Agenda and minutes

Venue: Conference Room 4B - Tŷ Hywel

Contact: Sulafa Thomas, x6227 

Items
No. Item

1.

Introduction

1.1

Introduction and apologies

Minutes:

No apologies were received from Commission members.

Eric Gregory had sent apologies that he was unable to attend the meeting as planned.

1.2

Declarations of interest

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest.

1.3

Minutes of the previous meeting

Minutes:

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

2.

Youth Parliament and Twentieth Anniversary Update

Minutes:

Youth Parliament update

 

Commissioners were updated about the first full event of the Youth Parliament, which had taken place the previous week.

The Llywydd described what an uplifting experience it had been and gave credit to those involved and all the preparatory work that had been done. 

The Youth Parliament meeting can be viewed here:

http://www.senedd.tv/Meeting/Archive/79aa22a2-0253-4a7e-badb-3baf239e5ff3?autostart=True

 

Arrangements to mark the Twentieth Anniversary of the National Assembly

 

Commissioners were provided with an update on arrangements to mark the National Assembly’s twentieth year commencing on the anniversary of the first election 6 May 2019.

Commissioners agreed that the anniversary provides a unique opportunity to connect with the people of Wales and wanted to see an increase in all parts of the country. They discussed opportunities to involve AM’s and creating opportunities for them to lead events in their own constituencies and regions, emphasising the particular importance of reaching out to disadvantaged and disengaged communities. 

Commissioners discussed the importance of Assembly Members being committed to participating in these types of activities, whether as individuals or as part of committees, learning lessons from Senedd@ exercises.

They discussed in some detail the prospect of holding a Citizens’ Assembly and the role this could play in stimulating ideas to contribute to the future work of the Assembly.  Various models were available, the proposal favoured involving demographically balanced recruitment of participants by a specialist firm.

3.

Commission Resource Capacity

Minutes:

Commissioners considered an update on staff resources. In particular, there was discussion about the risk to the institution of insufficient staff resource to meet the needs, previously identified as potential pressures, relating to Brexit work.

 

The Commission authorised officials to discuss and develop a business plan for a potential increase in staff numbers up to ten above the current cap, whilst remaining within the current budgetary envelop, for further discussion with the Commission and Finance Committee.

4.

Assembly Reform Update

Oral item

Minutes:

The Llywydd provided Commissioners with an update on developments since the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill was introduced on 12 February. Business Committee has agreed the timetable for the Bill, including stage 1 being completed before summer recess, and amending stages taking place over autumn term. The Llywydd would be giving evidence to committees as part of their legislative scrutiny - to Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee on 11 March and Finance Committee on 4 April.

 

The Llywydd asked Commissioners to play an active role in feeding back issues of concern raised or discussed in in other for a as the Bill continues through the legislative process.

5.

Papers to note:

5.1

Executive Board update (RAD decisions)

Minutes:

Commissioners noted the routine update, which is provided to each Commission meeting.

6.

Any other business

·         Letter from Joyce Watson

Minutes:

·         Minimum pay - Joyce Watson raised the subject of the recent pay settlement for Commission staff, welcoming it as a positive agreement. However, she expressed concern that contract staff working here should receive minimum pay in line with our minimum pay level. Commissioners were supportive of the principle and requested further information be provided to a future meeting to enable a decision to be taken.

 

·         Tribunal – Commissioners were briefly updated about an ongoing Employment Tribunal.

 

 

In the period since the previous meeting Commissioners had finalised their Policy for the provision of monuments, memorials and plaques, and agreed Responses to recommendations from the Standards Committee and Health, Social Care and Sport Committee.