Reviewing Committee Effectiveness in the Sixth Senedd

Working with key partners, the Chairs’ Forum is undertaking a review of committee effectiveness in order to inform the establishment of committees in the Seventh Senedd, and the support provided to them.

This review will build on previous work and consider three broad themes, to identify strengths and whether there are changes to the Senedd’s procedures and practices which could help improve committee effectiveness:

>>>> 

>>>Committee Culture:

>*>*>*

***Considering practices which have worked well and where improvements can be made in relation to Senedd committees, including the tone and dynamics of committees, effectiveness of recommendations, and relations with Government; and

***Experiences of interacting with committees including engagement with stakeholders, matters like diversity monitoring and interactions in language of choice.

<*<*<*

>>>Organisation of Committee Business:

>*>*>*

***Explore the benefits of the Senedd’s current system (using dual-function policy and legislation committees) compared to a system that utilises separate policy scrutiny committees and public Bill committees; and the benefits of a system linked to the Government’s organisation of Ministerial responsibilities;

***Timetabling of committees in relation to other Senedd business; and

***Size and composition of committees.

<*<*<*

>>>Support provided to Members on committees, including

>*>*>*

***Hybrid working;

***Research briefing; and

***Welsh language support.

<*<*<* <<<

The Chairs’ Forum will report in spring 2026 on these matters.