DOCSLIB.ORG

Scrutiny of Accounts 2019-20: Senedd Commission

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Scrutiny of Accounts 2019-20: Senedd Commission Welsh Parliament Public Accounts Committee Scrutiny of Accounts 2019-20: Senedd Commission November 2020 www.senedd.wales The Welsh Parliament is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people. Commonly known as the Senedd, it makes laws for Wales, agrees Welsh taxes and holds the Welsh Government to account. An electronic copy of this document can be found on the Welsh Parliament website: www.senedd.wales/SeneddPAC Copies of this document can also be obtained in accessible formats including Braille, large print, audio or hard copy from: Public Accounts Committee Welsh Parliament Cardiff Bay CF99 1SN Tel: 0300 200 6565 Email: [email protected] Twitter: @SeneddPAC © Senedd Commission Copyright 2020 The text of this document may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium providing that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading or derogatory context. The material must be acknowledged as copyright of the Senedd Commission and the title of the document specified. Welsh Parliament Public Accounts Committee Scrutiny of Accounts 2019-20: Senedd Commission November 2020 www.senedd.wales About the Committee The Committee was established on 22 June 2016. Its remit can be found at: www.senedd.wales/SeneddPAC Committee Chair: Nick Ramsay MS Welsh Conservatives Current Committee membership: Gareth Bennett MS Angela Burns MS Independent Welsh Conservatives Vikki Howells MS Delyth Jewell MS Welsh Labour Plaid Cymru Rhianon Passmore MS Jenny Rathbone MS Welsh Labour Welsh Labour Scrutiny of Accounts 2019-20: Senedd Commission Contents Chair’s foreword ..................................................................................................... 5 Recommendations ................................................................................................ 6 1. Introduction ................................................................................................... 8 2. Significant moments for the Commission in 2019-20 ................. 10 20 years of devolution .................................................................................................................................... 10 Constitutional reform ..................................................................................................................................... 10 COVID-19 ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11 3. Our previous scrutiny of the Assembly Commission’s Annual Reports and Accounts ........................................................................................ 12 Indicators of financial performance ................................................................................................... 12 Engagement ............................................................................................................................................................ 12 Staffing .......................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Procurement ............................................................................................................................................................ 13 Sustainability ........................................................................................................................................................... 14 4. Scrutiny of the 2019-20 Annual Accounts ........................................ 15 Responding to COVID-19 .............................................................................................................................. 15 Our view ....................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Conclusions .............................................................................................................................................................. 16 Financial position ............................................................................................................................................... 16 Our view ....................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Governance and risk management ................................................................................................... 18 Our view ...................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Staffing ........................................................................................................................................................................ 20 Voluntary Exit Scheme (VES) .................................................................................................................. 20 Well-being, absence and performance ......................................................................................... 20 Workforce profile ................................................................................................................................................. 21 Our view ...................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................................25 Scrutiny of Accounts 2019-20: Senedd Commission 5. Engagement................................................................................................ 26 Our view ..................................................................................................................................................................... 28 6. Procurement ............................................................................................... 29 Our view ..................................................................................................................................................................... 30 7. Sustainability .............................................................................................. 31 Sustainability targets ........................................................................................................................................ 31 The impact of COVID-19 on the Senedd estate........................................................................ 31 Our view ...................................................................................................................................................................... 