Making democracy work in Wales - National Assembly publishes its second annual report.

The National Assembly for Wales has made great strides towards its strategic goals for the third Assembly.

That’s the positive picture revealed in their annual report which is published on the Assembly’s website today (July 16).

The report demonstrates how more people are actively participating in the democratic process in Wales, that the Assembly is using all its new powers and that the Assembly is setting an example for others to follow on governance and probity.

“This year saw us redouble our efforts to ensure people understand who we are and what we do, and more importantly, feel encouraged to become active and informed citizens,” said Presiding Officer, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM.

“Democracy must be seen to belong to all. Devolution cannot work if it is a minority interest, and we are committed to continuing to make democracy accessible to everyone.”

Other highlights over the period April 08 – March 09 include the passing of the first Welsh Law since the days of the 10C King Hywel Dda and preparations for marking 10 years of devolution which included the Presiding Officer undertaking a series of consultations with groups who may in the past have experiences barriers to participation in our democratic processes.

The National Assembly has maintained its commitment to good governance and probity by commissioning an Independent Panel to review its system of financial support for Assembly Members. Looking forward, the Assembly will also be continuing their commitment to lead by example when it comes to our corporate governance arrangements.

The Assembly also has a strong commitment to equality in all it does. In January 2009 the Assembly was named as one of the UK’s top 100 gay-friendly employers, according to Stonewall Cymru’s Workplace Equality Index.

“This made us ‘Wales’s most improved employer’ in terms of being a gay-friendly place to work and the second ‘most improved’ employer nationally,” said Chief Executive and Clerk of the Assembly, Claire Clancy.

“2009 see us marking 10 years of devolution and we are planning to reach out to a wider audience through greater engagement with all our communities – by working closely with Assembly Members, by welcoming visitors to the Senedd, on our new bus and at events across Wales’ regions”.

Click here to view the full report