Agenda and minutes
Venue: Conference Room 4B - Tŷ Hywel. View directions
Contact: Sulafa Thomas, x6227
No. | Item |
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Introduction |
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Introduction and apologies Minutes: The Llywydd
welcomed the Commission’s new Independent Advisers, who attended for part of
the meeting, and Siwan Davies, the newly appointed Director of Assembly
Business. The Llywydd
thanked the two newest Commissioners for taking on their predecessors’
portfolios, and welcomed them to their first formal Commission meeting. No apologies were received. |
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Declarations of interest Minutes: There were no Declarations of Interest. |
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Minutes of the previous meeting Minutes: The Minutes of 5 November were agreed. |
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Budget Strategy and Commission Budget 2020-21 Minutes: Commissioners
began initial discussions about their approach to the budget strategy for
financial year 2020-21. Commissioners
discussed proposals for the budget strategy and the overall budget requirement
for 2020-21 and the following 2 years. Specifically, this discussion centred
around the Commission’s priorities for the final year of this Assembly and
Commissioner’s noted that a further discussion would be needed on the increase
to the Employer Pension Contributions to the Civil Service Pension Scheme, when
more information is made available. They also
agreed a response to the Finance Committee’s request for views on budgetary
guidance. The Commission’s ‘20-21 budget will be laid in accordance with the requirements of Standing Orders, in September. |
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Protective Security Improvements Minutes: 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 Commissioners agreed the detail of the paper should not be published. |
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Assembly Commission Brexit Preparations Minutes: Commissioners
considered a paper reporting on progress in dealing with the impact of Brexit
on the Assembly. It outlined work being undertaken to assess the implications
and resources needed for the Assembly’s Brexit related activity and gave an
assessment of the implications for our corporate services and preparedness in
this area. Commissioners asked about how particular aspects of the Commission’s functioning, for example Health and Safety requirements, are being monitored for implications. They noted the paper. |
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Electoral Reform - update Minutes: Commissioners
were provided with an update on work on the Assembly reform programme with a
particular focus on policy issues relating to the Senedd and Elections (Wales)
Bill. Commissioners
agreed the approach to legislating on the Electoral Commission financing and
accountability, noting that that it is subject to the views of Committee(s) and
the Assembly at Stage 1. They
discussed further developments in the proposed content of the Bill and
Commissioners discussed and noted the Llywydd’s way forward, to finalise the
Bill ahead of its introduction. Commissioners also noted the timetable for introduction and scrutiny of the Bill and the issue on competence; the updated financial assessment of the Bill and their agreed roles and responsibilities in respect of the Assembly reform programme and in particular the scrutiny period for the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill. |
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Citizens' Assembly Minutes: Commissioners
were supportive of proposals to establish a demographically representative
Citizens’ Assembly as part of a programme to mark the Assembly’s twentieth
anniversary. Commissioners
agreed to seek views this week from their groups on proposals to hold a
Citizens’ Assembly over two days during June/July 2019. The focus
would be on two main issues: • the main challenges facing Wales
during the next twenty years; and • how Welsh democracy and specifically
the Assembly can respond better to those challenges i.e. improving Welsh
democracy. Commissioners agreed that officials pursue the establishment of a Citizens’ Assembly in summer 2019, subject to the feedback from groups. |
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Policy for the provision of monuments, memorials and plaques Minutes: Commissioners
had asked for a policy to be drafted regarding the installation of memorials on
the Assembly’s estate. They discussed a process by which the Commission would
consider proposals and make decisions, and also considered associated guidance
for proposers. Commissioners asked for adjustments to the draft policy, and for it to be circulated for them to agree. |
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Papers to note: |
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International engagement - progress report Minutes: Commissioners noted an update to deliver work set out in the Framework for the Assembly’s International Engagement during the Fifth Assembly. They raised the potential to work more closely with Honorary Counsels. |
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Assembly Commission Remuneration, Engagement and Workforce Advisory Committee (REWAC) - Terms of Reference Minutes: Commissioners were provided with, and
noted, updated terms of reference for the Remuneration Committee, extending its
focus from that previously in place. This reflected a desire to make good use
of the range of expertise brought by the new Independent Advisors. They noted
the appointment of Chairs to REWAC and ACARAC: ·
ACARAC
Chair – Bob Evans ·
REWAC
Chair - Sarah Pinch. |
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Executive Board update (RAD decisions) Minutes: The routine update was noted. |
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ACARAC Minutes November meeting Minutes: The minutes of the November ACARAC meeting were noted. |
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Any other business Minutes: Commissioners were made aware that
recommendations had been made for their consideration by the Health, Social
Care and Sport Committee and the Standards Committee – and that draft responses
would be circulated shortly for their consideration. In the period since the previous meeting Commissioners had supported a proposal to nominate Bob Evans as one of the Commission’s representatives to the AM Pensions Board, and the appointment of the New Director of Assembly Business. |