners noted that awareness of risks and security protocols was an important aspect of being secure and that all AMs and their staff should be encouraged to take up the security awareness training on offer.

Commissioners discussed proposals to replace the CCTV system on the Assembly Estate and asked for further information to enable them to come to a final conclusion.

Commissioners considered a paper which set out the requirement for replacement of the CCTV system.

The Commission were supportive of the need for work to be undertaken and agreed that a detailed business case should be presented to them in September.

Paper 3

Commissioners had asked for a full review of existing security arrangements. They considered the security strategy, the progress of current work, outstanding issues and future plans.

Commissioners sought assurance that the security arrangements are appropriate, effective and responsive to changing needs. Commissioners emphasised the importance of our security arrangements being deployed sensitively, given the status of the Assembly estate as open and welcoming public buildings.

Commissioners highlighted the significance of the role individuals need to take in their own security and stressed the importance of all AMs, AMSS and Commission staff attending a ‘Stay safe’ presentation.

Dave Tosh provided a brief update on security and gave an indication of the scope of the more substantial briefing in April.

Paper to follow

The Commission received a presentation by Simon Rees entitled ‘Stay Safe’ which had been viewed by around 300 Assembly staff the previous week.  The video and presentation had been supported by additional guidance. Commissioners were keen that all occupants of our buildings would be sufficiently briefed on the matter. It was confirmed that plans were being drawn up to share the video and guidance with Members, party groups and support staff as soon as possible over the coming weeks. 

Following the meeting on 29 January, South Wales Police had provided further information on options for security on the estate.  These were considered by the Commission.  Commissioners agreed that the enhancements should be made with immediate effect and a communications plan agreed with the Police. 

Commissioners requested a fuller paper on security issues, including security vetting, which will be provided at the Commission meeting in April. 

The Commission received a security briefing, and will consider a range of options with regard to security on the estate. Commissioners decided to return to the matter at their next meeting on 9 February.

Presentation

In light of recent global security events, the Management Board welcomed police representatives to discuss the current level of threat in the UK and how any potential risk could be mitigated. This included giving staff the information they needed to help them stay safe in the event of an incident as the Commission’s top priority was the safety of Members and staff. The Board watched a video, ‘Stay Safe’ - an informative guide, produced by the Home Office, on what to do in the event of a firearms attack.

Although the Commission’s security arrangements were already good, to continue to ensure the safety of Members and staff, Management Board would be acting on the expert advice of the Security team and the police. It was agreed that the Security team and members of the Board would compile a plan for responding to a firearms incident.

paper 5

The Commission discussed matters relating to the security of the estate.

Management Board discussed a draft paper for Commissioners to consider at their meeting of 29 September, relating to the security of the estate.

oral item

The Commission has a Service Level Agreement with South Wales Police under which it receives support that includes a dedicated unit situated on-site at the Assembly. Commissioners received a presentation from Inspector Ian Mackenzie about the range of services that are provided under the Agreement.

There were no papers for this meeting.