Consultation display

Creating the Right Culture: Inquiry into the Review of the Code of Conduct for Assembly Members

Purpose of the consultation

The deadline for submitting responses has been extended until 14 February 2018.

Assembly Members carry out the Assembly’s democratic work; they represent the interests of Wales and its people, make laws for Wales and hold the Welsh Government to account. As such we are keen to ensure that the environment in which we work is positive and open.

As a parliament, we are committed to having an inclusive organisational culture, which empowers people to interact with the democratic process, is an exemplary place to work and which welcomes thousands of visitors to its estate.

Inappropriate behaviour has no place in our institution. We want to make sure everybody feels able to raise concerns about behaviour that they are not comfortable with by anyone connected with the National Assembly for Wales. The Llywydd, Chair of the Standards Committee and group leaders issued a statement about tackling inappropriate behaviour in the Assembly on 15 November 2017.

To ensure that we are meeting the high expectations we set for ourselves, and to action the commitments in the statement, the Standards of Conduct Committee has agreed to:

  • Consider the existing procedures around complaints* to ensure they are appropriate and clear so that individuals feel able to come forward with confidence about any concerns regarding inappropriate behaviour;
  • Develop a respect and dignity policy which spells out that inappropriate behaviour has no place in this organisation; and
  • Review the sanctions available to the Committee to ensure that any incidents of inappropriate behaviour are dealt with appropriately.

 

As this is an issue which potentially impacts on all aspects of the National Assembly for Wales, we will be working closely with the Welsh Government and Assembly Commission to ensure the same standards apply to all.

The Committee would like to hear your views on the following questions:

  • Would you feel comfortable making a complaint about an Assembly Member or somebody who works on the Assembly estate? If not, why?
  • Would you know how to make a complaint about an Assembly Member or somebody who works on the Assembly estate?
  • Do you feel there are any barriers to you raising concerns about the inappropriate behaviour of an Assembly Member or somebody who works on the Assembly estate?
  • Do you have any suggestions regarding how the complaints procedure be simplified?
    • Is the guidance clear? Is the language used simple to understand?
    • Does the document help you understand who you should contact about different types of complaints?
    • If you were a victim of inappropriate behaviour, would you feel confident in using the procedure as it currently stands?

 

Providing Written Evidence

The National Assembly for Wales has two official languages, Welsh and English.

In line with the Assembly’s Official Languages Scheme, the Committee requests that documents or written responses to consultations intended for publication or use in National Assembly proceedings are submitted bilingually. When documents or written responses are not submitted bilingually, we will publish in the language submitted, stating that it has been received in that language only.

We expect other organisations to implement their own standards or schemes and to comply with their statutory obligation.

Please see guidance for those providing evidence for committees.

Disclosure of information

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

 

* As set out in the Code of Conduct for Assembly Members and the Procedure for Dealing with Complaints about Assembly Members

Supporting documents

Contact details

Should you wish to speak to someone regarding this consultation, please use the below contact details:

Standards of Conduct Committee
Welsh Parliament
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF99 1SN

Email: Contact@senedd.wales
Telephone: 0300 200 6565