The Cabinet manual and the Ministerial code

At its meeting on 17 July 2024, the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee agreed to undertake a Consultation on matters relating to the Welsh Government Cabinet Handbook and the Ministerial Code.

The Committee took evidence on 23 May 2024 from the Welsh Government on these matters. Following the evidence session, the Welsh Government’s Director of Propriety and Ethics wrote to the Committee to address a number of issues which were raised during the session.

The Permanent Secretary subsequently wrote to the Committee on 26 June 2024 with further information about the Ministerial Code and the responsibilities of civil servants in relation to it.

The information on this page provides more detail about what the Committee is looking at and how you can share your views.

Terms of reference

The terms of reference for the inquiry are:

>>>> 

>>> The Welsh Government Cabinet Handbook is not published. What are your views on the transparency of the internal workings of the Welsh Government and specifically, the arrangements for the investigation of unauthorised disclosures and leaks and which guidance applies. [The Welsh Government said its Cabinet Handbook (an internal document for new Ministers, which covers some of the areas in the UK Government Cabinet Manual) does not include guidance on unauthorised disclosures of information. The Welsh Government also confirmed it follows the UK Government Cabinet Office guidance for such cases, which is also not published].

>>> The Welsh Government Ministerial Code and how it compares with the Ministerial Codes in other parts of the UK.

>>> The current arrangements for dealing with complaints under the Welsh Government Ministerial Code, including the role of independent advisers.

>>> The role of Welsh Government civil servants in applying the Ministerial Code (for example, the appointment of a senior civil servant to investigate a breach of the Code).

>>> The current arrangements in the Ministerial Code regarding the use of technology and social media to conduct government business and Minister responsibility for government issued devices. Should all communications be treated as official conversations (for example the inclusion of all WhatsApp messages shared between Ministers on any electronic device).

>>> Areas of the Ministerial Code that should be improved/strengthened.

<<< 

Invitation to contribute to the consultation

We encourage anyone with expertise or experience of these issues to share your views, with the full knowledge that your views will be welcomed and valued.

To share your views electronically, please send to SeneddPAPA@senedd.wales or by post to Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee, Welsh Parliament, Cardiff, CF99 1SN.

Along with your submission, please include your name and contact details as the person, or organisation, submitting the evidence, and whether your evidence is submitted as an individual, or on behalf of an organisation.

The closing date for sharing your views is 16.00 on Friday 30 August 2024.

Providing Written Evidence

The Senedd has two official languages, Welsh and English.

In line with the Senedd’s Official Languages Scheme, the Committee welcomes contributions in both or either of our official languages, and we ask organisations that are subject to Welsh Language standards or schemes to respond in line with their own obligations. Please inform the Committee when submitting responses if you intend to provide a translation at a later date.

Please see guidance for those providing evidence for committees.

Disclosure of information

Please ensure that you have considered the Senedd’s policy on disclosure of information before submitting information to the Committee.