The individual responsible for looking into grievances against Senedd members has stated that establishing a distinct procedure for handling sexual harassment allegations would not be advisable.
Politicians in Wales are presently exploring ways to enhance the procedures for addressing sexual harassment and bullying allegations.
Commissioner Douglas Bain of Standards stated that having a distinct procedure would lead to confusion as it would closely resemble what is currently in place.
The standards committee of the Welsh Parliament has already suggested implementing a “recall” process to provide voters with an opportunity to dismiss Senedd members who act improperly. Additionally, they proposed disciplining members for intentionally misleading statements.
Bain told the committee that he believes “the number of cases involving members in Wales is thankfully quite low, and this statement holds true even when accounting for the unquestionable underreporting.”
He questioned, “From where will we obtain the seasoned personnel needed to run this new system?”
Given the limited number of complaints, I highly doubt these individuals are full-time employees.”
In my view, taken as a whole, it’s not a good concept.
Committee Chair Hannah Blythyn contested these remarks and stated that some of the feedback they received indicated potential under-reporting “due to individuals not feeling at ease with the current reporting procedures.”
There were previous concerns regarding the Senedd’s complaint process, with certain employees advocating for changes.
more independent complaints process
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The House of Commons features an Independent Expert Panel designed to address complaints related to bullying or sexual harassment.
The Senedd relies solely on its Standards Commissioner, Douglas Bain, to investigate complaints regarding politicians. Afterward, the parliament’s standards committee determines how to proceed based on his findings and considers imposing sanctions on the involved members as needed.
Bain proposed that they might want to involve an investigator who has expertise in handling cases related to sexual misconduct to support the commissioner.
Even though he emphasized that “thinking an individual with knowledge in these areas would automatically solve everything is incorrect.”
Peredur Owen Griffiths, a Plaid Cymru representative, questioned if outside specialists could assist when an individual wishes to talk about or provide information on a sensitive topic in their native tongue.
At present, if someone wishes to provide testimony in Welsh, they are offered access to a translator.
Bain found this response unsatisfactory and proposed that if they were able to utilize experts, they could choose an appropriate investigator with the necessary “skills and experience” for each case individually.
Blythyn has previously stated her commitment to “bolster the frameworks of authority at the Senedd to more effectively encourage individuals to voice their concerns regarding behavior and significant, unacceptable matters such as sexual harassment.”
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