Agenda a Chofnodion

1.0    Eitem 1 - Cyflwyniad, Ymddiheuriadau a Datgan Buddiannau

1.1    Croesawodd y Cadeirydd bawb i’r cyfarfod, gan gynnwys Lisa Bowkett i’w chyfarfod cyntaf fel Prif Swyddog Cyllid. Cafwyd un ymddiheuriad, gan Aled Eirug.

1.0    Item 1 - Introductions, Apologies, and Declaration of Interests

1.1    The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting, including Lisa Bowkett to her first meeting as Chief Finance Officer. There was one apology from Aled Eirug.

2.0    Eitem 2 - Cofnodion y cyfarfod a gynhaliwyd ar 18 Tachwedd, Camau Gweithredu a Materion yn Codi

ARAC (25-01) Papur 1 - Cofnodion Drafft 18 Tachwedd 2024

ARAC (25-01) Papur 2 – Crynodeb o’r camau i’w cymryd

ARAC (25-01) Papur 3 – Fframwaith Asesu Seiber

ARAC (25-01) Papur 4 – Adolygiad Porth Bae 32, Camau Gweithredu Cam 2

2.1    Cafodd cofnodion cyfarfod mis Tachwedd eu cymeradwyo a byddant yn cael eu cyhoeddi. Roedd yr amserlen weithredu wedi'i diweddaru gyda chamau gweithredu a oedd yn weddill naill ai wedi'u cwblhau neu wedi'u cynnwys ar yr agenda.

2.3    Gwahoddodd y Cadeirydd Mark Neilson i gyflwyno'r papur yn amlinellu manylion y Fframwaith Asesu Seiber (FfAS) a gwahoddodd gwestiynau gan y Pwyllgor. Disgrifiodd Mark berthnasedd y fframwaith i'r sefyllfa seneddol. Esboniodd fod y FfAS yn darparu dull strwythuredig a fframwaith y gallai archwilwyr ei ddefnyddio i asesu proses reoli risgiau seiber. Nododd hefyd fod deddfwrfeydd eraill yn mabwysiadu’r defnydd ohono ac y byddai hynny'n feincnod defnyddiol ar gyfer cymharu.

2.4    Mewn ymateb i gwestiynau gan y Pwyllgor, esboniodd Mark y byddai asesiad annibynnol yn digwydd ar ffurf archwiliad mewnol, gyda chanllawiau pellach yn cael eu ceisio gan y Ganolfan Seiberddiogelwch Genedlaethol (NCSC). Cytunodd i roi gwybod i'r Pwyllgor am unrhyw ddatblygiadau.

2.0    Item 2 - Approval of Minutes of 18 November, Actions, and Matters Arising

ARAC (25-01) Paper 1 – Draft Minutes of 18 November 2024

ARAC (25-01) Paper 2 – Summary of actions

ARAC (25-01) Paper 3 – Cyber Assessment Framework

ARAC (25-01) Paper 4 – Bay 32 Gateway Review Stage 2 Actions

2.1    The minutes from the November meeting were approved and would be published. The action schedule had been updated with outstanding actions either completed or included on the agenda.

2.2    The Chair invited Mark Neilson to introduce the paper outlining details of the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) and invited questions from the Committee. Mark described the relevance of the framework to the parliamentary setting. He explained that the CAF provided a structured approach and a framework against which the management of cyber risks could be assessed by auditors. He also noted that other legislatures were adopting its use which would provide a useful benchmark for comparison.

2.3    In response to questions from the Committee, Mark explained that an independent assessment would take the form of an internal audit, with further guidance sought from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). He agreed to keep the Committee informed of developments.

3.0    Eitem 3 – Trafod Cynllun Archwilio Mewnol ar gyfer 2025-26

ARAC (25-01) Papur 5 – Strategaeth Archwilio Mewnol 2024-25 i 2026-27

3.1    Cyflwynodd Lee Glover y strategaeth archwilio mewnol tair blynedd, a adolygwyd gan y Pwyllgor ym mis Mai 2024, fel cyfle ar gyfer mewnbwn tuag at gadarnhau cynllun 2025-26.

3.2    Ni nododd y Pwyllgor unrhyw archwiliadau penodol i'w hychwanegu at y strategaeth tair blynedd. Mewn ymateb i gwestiwn ynghylch unrhyw archwiliad dilynol o barhad busnes, a oedd heb ei gynnwys yn y strategaeth, rhoddodd swyddogion ddiweddariad byr ar y cynnydd tuag at gwblhau cynllun parhad busnes corfforaethol a rhaglen waith. Byddai hyn yn cynnwys profion pellach ar gynlluniau parhad busnes, a’r rheini wedi'u llywio gan ymarfer helaeth a gynhaliwyd yn yr hydref.

3.3    Mewn ymateb i gwestiwn pellach gan y Pwyllgor, rhoddodd Lee sicrwydd y byddai'r strategaeth a'r cynlluniau yn rhoi prawf ar effeithiolrwydd rheolaethau ac y byddent yn cael eu hadolygu a'u haddasu i gymryd risgiau sy'n dod i'r amlwg i ystyriaeth.

3.0    Item 3 - Consider Internal Audit Plan for 2025-26

ARAC (25-01) Paper 5 – Internal Audit Strategy 2024-25 to 2026-27

3.1    Lee Glover presented the three-year internal audit strategy which had been reviewed by the Committee in May 2024, as an opportunity for input into confirming the 2025-26 plan.

