Annual report and accounts 2016–17 July 2017 National Assembly for Wales Assembly Commission The National Assembly for Wales is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people, makes laws for Wales, agrees Welsh taxes and holds the Welsh Government to account. An electronic copy of this report can be found on the National Assembly’s website: www.assembly.wales Copies of this report can also be obtained in accessible formats including Braille, large print, audio or hard copy from: National Assembly for Wales Cardiff Bay Cardiff CF99 1NA Online: www.assembly.wales Email: [email protected] Tel: 0300 200 6565 We welcome calls via the Text Relay Service. © National Assembly for Wales Commission Copyright 2017 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. 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Annual report and accounts 2016–17 July 2017 National Assembly for Wales Assembly Commission Annual report and accounts 2016–17 4 Annual report and accounts 2016–17 Contents Our performance: Overview ............................................................................................... 7 Introduction from the Llywydd ................................................................................................................................ 8 Introduction from Chief Executive and Clerk ..................................................................................................... 9 Assembly Commissioners ........................................................................................................................................10 Our purpose and activities .......................................................................................................................................12 Our priorities to achieve the Commission’s strategy ...................................................................................13 How the Assembly Commission is organised ..................................................................................................14 Performance summary highlighting a year of change.................................................................................16 The Assembly Commission Strategy ...................................................................................................................18 Our performance: Analysis ...............................................................................................21 Provide outstanding parliamentary support ....................................................................................................22 Engage with all the people of Wales and champion the Assembly .........................................................36 Use resources wisely .................................................................................................................................................50 Summary of Key Performance Indicators ........................................................................................................62 Our accountability: Corporate governance .................................................................67 Our accountability: Remuneration and staff .............................................................85 Our accountability: Accountability and audit ......................................................... 105 Our financial statements ............................................................................................... 115 Notes to the Accounts .................................................................................................... 121 Annex: Regularity reporting .......................................................................................... 147 5 Annual report and accounts 2016–17 The Senedd, one of Wales’s most iconic buildings, was the focal point of our celebrations to welcome back Welsh Olympians and Paralympians from their achievements in Brazil. Annual report and accounts 2016–17 Our performance: Overview Annual report and accounts 2016–17 Introduction from the Llywydd Elin Jones AM Llywydd and Chair of the Assembly Commission I am very pleased to present this annual report Our institution must keep striving for following my first full year as Llywydd of the excellence by continuous improvement. This National Assembly. It is a comprehensive report demonstrates examples of significant overview of the work that has taken place change throughout the year and how we from April 2016 with preparations being made have delivered an ambitious set of priorities. for the Assembly elections, the induction The institution has responded effectively so of new and returning Assembly Members, far to some particular challenges, including the new Assembly Commission and the the changing constitutional situation introduction of its strategy through to the and the outcome of the EU referendum. delivery of new priorities. These changes will continue to present opportunities and challenges over the years to I am truly proud of the work that has been come and our work is very much focused on achieved since May last year. I should like ensuring we are in the best possible position to thank the Assembly Commission for to embrace change. helping me set that strategic vision and the continuous support they have provided Assembly staff can be proud of the enabling us to set the priorities that achievements outlined in this report and Commission staff have pursued throughout their outstanding contribution across all our the year. In setting out that vision, we have parliamentary services. As we continue to been able to draw on the skills and experience work through these, our focus will remain on of parliamentary staff who were ably led by building capability to ensure the long term Claire Clancy, the Assembly’s Chief Executive success of the Assembly in Welsh public life. and Clerk, who retired in April. In September we will celebrate the 20 year I wish, in particular, to pay tribute to Claire anniversary of the devolution referendum for her leadership of an exceptional team of – another milestone in Welsh democracy. I people who demonstrate, every day, their look forward to working with the Assembly commitment to the institution and Welsh Commission and all my parliamentary devolution. We now have a legislature which colleagues over the coming year as we make is widely regarded as confident, transparent further progress and cement our position as a and outward looking and I wish our new Chief modern, progressive parliament for the people Executive, Manon Antoniazzi, well as she of Wales. builds on this for the future. 8 Annual report and accounts 2016–17 Introduction from Chief Executive and Clerk Manon Antoniazzi Chief Executive and Clerk of the National Assembly for Wales In introducing this annual report – my first The annual report details each of these boards since taking up the role of Chief Executive and which are further supported and informed by Clerk in April this year – I am pleased to be programme and project boards and a strong, able to account for a year of achievement and competent internal audit service. well-managed change. I have been fortunate to be appointed to lead an excellent staff This year once again, we have exceeded team committed to delivering an ambitious our efficiency targets of £500,000 through programme of work. focussed contract negotiation and service review to deliver better value for money. Like the Llywydd, I should also like to take Achievement against our key performance this opportunity to express my gratitude indicators remains strong and our risk and thanks for Claire Clancy’s work over the management processes and procedures previous decade. After only a short time in indicate a mature approach to risk post, I have observed an inclusive culture identification and mitigation. where diversity is proactively encouraged and welcomed; where staff go the extra mile to In this document, we account for the past ensure Assembly Members, their staff and the year, but we are also looking forward. Our public receive the information they need and priorities as an institution are laid out clearly: where outstanding customer support drives to make government more accountable, the delivery of our services. make the work of the Assembly more relevant, accessible and topical and finally to maximize This report demonstrates a strong governance capacity and strengthen the institution. Major and budget management framework built legislative and constitutional developments on best practice. I have been able to assume are upon us. Public engagement has never my role as Principal Accounting Officer with been more important. As an organisation, confidence given the established structures in we must now prepare prudently for further place which include: change, at pace. We will be ready to respond with agility, creativity and professional rigour – Strategic leadership and oversight by the to serve the needs of our Welsh parliament Assembly Commission and deliver for the people of Wales. I know I speak for all my new colleagues in saying we – The Assembly Commission Audit and Risk relish the challenge. Assurance Committee – A Remuneration Committee – The Investment and Resourcing Board – The Management Board 9 Annual report and accounts 2016–17 Assembly Commissioners The