I’m pleased also to speak in this debate in relation to what I believe has been some very in-depth scrutiny work on the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015. Of course, I was present last term, on the same committee, when the Bill was going through, and the key thing that we’ve found since taking evidence, and indeed during the scrutiny of the Bill, was a lack of uniformity across Wales in terms of implementation now of the Act. Data collection agencies were complaining about duplication. Agencies and third sector groups were stating about data being collected and then everyone is very precious with those data, and data are only of any use if they’re shared and then, you know, sort of used to deliver the outcomes we’re all looking for.

The good practice guide—the guide—commissioned by the Welsh Government and prepared by Welsh Women’s Aid, was published in October 2015 and is described on the Welsh Government’s website as a handy tool to help integrate these issues and approaches into existing teaching and management practices.’

Whilst it does not form part of the statutory guidance made under the Act, it was noted by Welsh Women’s Aid, quote:

we are yet to see a clear plan as to how and when schools and other education establishments will be implementing this guidance, and there is little current evidence of this being implemented consistently across Welsh schools and other educational settings.’

Additionally, another concern was raised that the national adviser actually stated that she does not know how the guide is being used, how it is being distributed, or even monitored. And she doesn’t even know how many schools are using it. So, you know, there’s some ambiguity around that. She also noted she was unsure what resources have been considered locally, regionally, or nationally, to support and enable the schools to drive forward this cultural change. These are the quotes; I’m not saying, you know—.

Further, whilst I understand the deadline is May 2018, I was disappointed to note that, in response to a recent FOI, only one local authority to date has published their updated strategy, aimed at ending violence against women, gender-based violence, domestic abuse, and sexual violence, and this actually is in line with the Act.

In relation to data collection, the national adviser stated that she feared that, without clear direction from the Welsh Government as to the expectation for implementation and mechanisms for data collection and monitoring, there is a real risk that the commitments made by the former Minister will fail to deliver change within our educational settings. On this, the report notes that many stakeholders were concerned that the national adviser’s role was part time, with stakeholders advising the role would be more effective if it was full time and that there was a staff team working collaboratively to ensure that they gather data to inform the strategy on an ongoing basis, other than relying on focus groups.

Now, whilst I am pleased that the Welsh Government has agreed to review the capacity of the national adviser’s role, I’m disappointed that they did not mention data collection in their response to this report, because it was very much an important factor. So, I would call on the Cabinet Secretary to seek to undertake regular and effective data monitoring and collection, as part of a forward commitment to require local authorities to begin reporting by the start of the 2017-18 academic year. Any Act is only as good as how well it’s interpreted and implemented. And I think there’s lots more that needs to be undertaken in that regard.

We would also ask that they further consider the calls of the committee’s report to consider allocating additional resources for research and to support the development of local strategies. I would also ask that the—oh, sorry. Finally, we’ve called on the Welsh Government to clarify what sanctions are available to Welsh Ministers if the requirements of the Act are not fulfilled by public authorities. Whilst I welcome that this recommendation has been accepted, I rather hoped that this would lead to some clarity on this matter for our local authorities, our health boards, but the Cabinet Secretary’s response doesn’t make clear what substantiates a good reason not to follow the reason. And I would be grateful if the Cabinet Secretary could outline this further. Thanks for the committee for the work, and thanks to all the witnesses coming forward to give evidence. Thank you.