The Standards Framework

The Standards of Conduct Committee has agreed to undertake an inquiry into the structures and procedures which support the standards framework in the Senedd. The aim of this inquiry is to make recommendations to strengthen the effectiveness of the standards framework to improve confidence in the system and the accountability of Members to the electorate.

Areas covered by this inquiry will include:

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>>>How clearly understood the standards processes and framework are, and whether further measures could be undertaken to better explain it and aid comprehension;

>>>Considering the effectiveness of the Dignity and Respect policy agreed by the Senedd in 2018;

>>>Considering how to address any barriers to accessing the standards regime;

>>>Considering the support available to all who are involved within the complaints process (complainant/witnesses/Member complained of);

>>>Whether there is sufficient independence at all points in the standards regime at present, and potential avenues for increasing independence at different points in the procedures and processes;

>>>whether there are any further actions or mechanisms in relation to creating a culture within the Senedd which supports the dignity and respect policy framework;

>>>whether there is merit in exploring alternative avenues of complaint in particular where the complainant does not wish to report the matter to the Standards Commissioner and whether an alternative process should be restricted to specified types of complaint e.g. sexual harassment, bullying or similar behaviours;

>>>Whether the current policies, processes and support for Member Support staff to raise concerns are adequate;

>>>Whether there should there be consistency of processes adopted by Members for their offices, and if so, how should that be achieved;

>>>Considering how the political party processes and formal regulatory processes interact, and whether there should there be greater consistency in internal party processes;

>>>The effectiveness of the National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009 and whether any legislative or procedural changes are required;

>>>Effective accountability for Members of the Senedd which will include considering introducing a recall mechanism and sanctions available; and

>>>Considering whether the provisions for disqualification from the Senedd or standing for election should be broadened to reflect the high standards expected of those in public life.

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The areas identified are broad ranging and comprehensive, and as such will be separated into different strands to ensure that progress can be made in a timely fashion.

The Committee aims to have reached a position on all these points before the end of this Senedd, and implemented changes where time permits.

The Committee will use a range of methods to consider these points including consultation; desktop research; public and private evidence sessions; fact finding visits; rapporteurs and considering examples from other parliaments and assemblies within the UK and elsewhere.