The Senedd is directly responsible for a small number of public appointments.
These include the Auditor General for Wales, the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, and the Commissioner for Standards.
A relevant committee can speak to a candidate considered for those roles, to help it decide whether to support the appointment.
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