I want to disassociate myself from an awful lot of what has been said before. I'm going to welcome this debate, especially as we celebrate Black History Month and acknowledge that it is an integral part of the history of all of us here. Black History Month provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and the contributions made by individuals with African and African Caribbean heritage. In Wales, it gives us a chance to think about the role that black people have played in shaping our history and our culture. The Senedd Commission is proud that this year's activities, to note this important movement, are the most ambitious yet. They were launched last week with a lecture by academic Abu-Bakr Madden Al-Shabazz. We will look at how the Windrush generation has shaped all our futures here in Wales.

But we must make sure that the important messages of equality, which we remember during Black History Month, are woven into our everyday life, every single day of the year. As a Commission, we are proud of the work that we are doing to promote equality for black, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues, but we know we have a long way to go. As an example, last year, the difference in pay between BAME and non-BAME staff was nearly 40 per cent. That almost halved this year, but it all is still far too much. We are going in the right direction. The difference in pay is as a result of a lack of senior staff within the Commission and that is something that we are taking steps to address. We're aiming to increase the number of external applications from candidates from BAME backgrounds over the next three years. We've already taken steps to increase the number of apprentices we take on from a BAME background, by working with organisations on outreach work, with schools, communities and relevant networks. One of the successful candidates last year was named by the Quality Skills Alliance as the apprentice of the year, and has since been nominated for the public service apprentice award at the UK BAME Apprenticeship Awards.

As Members of the Senedd, we know there is collective, agreed support for the principles of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, meaning that we must take further action as we legislate and scrutinise on behalf of the people of Wales. The Commission is undertaking the requested facilitation of development of a cross-party Welsh declaration, on behalf of the Senedd, to reflect the need to make the Senedd commitment work effectively and tackle all forms of racial discrimination and equality here in Wales. The Commission is currently consulting with the cross-party group on race equality. I also note the work of the BAME COVID-19 socioeconomic sub-group, and support the motion calling on the Welsh Government to ensure that Professor Ogbonna's report recommendations are implemented. As a Senedd Commission, we recognise the additional role we play in the way that our Parliament in supported, for example, providing information and training to Members. With the commencement of the socioeconomic duty on public bodies, we will ensure information is provided to Members to support their scrutiny of this responsibility. 

I'd also like to take this opportunity to invite everyone here today to join me in recognising the inspirational work of Patti Flynn from Tiger Bay, who sadly died last month. Patti was one of the founding members of the Black History Month movement in Wales and, significantly for this debate, will be remembered as an advocate and campaigner for black history to be included in education. Those who wish to know more about the history of the area that our Senedd building occupies should look at the wonderful gallery of images on the Pierhead building's social media feeds. They've teamed up with local Butetown historians to tell the real story of Tiger Bay. Thank you.