The aim of the Senedd Visitor Code of Conduct (“the Code”) is to support the delivery of the Acceptable behaviour policy by outlining expectations in relation to:
Safety, welfare and security of all stakeholders including staff, visitors, contractors and the general public;
Safety and security of the Senedd Estate (“the Senedd Estate”); and
Senedd Business (“the Senedd ”) being able to be conducted uninterrupted.
This code applies to all of the land and premises owned, leased, occupied or rented by the Senedd (the Senedd Estate) on a permanent or long-term basis (e.g. Tŷ Hywel, the Senedd building, the Pierhead building and Sarn Mynach).
For the purpose of this code, a visitor is defined as anyone who is accessing the Senedd estate and is not an accredited or vetted building pass holder. Please refer to the Acceptable Behaviour Policy for visitor expectations and the Senedd public website for information on dignity and respect in Senedd activities.
Terms of Access
The Senedd Commission takes a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour. Any conduct that threatens the safety, dignity, or wellbeing of staff, Members, or visitors will not be tolerated. The Commission reserves the right to deny access to, or remove individuals from, the Senedd estate.
Visitors must :
agree to comply with our ‘condition of entry’ security search process. This includes security screening, searching and scanning of any items they wish to bring on to the Senedd Estate. Failure to comply with our ‘condition of entry’ search process will result in entry being denied. For more information on our condition of entry search process, please see Annex B.
agree to leave prohibited items (or any items identified by the security staff, at their discretion, as being unsuitable) at the entrance points, as these are not permitted on to the Senedd Estate in accordance with the procedures set out in Section 3. See Annex A for a list of Prohibited Items.
vacate the premises before the building closes or when instructed to do so by Commission staff.
report any suspicious behaviour or suspicious items to Security staff or, where no security staff are available, to any Senedd staff.
follow any emergency evacuation procedures such as in the event of fire alarm activation.
report any unacceptable behaviour including violence and/or aggression.
show dignity, respect and consideration to all staff and users of the Senedd estate.
ensure that when entering, moving around, sitting in, and leaving the public galleries during Senedd business or events, they do so quietly.
comply with all signage and follow any reasonable instructions from Senedd Staff at all times.
switch off all electronic equipment if Senedd staff request you to do so (subject to any reasonable adjustments in the event of medical equipment).
Visitors must not:
engage in any unacceptable behaviour including abuse, making threats, violence and/or aggression towards any staff or other building users. Further information on Unacceptable behaviours can be found within the Senedd’s ‘Acceptable Behaviour Policy’.
bring any prohibited items or items identified by security staff as being unsuitable onto the Senedd Estate. Any prohibited items presented on arrival will be retained by security staff at the entrance point (in accordance with the procedures set out in section 3 below). See Annex A for a list of Prohibited Items.
bring in large bags, suitcases and other large items. Such items will be retained by security staff unless specifically required for the purpose of the visit and formally approved in advance or approved by security staff at their discretion on the day.
bring in open liquids / drinks. For health and safety reasons, visitors who enter the Senedd with partially consumed drinks in open containers will be asked to finish these drinks prior to going through security. Visitors with a resealable container containing drinks will be asked to take a sip out of the container to evidence that it does not contain any toxic or harmful content.
Only food and drink purchased on the estate or supplied by the Senedd’s appointed catering provider may be consumed on site. Exceptions apply for bottled water, where food or drink is required for medical or religious reasons, to meet the specific needs of babies and toddlers, or where lunchboxes are brought by children and young people attending pre‑arranged visits to the Senedd. Any such exceptions must be declared to Security on arrival. Different arrangements may apply to contractors; please refer to the contractor section for further details.
take on site any animals other than trained assistance animals (including guide dogs) in line with the legal duty to make reasonable adjustments (see Assistance Animals paragraph of this policy for further information). Visitors may see Police Dogs operating on the estate.
engage in any activities which may jeopardise the safety or security of the Senedd or any of its stakeholders.
