Diolch, Llywydd. Thank you for the opportunity to make a statement today as Chair of the Standards of Conduct Committee.

The National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure was passed by all Members of the third Assembly, in 2011. This was a key piece of work for the National Assembly, and followed recommendations made in the Woodhouse report in 2002, the passing of the Government of Wales Act 2006, two consultations, and an inquiry by the then Committee on Standards of Conduct. The conclusion of all of these was that there was a need to create an independent statutory post of Commissioner for Standards, with important powers to carry out rigorous investigations of complaints made against Members. The aim of this was to give increased confidence to the general public in their elected representatives, by enshrining in law the powers and independence of the Assembly’s Commissioner for Standards.

Part of this process is the cross-party Standards of Conduct Committee, which was elected by the Assembly to consider the complaints brought forward by the independent commissioner. We do so with impartiality and consensus. As a committee, we have reflected on the developments around dignity and respect, and are using this as an opportunity to ensure that the code of conduct, and associated processes, are sufficient to deal with an evolving parliament. We will endeavour to make sure that our proposals are in place to inform the incoming Commissioner for Standards.

An effective standards regime cannot function without integrity and trust from all those involved in the system and process, and I would like to remind all Members of our need to maintain the confidence in this independent system.