Standards Commissioner

Senedd; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 6,500 - 7,000; Full time

Job summary

Senedd invites applications for the role of Commissioner for Standards. The post is a fixed six-year appointment based in Cardiff at Tŷ Hywel, with remote work possible. The Commissioner will operate independently to safeguard public confidence in the Senedd and promote the highest standards of conduct among Members.

The successful candidate will investigate complaints, promote the standards framework, and help ensure accountability, integrity and respect in public life and Welsh democracy.

Qualifications

• Experience promoting high standards of conduct in public life.
• Ability to handle complex and sensitive matters impartially.
• Understanding of legislative processes and public appointments.
• Strong judgement, integrity and discretion.
• Excellent communication and independent working.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints against Members of the Senedd.
• Promote the standards framework and public understanding.
• Make evidence-based findings where required.
• Contribute to public confidence in the Senedd and its processes.

Skills

Public integrity

Governance

Stakeholder engagement

Independent working

Job description

Remuneration: This post will be remunerated with an annual retainer of £6517.47(paid monthly) and a daily rate of £486.27

Term: Fixed six-year appointment

Location: Tŷ Hywel, Cardiff (remote work will be possible)

The Senedd is seeking to appoint an independent and highly credible individual as the Commissioner for Standards.

This is a unique opportunity to play a vital role in Welsh public life by safeguarding public confidence in the Senedd and promoting the highest standards of conduct among Members of the Senedd.

The Commissioner is appointed by the Senedd but operates independently in carrying out their statutory responsibilities. The role requires sound judgement, integrity, discretion and the ability to consider complex and sensitive matters fairly and impartially.

About the role

The Senedd Commissioner for Standards investigates complaints relating to the conduct of Members of the Senedd, ensuring that the high ethical standards expected of those elected to public office are observed.

Working independently and objectively, you will:

• consider complaints made against Members of the Senedd;
• investigate matters within your statutory remit;
• promote understanding of the standards framework;
• contribute to public confidence in the Senedd and its democratic processes; and
• help ensure that the principles of integrity, accountability and respect are upheld.

The Commissioner's powers and functions are set out in the relevant legislation and supporting procedures.

Who we're looking for

The general attributes of a successful candidate include:

• experience of promoting, encouraging and safeguarding high standards of conduct and a thorough understanding of the contemporary public debate on standards in public life;
• experience in promoting dignity and respect;
• an approach that is independent, authoritative, and pragmatic allied with proven experience of handling complex and sensitive matters under political and/or public scrutiny;
• an appreciation of the work of elected politicians and an understanding of the work of legislative bodies or similar;
• an effective communicator with a track record of securing the trust of the public, politicians, the media and other stakeholders;
• an ability to:
• investigate matters in a timely manner in accordance with relevant legislative and procedural requirements and best practice for complaints handling;
• produce evidence-based findings in relation to particular cases;
• identify and uphold matters of general principle.

We welcome applications from people with a broad range of professional backgrounds and experiences. Diversity of thought, perspective and lived experience strengthens public appointments and public confidence in them.

Why this role matters

The Commissioner for Standards plays a vital role in encouraging public trust in the Senedd, and in those elected to represent the people of Wales, while supporting the effective operation of Welsh democracy.

By bringing independence, expertise and fairness to this important role, you will help sustain that trust and make a meaningful contribution to public life in Wales.