A renewed focus on dignity, accountability and public confidence underpins the new Code of Conduct for Members of the Senedd, laid on 11 March by the Standards of Conduct Committee.
The Standards of Conduct Committee has undertaken a review of the Code of Conduct to ensure it reflects contemporary expectations of public life and the evolving constitutional role of the Senedd. This follows an extensive consultation, published on 16 December 2025, and a series of inquiries during the sixth Senedd into dignity and respect, strengthening independence within the complaints process, registration and declaration of interests, and individual Member accountability.
The new Code brings together these strands of work, setting out clearer expectations for Members and a more transparent framework through which they can be held to account.
A modernised Code for a modern Parliament
The Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour expected of all Members of the Senedd. Anyone who believes a Member has not met these standards can raise a complaint with the Senedd Commissioner for Standards, who operates independently to uphold and promote high standards of conduct.
The Committee’s review has taken place alongside the development of the Member Accountability Bill. The Bill is expected to influence aspects of the standards regime, including how complaints are handled and how Members’ responsibilities are defined.
The revised Code proposes strengthened rules around dignity and respect, enhanced requirements for the registration and declaration of interests, and clearer expectations of personal accountability. It also reflects the Committee’s work to introduce greater independence and support into the complaints process, ensuring it is fair, accessible and trusted by the public.
Hannah Blythyn MS, Chair of the Standards of Conduct Committee, said:
“A central focus of the Standards of Conduct Committee throughout the sixth Senedd has been the development of a clearer, stronger and more transparent standards framework. The code of conduct and the documents that support it form a key part of this work. We were keen to ensure that the standards framework reflects not only best practice, but also the expectations rightly placed upon us as elected Members. Our work on dignity and respect, as well as the implications of the Senedd Cymru (Member Accountability and Elections) Bill, have shaped these provisions significantly.
“I would like to thank the members of the committee for their work, and committee officials throughout this Senedd, and all those who contributed evidence during this process. If agreed, the new code and guidance will come into effect from the first day of the seventh Senedd.”
Motion agreed
On 18 March 2026, the motion to approve the Code of Conduct on the Standards of Conduct for Members of the Senedd was agreed by the Senedd, to come into force for the beginning of the Seventh Senedd. A report, which was laid on 11 March 2026, outlines the background to the review, as well as including guidance on the revised Code.