Therefore, we move to the motion to appoint the Senedd Commissioner for Standards. And I call on the Chair of the Standards of Conduct Committee to move that motion, Jayne Bryant.

Motion NDM7654 Jayne Bryant

To propose that the Senedd: 

 1. Notes the report of the Standards of Conduct Committee: 'Appointment of Commissioner for Standards' laid in the Table Office on 10 March 2021 ('the report'). 

2. Acting under section 1(2) of the National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009, appoints Douglas Bain CBE TD as Senedd Commissioner for Standards under that Measure, for a term of six years starting on 1 April 2021. 

3. Acting under paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Schedule to the National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009: 

a) agrees the remuneration package of the Commissioner, in accordance with paragraph 1(b) of the Schedule to that Measure, as set out in Annex A of the report; 

b) delegates, in accordance with paragraph 2 of the Schedule to that Measure, the making of decisions in relation to the annual adjustment of the Commissioner’s remuneration package to the Clerk of the Senedd; and

c) delegates, in accordance with paragraph 2 of the Schedule to that Measure, the settling all other terms on which such appointment is to have effect to the Clerk of the Senedd. 

Motion moved.

Diolch, Deputy Llywydd. The standards committee recommends that Douglas Bain be appointed Senedd Commissioner for Standards from 1 April 2021 for a six-year term. The commissioner is an independent officeholder whose role is to promote, encourage and safeguard high standards of conduct by Members of the Senedd. This will be the third appointment to the office of commissioner.

Douglas Bain was nominated following an open, transparent and rigorous selection process. The selection panel was chaired by the Chief Executive and Clerk of the Senedd, and comprised of two members of the Standards of Conduct Committee—myself and Rhun ap Iorwerth—and an independent panel member. A number of high-calibre applicants were interviewed; the panel unanimously identified a preferred candidate—Douglas Bain. Douglas Bain has been acting commissioner since November 2019. He was previously the Commissioner for Standards for the Northern Ireland Assembly. Douglas Bain attended a pre-appointment hearing with the standards committee; the standards committee questioned him on his approach to the role, and welcomed his ambition to raise the profile of standards of conduct. We noted his broad experience of dealing with complaints, particularly those falling under the dignity and respect policy. The committee unanimously endorsed the nomination of Douglas Bain as Senedd Commissioner for Standards. Deputy Llywydd, I move the motion.

Thank you. There are no speakers to the debate, and therefore the proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? No, I don't see objections. Therefore, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36, the motion is agreed.

Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.