32 Scrutiny of Accounts 2019-20: Senedd Commission Chair’s foreword Holding publicly funded bodies to account for how they spend money is at the heart of the Public Accounts Committee’s work. One of the key levers for us to fulfil this role is by scrutinising public bodies’ annual reports and accounts. As usual, our accounts scrutiny this year includes consideration of the Senedd Commission’s Annual Reports and Accounts. On 6 May 2020, the name change from Assembly Commission to Senedd Commission, as legislated for in the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020, came into force. The Commission’s total budget is a relatively small proportion of total managed expenditure within the Welsh budget (0.3%, or £57.64m, of the Welsh budget of almost £20bn). Nevertheless, we believe that, as the body responsible for resourcing our national parliament, the Commission’s Annual Reports and Accounts should be exemplars for public bodies in Wales. This is our last report on the Senedd Commission’s accounts of the Fifth Senedd. It comes at a time of unprecedented uncertainty for the Commission and for the Senedd as a whole. We recognise the significant challenges that the Commission is facing, but it is clear to us that the Senedd is at the beginning of a period of transformation. Some of what was relevant in autumn 2019 seems less important in autumn 2020. Many of the targets that the Commission set before do not fully reflect the current situation in Wales. I know that many of the recommendations of this report will, if accepted, have a significant impact on the Commission, but we believe they are essential if the Senedd is to meet the high standards set by the people of Wales for what is now their national parliament. I urge the Senedd Commission and the Public Accounts Committee of the Sixth Senedd to take forward the findings of this report as we strive for excellence in public sector economy, efficiency and effectiveness. 5 Scrutiny of Accounts 2019-20: Senedd Commission Recommendations Recommendation 1. The Senedd Commission should remove any future KPIs that set to minimise under expenditure, and focus instead on using financial resources as efficiently as possible. ....................................................................................................... Page 17 Recommendation 2. The Senedd Commission should lead by example by setting ambitious financial management KPIs that strive for more than just an unqualified audit opinion. The targets should consider the effectiveness, economy and efficiency with which the Commission uses its resources, and should be put in
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Inquiry Into a Legislative Budget Process
    Welsh Parliament Finance Committee Inquiry into a legislative budget process August 2020 www.senedd.wales The Welsh Parliament is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people. Commonly known as the Senedd, it makes laws for Wales, agrees Welsh taxes and holds the Welsh Government to account. An electronic copy of this document can be found on the Welsh Parliament website: www.senedd.wales/SeneddFinance Copies of this document can also be obtained in accessible formats including Braille, large print, audio or hard copy from: Finance Committee Welsh Parliament Cardiff Bay CF99 1SN Tel: 0300 200 6565 Email: [email protected] Twitter: @SeneddFinance © Senedd Commission Copyright 2020 The text of this document may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium providing that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading or derogatory context. The material must be acknowledged as copyright of the Senedd Commission and the title of the document specified. Welsh Parliament Finance Committee Inquiry into a legislative budget process August 2020 www.senedd.wales About the Committee The Committee was established on 22 June 2016. Its remit can be found at: www.senedd.wales/SeneddFinance Committee Chair: Llyr Gruffydd MS Plaid Cymru Current Committee membership: Alun Davies MS Siân Gwenllian MS Welsh Labour Plaid Cymru Mike Hedges MS Rhianon Passmore MS Welsh Labour Welsh Labour Nick Ramsay MS Mark Reckless MS Welsh Conservatives Brexit Party The following Member was also a member of the Committee during this inquiry. Rhun ap Iorwerth MS Plaid Cymru Inquiry into a legislative budget process Contents Chair’s foreword ....................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee Fifth Senedd Legacy Report
    Welsh Parliament Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee Fifth Senedd Legacy Report March 2021 www.senedd.wales The Welsh Parliament is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people. Commonly known as the Senedd, it makes laws for Wales, agrees Welsh taxes and holds the Welsh Government to account. An electronic copy of this document can be found on the Welsh Parliament website: www.senedd.wales/SeneddCWLC Copies of this document can also be obtained in accessible formats including Braille, large print, audio or hard copy from: Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee Welsh Parliament Cardiff Bay CF99 1SN Tel: 0300 200 6565 Email: [email protected] Twitter: @SeneddCWLC © Senedd Commission Copyright 2021 The text of this document may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium providing that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading or derogatory context. The material must be acknowledged as copyright of the Senedd Commission and the title of the document specified. Welsh Parliament Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee Fifth Senedd Legacy Report March 2021 www.senedd.wales About the Committee The Committee was established on 28 June 2016. Its remit can be found at: www.senedd.wales/SeneddCWLC Committee Chair: Bethan Sayed MS Plaid Cymru Current Committee membership: Mick Antoniw MS John Griffiths MS Welsh Labour Welsh Labour Carwyn Jones MS Helen Mary Jones MS Welsh Labour Plaid Cymru David Melding MS Welsh Conservatives Fifth Senedd Legacy Report Suggested areas of scrutiny for the Sixth Senedd Engagement The successor committee should consider holding more formal committee meetings virtually and/or mainstreaming hybrid meetings.
