Meetings

Commissioners had requested more detail about the posts identified to support delivery of their newly agreed communications and engagement strategy.

Commissioners had already agreed the principle of allocating additional resource to support their strategic priority of engagement. They considered the further information and the Llywydd committed to provide additional briefing to clarify the relationship between the new roles and delivery of the strategy.

Commissioners noted a letter that had been sent to Suzy Davies from the Finance Committee regarding the Voluntary Exit Scheme.

Oral item

Commissioners were provided with an update about the conclusion of the Voluntary Exit Scheme, in which they received confirmation that 25 members of staff would be leaving as a result of the scheme.

At the last meeting Commissioners considered proposals to relax the existing established post cap of 491 posts, to provide additional resources, principally to meet the challenges of Brexit. They had requested further detail about the anticipated additional posts.

Commissioners agreed to allow a modest and controlled increase to the establishment, up to 10 beyond 491, with the immediate agreement being for 6 additional posts for which the case had been presented.

Commissioners agreed that Finance Committee be informed.

Commissioners considered an update on staff resources. In particular, there was discussion about the risk to the institution of insufficient staff resource to meet the needs, previously identified as potential pressures, relating to Brexit work.

The Commission authorised officials to discuss and develop a business plan for a potential increase in staff numbers up to ten above the current cap, whilst remaining within the current budgetary envelop, for further discussion with the Commission and Finance Committee.

Commissioners noted the work that had been done to address the findings of the Capacity Review and to develop plans for delivering improvements in organisational efficiency and effectiveness in the use of the Commission’s resources.-

Commissioners were provided with an update on the Capacity Review. A Steering Group has been formed to take forward the Review recommendations. Officials had also held a series of staff workshops to discuss the Review and the ongoing work with positive feedback from staff that these had been very engaging.

Commissioners were also advised of the changes being made  to senior management  structures, with the Investment and Resourcing Board becoming the Executive Board (decision making), and Management Board being reconstituted as a Leadership Team. Commissioners were also appraised that there would be temporary arrangements to cover the director level responsibilities on the departure of the Director of Assembly Business.

Commissioners noted the update.

Commissioners were presented with information about the emerging themes from the work to date on the Commission staff capacity review.

The update’s themes included benefits of an agile workforce, effective and efficient use of capacity, clarity of responsibilities and alignment of planning cycles.

Commissioners highlighted the importance of relevant prioritisation. They confirmed that work will continue to be on-going, and agreed that to receive more detail at their next meeting.