Member
Andrew R.T. Davies South Wales Central
WQ92309 (e) Tabled on 11/03/2024

Does the Senedd Commission provide any guidance to Senedd Members to ensure Senedd-issued phones are only used for Senedd business?

Answered by Senedd Commission | Answered on 19/04/2024

Llywydd on behalf of the Senedd Commission:

Following election to the Senedd, all Members are provided with the Rules and Guidance on the Use of Senedd Resources and the ICT Use and Security conditions.

Any update to the Rules is drawn to the attention of all Members.

The current Rules are available on the Senedd website and a copy of the document was sent to all Members, and their staff, on 6 July 2022, ahead of them coming into effect at the beginning of the summer recess, on Monday 18 July 2022.

“Rule 4 – Items and facilities acquired with Commission resources or provided by the Commission

(1)  Items and facilities acquired with Commission resources or provided by the Commission for the use of Members must only be used in connection with a Member’s duties.

(2)  Items acquired with Commission resources become and remain the property of the Commission and are to be returned promptly when requested.

(3)  Items provided by the Commission for the use of Members must be used in accordance with the Commission’s conditions relating to their use specified from time to time.”

The Guidance to Rule 4 includes that:

“This rule applies to items and services that Members acquire with Commission resources or are provided by the Commission for the use of Members (for example, ICT equipment and contracts with service providers).

Rule 4(3) covers, in particular, the ICT equipment provided by the Commission subject to the ICT Use and Security Conditions, including the limited incidental personal use permitted under the Conditions.”

““Member’s duties” – means activity in relation to business of the Senedd and constituency or regional business, wherever undertaken, in the public office of Member of the Senedd.”

It is for each Member to decide how to discharge their duties in the context of their constituency or regional business and their parliamentary responsibilities. This judgement must be exerted within the rules which apply.