behave in a way which disrupts Senedd proceedings, events or activities on the Senedd estate. An example of this could be making excessive noise in a public gallery during a committee / plenary meeting or being disruptive in an event space.
participate in a demonstration inside any building on the Senedd estate.
display banners, placards, slogans, flags, posters, clothing or similar items in contravention of this code. See Procedures section for more details
have or display any items or undertake any actions which portrays messages of hate, abuse, inappropriate language, or unpleasant content—whether written, depicted in images, or conveyed through other means. See Procedures section for more details
use cameras, recording or audio equipment in restricted areas. Restricted areas include all security zones and public galleries during Senedd proceedings. Recordings may be permitted if agreed in advance. Only pre-approved recording activity is permissible in restricted areas.
leave any belongings unattended.
knowingly enter areas clearly designated as ’no entry’ or ‘staff only’, or otherwise restricted, unless escorted by a Senedd staff representative.
interfere with security, safety or operational equipment unless required to do so in an emergency situation.
damage or deface any part of the Senedd estate
use public areas of the Senedd Estate for fundraising purposes or for personal/ commercial gain without prior consent of the Senedd Commission.
consume alcohol on the estate unless attending an organised function where alcohol has been provided. When consuming alcohol as part of an event, all visitors must do so responsibly and continue to act in an appropriate manner in accordance with this code.
smoke, vape or use e-cigarettes whilst inside any Senedd building. The Senedd reserves the right to :
deny entry to individuals or prohibit unsuitable items from being brought onto the estate.
refuse admission to (or remove) anyone acting in a way that can be perceived as inappropriate or acting in a way that could cause alarm or distress to others.
refuse admission to (or remove) individuals who are or appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
refuse admission to (or remove) anyone who’s clothing is not considered to be appropriate or adequate. See Clothing and personal items section for more details.
require any individual behaving inappropriately and/or endangering the safety/security of others to leave. Trespass on the Senedd estate is a criminal offence. The Senedd is a protected site under Section 128 (Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005).
control the maximum number of visitors allowed into any building at any time, for Health and Safety, security or operational reasons.
refuse entry to (or remove) individuals who are known to have violated this code.
respond appropriately to any safeguarding concerns related to visitors on the estate, including children and adults at risk, in line with our internal safeguarding policies and procedures.
Procedures
Items not allowed on to the Senedd estate.
Prohibited Items and items identified by security staff as being unsuitable to bring on to the Senedd Estate will be
retained by security staff at the point of entry, for the duration of the visit, and returned on exit; or
referred to the Senedd Policing Unit (SPU) where appropriate.
See Annex A for the full list of prohibited items.
The decision of the security staff to retain, confiscate, or refer items to the SPU is at their discretion.
The SPU, in line with their procedures, may carry out further investigations into referred items as they consider appropriate. They may confiscate and retain the item.
Prohibited Items: Sharp objects and blades on the Senedd Estate.
Sharp objects and blades, with the exception of medical sharps, e.g. prescribed needles, are prohibited on the Senedd Estate unless explicitly permitted by Security management.
Sharp objects and blades include, but are not limited to, knives, penknives, scissors, card knives and single blades of any size.
Sharp objects and blades that have not been pre-approved will either be:
retained at the security search points, to be re-claimed when the owner leaves; or
Substituted, as outlined in religious and cultural section and Annex D.
Or confiscated
Security staff reserve the right to retain all prohibited items for the duration of a visit.
If security staff suspect that a knife may be unlawful due to its size or type, advice will be sought from the SPU. The knife will be dealt with in accordance with the procedure set out below.
Considerations are in place for allowing certain sharp objects and blades on to the Senedd Estate if carried:
as part of a ceremonial dress; if the person is on a pre-arranged visit/function and they have obtained prior approval from security staff (e.g. ceremonial military swords).
by contractors or members of the public for a legitimate task or purpose in connection with a trade, business or activity for which they are accessing the Senedd Estate. This must be authorised by an internal stakeholder, security department and may require a level of vetting clearance.
for religious purposes. Sharp objects and blades relating to religions and faiths may be permitted subject to prior notice to security staff.
