National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009
The National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009 (the Measure) establishes the independent post of Senedd Commissioner for Standards whose role is to promote, encourage and safeguard high standards of conduct in the public office of Members of the Senedd (previously known as Assembly Members). This involves:
- receiving and investigating complaints against Members of the Senedd, and reporting on their outcome
- advising on procedures for making complaints and investigating them
- advising on matters of principle relating to the conduct of Members of the Senedd, complaints investigation procedures and promotion of high standards of conduct
- reporting annually to the Senedd.
The Measure also requires relevant third parties to provide information to the Commissioner and makes it an offence if they do not comply, punishable by a fine.
The Explanatory Notes to the Measure provide detailed commentary on the various provisions.
Coming into force:
Sections 1, 3 (including the Schedule), 20 and 21 came into force on 10 December 2009, which was the day after the Measure was approved by Her Majesty in Council, in accordance with section 21(2). The remaining provisions of the Measure came into force on the day after a notice under subsection 21(3) was published.
Subordinate legislation made under the Measure:
No subordinate legislation has been made under this Measure.
Consideration of the legislation by the Senedd:
The proposed Measure was introduced by Jeff Cuthbert, who was Chair of the Committee on Standards of Conduct at the time, on 25 March 2009. It was passed by the National Assembly for Wales (as it was then known) on 14 October 2019.
More information about the Measure is available on the Senedd’s website, including a record of the passage of the proposed Measure through the National Assembly for Wales (as it was then known) and the Explanatory Memorandum that was prepared by the Committee on Standards of Conduct (on introduction of the Measure).
The Measure received Royal Approval on 9 December 2009.