Glossary

A glossary of parliamentary terms

A-Z index of glossary terms

Use the letters below to reveal a list of glossary terms.

F

Term

Fields

These were devolved policy areas within the Government of Wales Act 2006 (prior to its amendment by the Wales Act 2017). For further information see Subjects

Last Updated 27/01/2023

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Term

Fifth Senedd

The Fifth Senedd covers the period of time from May 2016 to April 2021.

During the Fifth Senedd the institution changed its name from the National Assembly for Wales to the Welsh Parliament, commonly known as the Senedd. This means you will also see it referred to as both the Fifth Assembly and the Fifth Senedd.

Business of the Fifth Senedd

Last Updated 24/05/2021

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Term

First Assembly

The First Assembly covers the period of time from May 1999 to April 2003

Business of the First Assembly

Last Updated 24/05/2021

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Term

First Minister

A Member of the Senedd appointed by the Monarch, following a nomination by the Senedd. The First Minister is the head of the Welsh Government, who then appoints the other Welsh Ministers.

Last Updated 13/01/2023

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Term

First past the post

An electoral system where the person with the highest number of votes wins. In Senedd elections, 40 Members are elected to represent constituencies using this system.

Last Updated 15/07/2020

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Term

Fourth Assembly

The First Assembly covers the period of time from May 2011 to April 2016

Business of the Fourth Assembly

Last Updated 24/05/2021

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Term

Future Generations Commissioner for Wales

The Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015 requires public bodies in Wales to think about the long-term impact of their decisions, to work better with people, communities and each other, and to prevent persistent problems such as poverty, health inequalities and climate change.


The Act makes provision for there to be a Future Generations Commissioner for Wales who is an individual appointed by the Welsh Ministers.


The Commissioner’s role is to be the guardian of future generations. This means helping public bodies and those who make policy in Wales to think about the long-term impact their decisions have.


The current Commissioner is Sophie Howe who took up the role in 2016. The term of office is seven years.

Last Updated 06/08/2021

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