Contractors and events
Any event involving external stakeholders held outside the Senedd estate's public opening hours should have a guest list.
Contractors must obtain the required security clearance before commencing any work on the Senedd Estate.
No tools are to be used on the Senedd Estate by visitors unless permission has been agreed by Senedd Security.
Items being delivered for events need to be pre-booked for search, via the security search booking process. More information is available from the Senedd events officers.
Vehicular access to the Senedd estate is limited. Identified drop-off points are near the Senedd, Tŷ Hywel and Pierhead buildings.
Contractors and other individuals working on site who have access to Tŷ Hywel may purchase food from the on-site canteen. Whether in Ty Hywel or the Senedd, if any contractor wishes to bring food onto the site, they must inform Security during the Conditions of Entry search.
Clothing (or other items) that are perceived by security staff to display offensive language, images or symbols, or promotes discrimination or violence are strictly prohibited. Likewise, any clothing (or other items) which portrays hate or aggression or is perceived to be deliberately inflammatory, antagonistic or derogatory is strictly prohibited. Security will advise further on this on a case-by-case basis.
Clothing displaying slogans, logos, or flag-based images supporting a particular cause or issue are generally permitted on the Senedd Estate. However, in areas close to where Senedd Business is taking place (such as public viewing galleries) only small symbols of support (for example badges, lapel pins, wristbands, or lanyards) are allowed. In all circumstances, any items that promote hate or aggression, or any content that could reasonably be viewed as inflammatory, antagonistic, or derogatory are strictly prohibited.
Exceptions and Considerations
Religious, cultural, or medical needs
Visitors with religious, cultural, or medical needs should notify security (in advance where possible or on arrival) for assistance during condition of entry searches.
Visitors are not required to remove religious garments in public areas; however additional screening may be necessary in circumstances where higher risk levels call for advanced search processes. This will be conducted with respect to religious beliefs and if removal is needed (e.g. shoes, head coverings) this will occur in a private area with officers of the same gender as the person being searched.
Religious artifacts, such as jewellery, hairpins or amulets, may need to be temporarily inspected for security purposes, with the utmost care and respect for their significance.
Substitute Kirpans are available as per annex D of this code.
Multilingual flash cards are available upon request for additional assistance.
If a visitor is neurodivergent and finds queuing and being searched difficult, they can speak to a member of the security staff who may be able to arrange that they go through the security search quickly.
If a visitor finds loud, high-pitched noises difficult, they can speak to a member of our security staff who will be able to arrange for a light rather than sound to activate when something metal is detected. Further information for neurodivergent visitors can be found on our webpages about visiting as a neurodivergent person at: Neurodivergent People
For visitors using disability aids such as (but not restricted to), wheelchairs or walking aids, or those who have pacemakers or medical implants, a risk-based and less intrusive search method may be used such as visual search or hand-wanding etc. Security staff will always be mindful of the visitor's dignity and respect whilst carrying out these searches.
Assistance Animals
Assistance animals (such as guide dogs / support dogs) are allowed in the Senedd buildings in line with the legal duty to make reasonable adjustments, to assist individuals with disabilities. More information can be found at: Assistance dogs: a guide for all businesses| EHRC3.Visitors are not permitted to bring with them any other animals onto the Senedd Estate, other than assistance dogs, unless exceptions are agreed in advance for special circumstances e.g. a particular event
Assistance animals must remain under the handler’s control at all times, either on a lead or in a harness. The handler is responsible for ensuring the welfare of the animal and that the animal behaves appropriately.
CCTV
The Senedd operates CCTV across the estate. Images are being monitored and recorded for the purpose of crime prevention and public safety.
Further information
Key aspects of this code will be displayed at main visitor entry points to ensure the relevant information is easily accessible to visitors.
If you have any queries about this code, its application or to inform us of a proposed demonstration, please speak to a member of the Security Management team or email contact@senedd.wales
For the purpose of this code ‘Prohibited Items’ includes, but is not limited to, items that could be used as a weapon, items which could cause concern or alarm to stakeholders or items which could cause disruption to Senedd Business.
