Agenda and minutes

No apologies were received.

There were no declarations of interest.

Commissioners agreed the Minutes of the meeting on 25 October.

Commissioners discussed the Bay 2032 accommodation project in two parts, the Outline Business Case and Procurement. Saurabh Das from Avison Young attended the meeting to present the Outline Business Case (OBC).

Outline Business Case

Commissioners were assured that the Treasury / Welsh Government Green Book process was being followed whilst developing the Bay 2032 project to ensure robust governance.

Three options were presented as part of the OBC – A. Retrofit of Tŷ Hywel, B. New build single site facility, and C. Part-new build and part-existing building.

These options were considered likely to meet the aspirations and space requirements identified in the Strategic Outline Case approved by the Commission in January 2024 and which had been refreshed and tested through the Outline Business Case process. No preferred option was identified in the OBC due to the complexity of the project and the need for a strong competitive process.

Commissioners noted advice from project partners CBRE and Avison Young that market engagement timescales were very tight, and that the end of January 2025 should be considered as the backstop if the project timelines identified in the OBC were to be followed. 

The Commission approved the Outline Business Case.

Procurement

Commissioners agreed to temporarily pause the decision to move to the procurement phase, which would not be made until further engagement has taken place with key stakeholders.

Commissioners noted that the Llywydd would consult with party group leaders and further Commission discussions would be arranged, if necessary.

Commissioners noted the legal advice received by Commission officials in relation to the Contract Notice.

Commissioners considered the final plans for expanding the Senedd Siambr in preparation for accommodating 96 Members following the 2026 Elections. They received an update on the detailed design works undertaken by Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners to date on the Siambr 26 project. It was noted that extensive engagement had taken place with Members on an individual and collective basis.

Commissioners agreed that proposals for replacing the Heart of Wales will be developed and shared with Commissioners and Members more widely in due course.

Commissioners also noted that further detail on the proposed design for the new acoustic back wall will be presented to the Commission in the New Year. They authorised the project to proceed to tender stage for the building works.

The Independent Remuneration Board (IRB) had issued a consultation relating to its review of the Determination on Members’ Pay and Allowances for the Seventh Senedd.

The consultation was part one covering Overnight Accommodation, Constituency Office and Engagement and Support for Senedd Groups. 

Commissioners agreed the draft response letter to the IRB’s consultation, and noted the response sent by the Chief Executive and Clerk.

The Senedd Commission People Survey (“the survey”) was conducted in September 2024. Commissioners were advised that the summary of results would be shared with Senedd Commission Staff. The Finance Committee, in its Report on the Scrutiny of the Senedd Commission Budget, had also requested an update on survey results, and the Commission had agreed to provide a summary of the latest survey findings relating to this financial year once they had been analysed and released.

Commissioners sought, and received, clarity that security staff remuneration had been benchmarked against other parliaments (namely Westminster, the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the Scottish Parliament) and that pay was broadly comparable with these. They congratulated the Ymlaen Graduate Scheme which has seen participants secure permanent positions at the Senedd.

Commissioners noted the results and reflected on the new data available in light of disaggregating questions relating to Leadership Team and the Executive Board for the first time.

Commissioners agreed to publish the results report, as in previous years, internally and on the Senedd website.

Commissioners were informed of a change to the investment strategy of the Members of the Senedd Pension Scheme, following the Pension Board’s formal three year review of the investment strategy.

Commissioners noted the detail of the matter and agreed the response to the proposed change.

The change in strategy would be communicated to all members of the Scheme in a Member newsletter. The Scheme’s Statement of Investment Principles would be updated and a copy provided on the website.

Commissioners noted the Executive Board’s recommendation to appoint Craig Griffiths, Head of Member Business Support, as the Commission representative to the Governance Group.

Commissioners noted the routine summary of recruitment decisions provided to each Commission meeting.

Commissioners noted the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee’s Report published on 29 November. A response would be prepared.

None was raised