5. Will the First Minister make a statement on workplace culture within the Welsh Government? OAQ52056

Yes. The Permanent Secretary is responsible for the leadership and management of the Welsh Government civil service. I support her in leading a culture that is confident, inclusive, and focused on delivering for Wales.

First Minister, I think it's important to note your absence from the debate on the leak inquiry last week. Despite retreating from the legal challenge to block the debate, I would've thought that you would've respected the institution of this Assembly and would've been here to hear the arguments that AMs put forward.

We know that you've been cleared in the Hamilton report that was released late on a Tuesday evening following Plenary, but I think the public need to know why no protection was offered or given to witnesses, unlike with the leak inquiry. Have you seen, for example, BBC reports that people were afraid to give evidence because they were worried about the repercussions? Your former colleague—and I think very much former now—Leighton Andrews notes in his commentary on the matter that there was

'a toxic atmosphere on the Fifth Floor and that Mr Sargeant and certain other Ministers were subject to persistent personal undermining'.

Now, I agree, and I see what has been said with regard to the Hamilton report, but do you not agree that cultural changes need to take place within Government, and will you prepare to take on those changes before you leave office?  

The Hamilton report is clear. I don't intend to elaborate on what it says, other than to say that, of course, as far as Welsh Government staff are concerned, that is a matter for the Permanent Secretary. And I can say that, according to our latest staff survey, 80 per cent of staff scored the organisation positively on inclusion and fair treatment—that's 4 per cent above the UK civil service benchmark—and 88 per cent of Welsh Government staff say they are treated with respect by those they work with, 3 per cent above the UK civil service benchmark. Now, of course, that does show that there's more work to be done, and I know the Permanent Secretary is very much aware of that.   

First Minister, it is important to nurture an appropriate culture and the right culture within Welsh Government, and to ensure that work is carried out in a timely manner and that people working within the Government correspond in a timely fashion. Following on from the question that the Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire asked you last week, I can confirm that I'm also waiting for a response to my subject access request submitted to the Government on 15 March regarding information asked about me by the Welsh Government to the Hywel Dda university health board. Given the importance of nurturing a culture of accountability and respect within the Welsh Government, it's crucial that matters like this are dealt with openly and professionally. Therefore, can you give me an indication of when I will receive a response to my subject access request?  

I entirely agree that we should be open and professional, and that's what we strive to do. It's not something I've been directly involved with, as he can appreciate, but I do hope that a position will be reached soon when the question can be answered—and answered it must be, I understand that.