This includes:
Any firearm or imitation firearm.
Any weapons, replica weapons or items which could be used as a weapon.
Flares or starting pistols.
Any explosives, rockets, fireworks or ammunition.
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Any bow, crossbow, slingshot or anything capable of discharging a shot.
Any weapon of whatever description designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or any other substance.
Knives, swords or other sharp or bladed objects.
Scissors, stationary or any tools that could be used as a weapon (without prior authorisation from security)
Any other item that could be classified as an offensive weapon in the prevailing Prevention of Crime legislation.
Smoke, smoke pellets, ‘stink bombs’ and gas canisters.
Chalk, large marker pens, paint or aerosol sprays (unless required for legitimate business purposes and approved in advance or by Senedd security staff on the day).
Any controlled drugs as listed in the prevailing Misuse of Drugs legislation (unless drugs have been prescribed, or otherwise used in accordance with advice from a relevant medical professional).
Alcohol
Any hazardous chemicals or noxious powders or poisons. This includes any chemical or powder which is meant to imitate a hazardous substance or cause concern.
Protest related paraphernalia including but not limited to signs, banners, flags, placards, slogans, posters, whistles, horns, klaxons.
Protest related fixings including but not limited to tape, rope, cable ties or handcuffs.
Any items portraying messages of hate, abuse, inappropriate language, or unpleasant content—whether written, depicted in images, or conveyed through other means
Balloons.
Torches or laser pens.
Annex B : Condition of Entry Search
All visitors are subject to a ‘condition of entry’ search when entering the Senedd estate. For children and young persons any search will be carried out with the consent of and in the presence of an appropriate adult including those acting in loco parentis.
The primary method of a condition of entry search is a scan using a handheld security wand. This process is conducted without deliberate physical contact. To enable an effective scan, visitors may be asked to remove outer layers of clothing, including (but not limited to) coats, jackets, gloves, headgear, or footwear. Where requested by the visitor, the removal of any such items may take place in a private space.
As part of the condition of entry search, a handheld wand scan can be carried out by any member of security staff on any visitor, unless the visitor explicitly requests that such a search is undertaken by someone who matches their own gender identity. Such a request could be for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, the visitor’s culture, religious, gender identity, personal history, trauma or simple preference. A member of Senedd Commission Security staff will not ask for the reason and should meet the request whenever possible.
Any prohibited items identified during this process will be retained in line with this code.
Failure to comply with the conditions laid out in the visitor code of conduct and search processes will result in entry being denied.
Any deliberate attempt to bypass the process or bring prohibited items onto the estate will result in entry being denied.
Any exceptions to the ‘condition of entry’ search process must be discussed in advance with the security management team.
The Senedd recognises that in certain circumstances, religious, medical or other sensitive needs may need to be considered. In these cases, visitors should make their requirements known to the security staff.
Any items required for an event, function, meeting or other gathering must be pre-arranged with the security department in order to ensure the appropriate search arrangements can be put in place. Depending on the items required and the circumstances of the event, there may be a charge for searching.
Any special requirements in relation to visits must be discussed with the Security Management team in advance of the visit in order for arrangements to be given the appropriate consideration.
The Senedd reserves the right to refuse entry to items not considered as safe or suitable at the discretion of security staff.
Condition of Entry Search includes but is not limited to :
A full search of the visitor. Outer coats, jackets, hats, jewellery, watches and belts will need to be removed for this search.
A search of any items the visitor is carrying such as bags, coats, belts, walking aids, umbrellas, pushchairs or any other equipment being carried or used by the visitor.
Where visitors have pre-arranged vehicle access, vehicles and any items within the vehicle will also be subject to a comprehensive security search.
Search methods can include but are not limited to :
Use of an x-ray scanner.
Use of a handheld metal detecting wand.
Physical search of a person (by an appropriately trained member of security staff).
Physical search of a bag or other items.
Police search (including the use of specialist dogs).
Use of search tools such as mirrors or cameras.
