Meetings

Commissioners considered a policy about Commission staff use of NCCCs (Non-Corporate Communication Channels) for business-related activities. NCCCs include messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and private e-mail.

Commissioners agreed, in principle, to prohibit the use of Non-Corporate Communication Channels. This would apply to Commission staff when discussing official business with each other and with Members.  It was agreed that an implementation plan would be required before any changes are made, and that this plan would be discussed by Commissioners. Commissioners specified that the plan should anticipate that the shift to a new platform for messaging about Senedd business would be led by Commission Officials, rather than Members.

Commissioners discussed the significance of digital archiving of their records and asked for a paper to be brought to a future meeting about support that could be provided.

The change would not impact Members using WhatsApp to contact other Members, member staff or other people who are not connected to the Senedd (such as constituents), whether they use a personal phone or a Commission provided phone for this purpose.

Commissioners discussed the Commission’s use of Teams and proposals to ensure it is used for informal and short-term discussion and that important corporate information is stored on SharePoint; and that information on Teams is automatically deleted after set time periods.

The Commission agreed in principle Senedd-wide automatic deletion periods for Teams Chats, being 28 days from the date created; and Teams Channel messages being 13 Months (from the date created).

They also agreed to engage with Members on the application of the policy to all Members of the Senedd and their support staff.