    [Show full text]
  • Cytûn Policy Bulletin December 2020
    CYTÛN POLICY BULLETIN DECEMBER 2020 FOOD BANK USAGE ON THE RISE DURING PANDEMIC New figures released in November reveal that food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network across Wales provided 70,393 emergency parcels to people in crisis between April and September. 25,475 of these parcels went to children. These figures mark a 21% increase on the same period last year. These parcels were distributed by 117 distribution centres operating in all 22 local authority areas in Wales. The Trussell Trust's food bank network brings together volunteers, staff and supporters of all faiths and none to make a difference. Local churches play a vital part in this work, by donating food, and providing venues, volunteers and financial support for food banks. While the figures highlight increasing need, the Trussell Trust warns their new figures do not include the number of people helped by the countless new community organisations, independent food banks and local authorities, which have stepped up during the pandemic to support their communities. The top three reasons for someone being referred to a food bank in the Trussell Trust’s network in Wales during April to September were low income (49%), benefit delays (10%) and benefit changes (8%). Susan Lloyd-Selby, Operations Manager for Wales at the Trussell Trust, said, “Across Wales, the resilience of volunteers in food banks has been nothing short of outstanding. They have been working hard under extremely difficult circumstances to make sure support is there for people struggling to afford essentials with the generous support of their local communities. But it’s not right that any of us are forced to a charity for food.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report and Accounts: 2019-20
    Welsh Parliament Senedd Commission (known as the National Assembly for Wales Commission until 5 May 2020) Annual Report and Accounts: 2019-20 June 2020 www.senedd.wales The Welsh Parliament is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people. Commonly known as the Senedd, it makes laws for Wales, agrees Welsh taxes and holds the Welsh Government to account. An electronic copy of this document can be found on the Senedd website: www.senedd.wales Copies of this document can also be obtained in accessible formats including Braille, large print, audio or hard copy from: Welsh Parliament Cardiff Bay CF99 1SN 0300 200 6565 [email protected] www.senedd.wales SeneddWales SeneddWales Senedd © Senedd Commission Copyright 2020 The text of this document may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium providing that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading or derogatory context. The material must be acknowledged as copyright of the Senedd Commission and the title of the document specified. Welsh Parliament Senedd Commission (known as the National Assembly for Wales Commission until 5 May 2020) Annual Report and Accounts: 2019-20 June 2020 www.senedd.wales Annual Report and Accounts: 2019 – 2020 CONTENTS Overview 7 Foreword ............................................................................................................................................................8 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................10
    [Show full text]
  • Parliaments and the Pandemic (PDF)
    Parliaments and the Pandemic Study of Parliament Group January 2021 Preface The Study of Parliament Group (SPG) was formed in 1964. It arose following the publication of Bernard Crick’s seminal book, 'The Reform of Parliament'. A senior clerk in the House of Commons, Michael Ryle, impressed by the work, but feeling that the author may have benefited from more informed knowledge of the actual operation of parliament, contacted Crick. Both felt that meetings between academics and clerks may be of mutual benefit and, with Sir Edward Fellowes, former Clerk of the House of Commons, they sent a memorandum to various parliamentary officers and academics with an interest in parliament. A meeting was organised in October 1964 at which it was agreed to form a body to promote understanding of the way parliament worked and how it may be more effective. The Study of Parliament Group was born. Since its formation, the Group has held conferences and seminars, formed various working groups and been responsible for publishing books and articles. Submissions have also been made to various parliamentary committees, not least those concerned with procedure and reform. The membership has expanded over the years, encompassing clerks from other legislatures in the United Kingdom as well as some with a scholarly interest in parliament without themselves being academics. To encourage frank exchanges of views, MPs and journalists are excluded from membership, though they are regular speakers at Group events. Publications have included substantial volumes such as 'The House of Commons in the Twentieth Century' (1979), 'The New Select Committees' (revised edn.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report and Accounts: 2020-2021
    Welsh Parliament Senedd Commission Annual Report and Accounts: 2020-2021 June 2021 www.senedd.wales The Welsh Parliament is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people. Commonly known as the Senedd, it makes laws for Wales, agrees Welsh taxes and holds the Welsh Government to account. An electronic copy of this document can be found on the Senedd website: www.senedd.wales Copies of this document can also be obtained in accessible formats including Braille, large print, audio or hard copy from: Welsh Parliament Cardiff Bay CF99 1NS Tel: 0300 200 6565 © Senedd Commission Copyright 2021 The text of this document may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium providing that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading or derogatory context. The material must be acknowledged as copyright of the Senedd Commission and the title of the document specified. Welsh Parliament Senedd Commission Annual Report and Accounts: 2020 — 2021 June 2021 www.senedd.wales Annual Report and Accounts: 2020-2021 Contents Overview 6 Foreword ............................................................................................................................................................8 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................10 Statement of Purpose .............................................................................................................................12
    [Show full text]
  • Europe Matters
    National Assembly for Wales EU Office Europe Matters Issue 26: Winter 2012 - 2013 The National Assembly for Wales is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people, makes laws for Wales and holds the Welsh Government to account. Introduction Rosemary Butler AM Presiding Officer I am delighted to welcome you to issue 26 of Europe Matters, our regular update on the work of the National Assembly for Wales on European issues. As one of Europe’s newest legislatures we are proud to engage actively in European affairs, and make a positive contribution in the European policy and legislative process, during what has been a challenging period for the European Union. Our friends and colleagues from Ireland have taken over the Presidency of the EU during a crucial six months in the negotiations, and we are sure that they will provide excellent leadership during this period. One of their first priorities will be to reach agreement on the Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2014-2020, so I am particularly pleased that the Assembly held a debate on this issue on the eve of the EU Summit in November. With our new approach to mainstreaming EU affairs, Plenary is an important arena in which key European issues can be discussed by all Members of the Assembly. The work in our Committees on the reform of CAP, the EU Structural Funds and participation in other European programmes, has shown the importance of engaging in these key debates at the right time and in the right way, and effective use of plenary debates can add a real value to this.