Annex C : Demonstrations
External demonstrations on the Senedd Estate
Demonstrations include but are not limited to individual protests, group protests, gatherings, rallies, marches, hunger strikes and vigils.
The Senedd believes in the fundamental principle of freedom of expression. The Senedd welcomes, and will take reasonable steps to facilitate, lawful and peaceful demonstrations on its estate.
The rules contained in this code are intended to ensure that such demonstrations are conducted in a way which does not interfere with:
The business of the Senedd,
The rights, safety and welfare of Senedd staff,
The rights, safety, and welfare of all users of the estate.
Organisers of the proposed demonstrations are encouraged to contact the Senedd to discuss and agree suitable arrangements.
Demonstrations cannot last longer than a working day.
Demonstrations may take place outside of Senedd buildings if they are legal and comply with the rules laid out in this Code of Conduct.
Protesters must not harass, intimidate or assault any staff / public, or other building users who pass the demonstration
Participants in all demonstrations held across the Senedd Estate must not interfere with or disrupt Senedd business.
Demonstrators must not obstruct the entrance or exit of Senedd premises for others, and avoid compromising your own or anyone else's safety or well-being.
Demonstrators must assemble, remain and disperse in an orderly manner.
Sound amplification equipment may only be used with the written consent of a designated Senedd representative. Where permission is given, equipment must be directed away from Senedd buildings and must not be operated in a manner which is disruptive to activities on the estate.
The Senedd Police Unit or security staff may restrict a demonstration to a specified area. Participants must observe any requests or barriers erected for this purpose.
Fire exits from Senedd buildings must not be obstructed.
Signs, banners, placards, flags, slogans or posters must not be attached, written, drawn, painted, marked or fixed to any part of the Senedd Estate.
No structure (including any tent or other shelter) may be erected on or affixed to any part of the Senedd Estate.
Any individual conducting a ‘Hunger Strike’ as part of their demonstration will be managed in line with the Senedd’s Hunger Strike protocols which may include refusal of entry to Senedd buildings.
Vehicles must not be used as part of a demonstration. Parking for participants in demonstrations is not provided.
If a visitor has partaken in a demonstration on a set day, they will continue to be considered as a demonstrator for the remainder of that day, and would be subject to restricted entry conditions.
Typically, naked flames (including fires and candles) are not permitted on the Senedd Estate. To note battery operated alternatives to candles are acceptable. Further advice can be obtained from contact@senedd.wales.
The deliberate marking of surfaces on the Senedd Estate is not permitted and could result in a criminal prosecution in accordance with the relevant law.
A failure to observe the rules of this code will mean that the permission to hold the demonstration on the Senedd Estate may be terminated, in which case participants will be asked to leave and, if they refuse to do so, will be regarded as trespassers. The Senedd reserves the right to take appropriate legal action to remove any trespassers from the Senedd Estate. Trespass on the Senedd Estate is a criminal offence. The Senedd is a protected site under Section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.
Building access for demonstrators
Demonstrations are not permitted to take place inside any of the Senedd buildings.
In order to maintain security and ensure that Senedd business is not disrupted, only a limited group of representatives from a demonstration will be permitted to enter the Senedd.
As a general rule, a group size should be no more than 6 persons at any one time, however this will be a risk based decision and at the discretion of the Head of Security (or delegated other). The safety and security of building users and the requirement to ensure business continuity will always be the priority consideration.
Where a demonstration has dispersed, all participants will continue to be considered as demonstrators for the remainder of the day, therefore subject to restricted entry conditions.
Annex D : Kirpans
Visitors must deposit their Kirpan with Security, who will provide a appropriate substitute for the duration of their visit. Substitute Kirpans have been provided by the local Gurdwara.
Each visitor will be asked to give their name and contact details so the security team can make contact if the Kirpan isn`t swapped back on departure.
Kirpans will be handled respectfully, clearly labelled and stored securely by the Security team.
Before leaving the building, the visitors are responsible for collecting their Kirpan and signing to confirm receipt and return of the substituted Kirpan.
