The Senedd is responsible for a small number of public appointments.
These include:
- Crown appointments, like the Auditor General for Wales and the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. These roles can only be filled by a person nominated by the Senedd and approved by the Monarch.
- Senedd appointments, like the Commissioner for Standards and the Chair of the Wales Audit Office.
The appointment process differs according to the role that’s being filled but will usually involve work by a committee.
Sometimes a committee will be responsible for conducting the recruitment process and then advising the Senedd on which candidate is preferred for appointment and/or nomination.
Before the matter is considered by the Senedd as a whole, a committee pre-appointment or pre-nomination hearing may also take place.
Pre-appointment hearings for Welsh Government public appointments
Since 2019, committees have also been invited to hold pre-appointment hearings for some high profile Welsh Government public appointments, such as those with a significant impact on the public.
For example, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales or the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales.
Hearings take place after a recruitment panel has chosen a preferred candidate, but before the appointment is made.
While a committee’s conclusions are not binding the hearings give the Senedd the chance to:
- scrutinise the Welsh Government’s preferred candidate
- endorse an appointment
- raise concerns about an appointment before the preferred candidate is appointed.
Find out more about public appointments
Explore the topic
Schedule of committee meetings
How to take part in consultations
Guide to appearing before a Senedd Committee