    [Show full text]
  • (Public Pack)Agenda Document for Corporate Resources Overview
    Public Document Pack Contact Officer: Sharon Thomas 01352 702324 [email protected] To: Cllr Clive Carver (Chairman) Councillors: Haydn Bateman, Sean Bibby, Geoff Collett, Andy Dunbobbin, Mared Eastwood, Patrick Heesom, Richard Jones, Kevin Rush, Paul Shotton, Andy Williams and Arnold Woolley 5 February 2021 Dear Sir/Madam NOTICE OF REMOTE MEETING CORPORATE RESOURCES OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY COMMITTEE THURSDAY, 11TH FEBRUARY, 2021 at 10.00 AM Yours faithfully Robert Robins Democratic Services Manager Please note: Due to the current restrictions on travel and the requirement for physical distancing, this meeting will not be held at its usual location. This will be a remote meeting and ‘attendance’ will be restricted to Committee Members. The meeting will be recorded. If you have any queries regarding this, please contact a member of the Democratic Services Team on 01352 702345. 1 A G E N D A 1 APOLOGIES Purpose: To receive any apologies. 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (INCLUDING WHIPPING DECLARATIONS) Purpose: To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly. 3 MINUTES (Pages 5 - 10) Purpose: To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting on 14 January 2021. 4 ACTION TRACKING (Pages 11 - 14) Report of Head of Democratic Services - Purpose: To inform the Committee of progress against actions from previous meetings. 5 COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT (Pages 15 - 20) Report of Chief Executive - Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection Purpose: To receive the Community Safety Partnership Annual Report. 6 FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME (Pages 21 - 26) Report of Head of Democratic Services - Purpose: To consider the Forward Work Programme of the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee.
    [Show full text]
  • Children's Rights in Wales
    Welsh Parliament Children, Young People and Education Committee Children’s rights in Wales August 2020 www.senedd.wales The Welsh Parliament is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people. Commonly known as the Senedd, it makes laws for Wales, agrees Welsh taxes and holds the Welsh Government to account. An electronic copy of this document can be found on the Senedd website: www.senedd.wales/SeneddCYPE Copies of this document can also be obtained in accessible formats including Braille, large print, audio or hard copy from: Children, Young People and Education Committee Welsh Parliament Cardiff Bay CF99 1SN Tel: 0300 200 6565 Email: [email protected] Twitter: @SeneddCYPE © Senedd Commission Copyright 2020 The text of this document may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium providing that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading or derogatory context. The material must be acknowledged as copyright of the Senedd Commission and the title of the document specified. Welsh Parliament Children, Young People and Education Committee Children’s rights in Wales August 2020 www.senedd.wales About the Committee The Committee was established on 28 June 2016. Its remit can be found at: www.senedd.wales/SeneddCYPE Committee Chair: Lynne Neagle MS Welsh Labour Current Committee membership: Dawn Bowden MS Hefin David MS Welsh Labour Welsh Labour Suzy Davies MS Siân Gwenllian MS Welsh Conservatives Plaid Cymru Laura Anne Jones MS Welsh Conservatives The following Member was also a member of the Committee during this inquiry: Janet Finch-Saunders MS Welsh Conservatives Children's rights in Wales Contents Chair’s foreword ....................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Welsh Government Consolidated Accounts 2019-2020
    Annual Report Welsh Government Consolidated Accounts 2019-2020 gov.wales Welsh Government Consolidated Accounts 2019-20 | 1 Annual Report Government of Wales Act 2006 Accounts of the Welsh Government are prepared pursuant to Section 131 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 for the year to 31 March 2020, together with the Certificate and report of the Auditor General for Wales thereon. Laid before the Senedd Cymru pursuant to the Government of Wales Act 2006 Section 131. Digital ISBN 978-1-80082-407-2 © Crown copyright 2020 WG40222 Mae’r ddogfen yma hefyd ar gael yn Gymraeg. This document is also available in Welsh. 2 | Welsh Government Consolidated Accounts 2019-20 Annual Report Overview from the Permanent Secretary Shan Morgan I am pleased to present my fourth consolidated The pandemic came on top of the huge amount accounts on behalf of the Welsh Government. of work and preparation that was needed across the whole organisation to support the This year has unquestionably been dominated First Minister and Cabinet on the UK’s exit by the sheer scale and impact of the global from the European Union. Since entering the COVID-19 crisis. No part of the Welsh Transition Period in January 2020, we have Government has been untouched by the fall-out maintained an impressively high level of strategic from the pandemic, which has seen us shift a and operational preparedness, planning for the large proportion of our resources to respond future and the implementation phase of the Exit to this unprecedented and complex set of process. In spring time, negotiations on the UK’s challenges.
