Meetings

Commissioners considered a paper outlining that the Member Security team had seen an increase in online security threats and abuse on social media targeting elected representatives, and an increase in concerns being raised by Members relating to abuse online.

They reviewed how the UK and Scottish Parliaments address this and the proposed options for a similar service at the Senedd, and what further steps the Commission could take to support and protect the safety of elected representatives and their staff whilst engaging with constituents in a digital space.

Commissioners agreed the recommendations:

·       that the Commission undertake a trial, up to six months, using the existing social media monitoring platform PULSAR to monitor social media platforms for a select number of Members (up to 8), focusing entirely on threats and abuse above the criminal threshold.

·       that the Members’ Security Team

-       further explores the feasibility of defensive monitoring and Online Vulnerability Assessments; and

works with the Senedd Police Unit to further develop an option to work more collaboratively with South Wales Police and the three other Welsh forces, specifically investigating the feasibility of developing a process to report instances of malicious communications directly to the police when threats and abuse above the criminal threshold are detected.

Commissioners noted that practical security advice, information and guidance is being provided for Members and their staff to consider when undertaking public engagement activities.

Commissioners were provided with an update on the Members Office and Home Security Project being undertaken by the Security team.

Commissioners welcomed progress since the project commenced and information about future options and requirements in relation to Members safety and security. They discussed the importance of Members taking steps to benefit the security of their staff and constituents who use Members’ offices.

Commissioners agreed to reinforce the significance of the services of the security team, particularly with regard to home security, to members of their groups.

Commissioners received a progress report on steps being taken to support Members in undertaking security enhancements and work by the Security Team to further increase its effectiveness in supporting Members to stay safe and secure.

They agreed it would be useful for the information to be shared with all Members as the beginning of a process of regularly updating Members on these matters.

Commissioners were provided with an update on measures being taken with regard to recently highlighted security matters.

Commissioners were also informed of discussions ongoing at a senior level between the Commission and police forces in Wales.

Commissioners were informed about plans and guidance  relating to occurrences of protest on the estate.

They were also appraised of  additional security measures being implemented to advise on and improve personal security for Members and their staff, alongside the existing support available. Steps were also being taken to simplify the process for implementing for the necessary security changes. Commissioners agreed to highlight within their groups the importance of regular engagement by Members with the Commission security service.

The Commission had received a request to consider participation in the Safe Place community safety scheme. Having carefully considered the implications Commissioners felt that from a security risk perspective  the Commission should not join the scheme; however,  the efforts of the onsite security teams in offering informal support on numerous occasions were noted and welcomed.

Oral item

Some Members had recently reported experiencing issues relating to online security and trolling. Commissioners were provided with information on the support available, including a new intranet page, and further steps that could be taken. Commissioners noted the information provided and agreed to highlight the new intranet page bringing together relevant information to the members of their groups.

Oral item

Following the Commission’s support for a review of security in relation to Members’ constituency/regional offices, Dave Tosh provided Commissioners with an update on the progress of that work, and highlighted that support is being offered to Office Managers by MBS.

Commissioners were particularly anxious that Members understand their responsibilities to take appropriate action following the review. A note is being prepared by the Commission’s legal service and will be sent to Members shortly.

The Director of Resources presented Commissioners with information about a number of actions that had been identified aimed at further enhancing security for AMs and staff away from the Assembly Estate.

Commissioners highlighted particular areas that should be included in work taken forward, and discussed the relationship with the responsibilities of the Remuneration Board.