Agenda and minutes
Contact: Sulafa Thomas, x6227
No. | Item |
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Introduction |
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Introduction and apologies Minutes: Apologies
were received from Suzy Davies. |
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Declarations of interest Minutes: There were
no formal declarations of interest. |
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Minutes of the previous meeting Minutes: The minutes
of the meeting on 4 May were agreed. |
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Senedd Commission 2021-22 Budget Strategy Minutes: Commissioners held their first discussion
about the 2021-22 Senedd Commission draft budget. They considered priorities and
challenges likely to arise in the coming period and provided a view to inform
further preparation work to be undertaken on the draft budget. They considered
the relative merits and implications of different scenarios, expressed a
preference to reduce the anticipated budget increase from 2.48% to 1%, to
reflect the likely economic climate. They reflected that the period up to the
autumn is likely to see further developments. Commissioners agreed that a three year
budget is to be included in the 2021-22 draft budget document and to move the
focus away from a fixed establishment staffing cap to a longer term focus on
the whole operational budget. Commissioners also asked for further
consideration of the wording in relation to updating the Commission’s Strategic
Goals for the Sixth Senedd. The draft budget will be laid by the 1 October requirement. |
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COVID-19 update Minutes: Commissioners noted the update and were
supportive of preparations being made for a return to the estate. They
supported the approach to plans for any return to the estate, in which initial
arrangements are for a 10% occupancy level, in order to test our arrangements
thoroughly and to maintain a safe environment, as far as possible. They also discussed the longer perspective in terms of lessons learned and new ways of working for a more resilient and flexible future. |
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Election Transition: Dissolution - Use of Resources Minutes: Commissioners considered a paper which
provided them with the necessary information to make the relevant major
decisions about the extent to which Members should be able to access and make
use of Senedd Resources during dissolution, where discretion may be applied. Commissioners made decisions in seven areas
in order that information and detailed guidance will be provided to Members in
a timely way, enabling them to prepare appropriately for the Dissolution
period. Commissioners agreed to enable limited
access to Senedd Resources for casework and routine administrative tasks only,
including the ability for constituency or regional offices to be used solely
for these purposes. Members’ Offices could only be available
for personal use, such as for campaigning, where Members rent the office and
ICT resources, which will be charged in full at 100 percent of the cost,. The
arrangement would need to be set up in advance of Dissolution. Mobile and Smart phones may be rented for
the duration of the Dissolution period, or handed back. Access to the Senedd Estate during
Dissolution for Members and their staff be limited to the public areas, with
the exception of office holders who’s responsibilities continue, where access
will be given for the purposes of their office holder functions. Commissioners agreed to provide
outplacement support to Members and their staff. Commissioners indicated an expectation that Members standing down should aim to wind up their offices within six weeks of dissolution of the Fifth Senedd. |
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Annual Report and Accounts Minutes: Commissioners approved the Senedd Commission’s annual report and accounts covering 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020. |
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Annual Diversity and Inclusion Report Minutes: Commissioners
agreed the Diversity and Inclusion Annual report 2019-20, and the accompanying
workforce and recruitment data monitoring report and equal pay and gender pay
gap report, along with actions going forward. These
reports set out progress from teams across the Senedd Commission in delivering
our Diversity and Inclusion objectives set out in the Diversity and Inclusion
Strategy. Commissioners’ discussions focused on the BAME data, and work being
undertaken to support further improvements to attract candidates of
underrepresented groups, and support for those with caring responsibilities. Commissioners discussed the recent achievement of IIP platinum, and thanked staff for all the work involved. |
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Official Languages Scheme Annual Compliance Report Minutes: In
accordance with The National Assembly for Wales (Official Languages) Act 2012,
Commissioners considered a report of the work undertaken across the
organisation during the past year, to enable the Commission to uphold its
commitment to deliver exemplary bilingual services. Commissioners approved the Report. |
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Sustainability: Annual Report 2019-20 Minutes: Commissioners
agreed the Sustainability Annual Report 2019-20 for publication. The report on the sustainability performance of the Senedd estate and operations over the past year highlighted key environmental achievements, performance against targets, use of utilities, the organisation’s carbon footprint and use of finite resources. Commissioners also considered improvements made to both the estate and methods of operation and agreed improvements planned for the forthcoming financial year. |
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Remuneration Board Appointments Minutes: Appointments
to the Remuneration Board are made by the Commission. Commissioners confirmed
two new appointments and two re-appointments to the independent Remuneration
Board, on the basis set out in the National Assembly for Wales
(Remuneration) Measure 2010. In doing so they confirmed they were satisfied
that none of those being proposed for appointment were disqualified from being
members of the Board. The new appointments will start on 21 September 2020. Commissioners appointed Elizabeth Haywood for Chair, and Hugh Widdis for member of the Board to fill upcoming vacancies for a five year term and re-appointed Mike Redhouse and Dame Jane Roberts as members of the Board for a second five year term. |
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Senedd Reform update Oral update Minutes: Commissioners were briefly updated about the implementation of the Senedd Name Change and the opening of registration of votes for young people. |
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Papers to note: |
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Executive Board update (RAD decisions) Minutes: Commissioners noted the routine summary of recruitment decisions provided to each Commission meeting. |
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ACARAC Minutes April Meeting Minutes: Commissioners noted the routine update of the ARAC meeting. |
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Letter from the Chair of the Finance Committee Minutes: Commissioners notes the Finance Committee’s request for information, and agreed that the portfolio holder respond on their behalf due to the timing requested for the response, sharing that response with them. |
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Any other business Minutes: In the
period since the last meeting Commissioners had taken one urgent decision
relating to extending the period of cancellation of face-to-face public
engagement activities. |