    [Show full text]
  • The Assembly Commission
    The Assembly Commission Meeting Venue: Conference Room 4B - Ty Hywel Meeting date: Wednesday, 29 June 2011 Meeting time: 11: - 13:00 Minutes: AC(4)2011(2) Committee Members: Rosemary Butler (Chair) Peter Black Angela Burns Sandy Mewies Rhodri Glyn Thomas Officials present: Adrian Crompton, Director of Assembly Business (Official) Dianne Bevan, Chief Operating Officer (Official) Keith Bush, Director of Legal Services (Official) Craig Stephenson, Principal Private Secretary to the Presiding Officer (Official) Helen Finlayson, Secretariat (Official) Steven O'Donoghue, Head of Assembly Resources (Official) Nicola Callow, Head of Finance (Official) Others in attendance: Mair Barnes, Independent Adviser David Melding, Deputy Presiding Officer 1. Introduction 1(i) Introduction and apologies No apologies were received. 1(ii) Declarations of interest Rhodri Glyn Thomas declared an interest in the discussion on the catering contract at item 5. Although he did not have a direct interest in any of the organisations that had tendered for the contract, he had corresponded as an Assembly Member with Commission staff about the matter. 1(iii) Minutes of the previous meeting Minutes of meeting – 16 June 2011 The minutes were formally agreed. Matters arising from the meeting on 16 June 2011 There were no matters arising. However, the Presiding Officer stated that to improve transparency of Assembly Commission proceedings, draft Commission papers would no longer contain a security classification as a norm. Where papers carried a security classification in future, the Commission would be asked if that classification should be removed once the formal discussion had taken place. 2. Assembly Commission annual report and accounts The Commission discussed the draft Annual Report for 2010-11.
    [Show full text]
  • Concise Minutes
    Minutes - Business Committee Meeting Venue: Zoom Meeting date: 16 March 2021 Meeting time: 09.01 - 09.26 Private ------ ------ Attendance Category Names Elin Jones MS, Llywydd (Chair) Rebecca Evans MS Committee Members: Mark Isherwood MS Caroline Jones MS Dai Lloyd MS Committee Staff: Aled Elwyn Jones (Clerk) Ann Jones MS, Deputy Presiding Officer Manon Antoniazzi Siwan Davies, Director of Senedd Business Siân Wilkins, Head of Chamber and Committee Service Others in attendance Julian Luke, Head of Policy and Legislation Committee Service Helen Carey, Welsh Government Gwion Evans, Head of the Llywydd's Private Office Bethan Garwood, Deputy Clerk 1 Introductions, apologies and substitutions Apologies were received from Sian Gwenllian; Dai Lloyd attended as a substitute. 2 Minutes of the previous meeting The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed for publication. 3 Organisation of Business 3.1 This Week's Business The Trefnydd drew Business Committee’s attention to the postponement of the following item to 23 March: The Agricultural Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) (EU Exit) Regulations 2021 (10 mins) The Llywydd informed Business Committee that both she and the Deputy Presiding Officer would be chairing remotely this week. Tuesday Voting Time will take place as the last item of business. Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.05pm. Wednesday Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate. Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.15pm. 3.2 Three Week Timetable of Government Business The Trefnydd drew Business Committee’s attention to the following changes: Tuesday 23 March 2021 Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on COVID-19 Vaccinations (30 mins) – withdrawn Statement by the First Minister: Covid-19: One Year On (45 mins) Statement by the Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport: Llwybr Newydd – A New Wales Transport Strategy (45 mins) The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No.
    [Show full text]