The committee is pleased that the Assembly Commission has responded positively to our recommendations and that it shares our vision of an inclusive Assembly, free from harassment. The committee looks forward to the Commission's updates on how these recommendations are progressing. The committee is grateful to the Assembly Commission for the recent updates that highlighted the work of the contact officers, which have now been in place since May. It is evident that individuals are approaching them for support and guidance through the available complaints processes. Members will understand that no details were shared, due to confidentiality, but it was encouraging to hear that this additional service is now being accessed. 

The committee were also pleased to learn that, following evidence to our inquiry, additional support has been provided to the independent standards commissioner's office. Assembly Commission staff have been working with the standards commissioner and have now secured an additional secondee to the support the office. This brings a greater gender balance to the office, something that, it is hoped, will encourage people to feel more comfortable talking about any issues of concern. It also means that more efficient and effective fact-finding and investigative work can take place, assisting the commissioner in progressing often complex cases. 

The committee recommends to the Commission that consideration be given to how people can report anonymously. We believe that the evidence from the higher education sector shows that, rather than pursue a formal complaint, people sometimes prefer a tool that allows them to register an incident online. This could also aid identification of an individual's pattern of behaviour. However, the committee recognises concerns over anonymous reporting and we're clear that a just process must be maintained during the formal investigation of a complaint. The committee acknowledges that it's necessary to inform the accused and difficult to maintain anonymity in such instances.

The committee recommends that the ministerial code be placed under the investigative remit of the standards commissioner. We felt that those wanting to make a complaint relating to an Assembly Member would benefit from a single point of contact. There would be no need to consider which role was being undertaken at the time the inappropriate action occurred. The First Minister considered and rejected this recommendation, as he feels the independent oversight system he is introducing will add sufficient separation. The committee recognise this is consistent with the approaches of many other Governments, but we did feel this was an opportunity to add clarity and full independence to the system. I note there will be a written statement on this shortly, which the committee will consider with interest.

Cultural change cannot happen overnight—it takes time and commitment, and this report is not a final position. The committee want to make it clear that we need everybody's help to shape an environment based on dignity and respect. In this report we have sought to act where we have seen action was needed. We're open to suggestions on how to improve, and we're determined to get this right. We ask that everybody works with us, because together we must ensure the Assembly as an institution sets the highest example.