3.2    The Committee did not identify any specific audits to be added to the three-year strategy. In response to a question around any follow up audit of business continuity, which was not included in the strategy, officials provided a brief update on progress towards finalising a corporate business continuity plan and programme of work. This would include further testing of business continuity plans, informed by an extensive exercise carried out in the Autum.

3.3    In response to a further question from the Committee, Lee provided assurance that the strategy and plans would test the effectiveness of controls and would be reviewed and adapted to take account of emerging risks.

4.0    Eitem 4 - Diweddariad Cynnydd ar y Cynllun Archwilio Mewnol

ARAC (25-01) Papur 6 – Adroddiad Cynnydd ar Archwilio Mewnol – Ionawr 2025

4.1    Amlinellodd Lee y cynnydd a wnaethid yn erbyn cynllun archwilio mewnol 2024-25 a’r amcanion allweddol a’r amserlenni ar gyfer yr archwiliadau sydd i ddod.

4.2    Gwnaeth aelodau'r Pwyllgor sylwadau ar nifer yr archwiliadau sydd i'w cynnal yn y misoedd nesaf. Cydnabu Lee fod y cynllun wedi'i ôl-lwytho ac atgoffodd y Pwyllgor i'r dewis amserlenni gael eu pennu gan y rheolwyr, a bod y rheini wedi ystyried pryd y gallai'r archwiliadau ychwanegu'r gwerth mwyaf. Trafododd y Pwyllgor yr heriau posibl sy’n gysylltiedig â’r dull hwn, yn enwedig yr effaith o ran adnoddau ar swyddogion, a’r angen i ganiatáu amser i aelodau’r Pwyllgor graffu’n briodol ar adroddiadau archwilio.

4.3    Rhoddodd Lee sicrwydd i’r Pwyllgor fod mesurau ar waith i reoli’r heriau hyn er mwyn sicrhau bod yr archwiliadau’n cael eu cynnal yn effeithiol.

4.4    Cytunodd y Pwyllgor ar yr angen i gylchredeg adroddiadau archwilio mewnol yn amserol, gan gynnwys y tu allan i'r Pwyllgor gyda chyfle i drafod mewn cyfarfodydd yn y dyfodol.

Camau i’w cymryd

Cynnwys Cynllun Archwilio Mewnol 2025-26 fel eitem ar agenda cyfarfod mis Mai

Darparu diweddariad ar gynnydd o ran datblygu a chyflawni’r rhaglen parhad busnes yng nghyfarfod mis Tachwedd 2025

4.0    Item 4 - Internal Audit Plan Progress Update

ARAC (25-01) Paper 6 – Internal Audit Progress Report – Jan 2025

4.1    Lee outlined progress against the 2024-25 internal audit plan and the key objectives and timelines for the upcoming audits. 

4.2    Committee members commented on the number of audits due to be carried out in the coming months. Lee acknowledged the plan was back-loaded and reminded the Committee that the preferred timeframes were set by management, and had taken into account when the audits could add most value. The Committee discussed the potential challenges associated with this approach, particularly in relation to the resource impact on officials, and the need to allow time for Committee members to properly scrutinise audit reports. Lee assured the Committee that measures were in place to manage these challenges to ensure that the audits were carried out effectively.

4.3    The Committee agreed on the need for timely circulation of internal audit reports, including out of committee with the opportunity for discussion at future meetings.

Actions

Include the 2025-26 Internal Audit Plan as an agenda item at the May meeting

Provide an update on progress with developing and delivering the business continuity programme at the November 2025 meeting

Archwilio Allanol

5.0    Eitem 5 - Archwilio Cymru – Diweddariad Chwefror

ARAC (25-01) Papur 7 - Diweddariad Chwefror Archwilio Cymru

5.1    Rhoddodd Clare Thomas y wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am y cynllun archwilio allanol ar gyfer 2024-25, gan amlygu’r meysydd ffocws allweddol a’r amserlenni. Roedd y cynllun i'w gyflwyno yng nghyfarfod 9 Mai ond nodwyd y byddai’n cael ei ddosbarthu cyn gynted â phosibl. Cyfeiriwyd at y cynnydd bach yn y ffi archwilio a oedd yn adlewyrchu cynllunio ar y sail na fyddai unrhyw newidiadau sylweddol i’r gofynion cyfrifyddu. Nododd y Cadeirydd y trafodaethau parhaus ynghylch rhannu'r ffi archwilio rhwng y Comisiwn a'r gronfa bensiwn.

5.2    Mewn ymateb i gwestiynau gan y Pwyllgor, amlinellodd Clare y cynlluniau sydd ar y gweill ar gyfer gwaith archwilio interim cynnar ac archwiliad terfynol ychydig yn ddiweddarach i sicrhau set gyflawn o gyfrifon.

External Audit

5.0    Item 5 - Audit Wales – February Update

ARAC (25-01) Paper 7 – Audit Wales February update

5.1    Clare Thomas provided an update on the external audit plan for 2024-25, highlighting the key areas of focus and timelines. The plan was due to be presented at the 9 May meeting but it would be circulated as early as possible. She referred to the slight increase in the audit fee which reflected planning based on there being no significant changes to accounting requirements. The Chair noted ongoing discussions around the division of the audit fee between the Commission and the pension fund.

5.2    In response to questions from the Committee, Clare outlined the planning underway for early interim audit work and a slightly later final audit to ensure a complete set of accounts.

Llywodraethu'r Comisiwn

6.0    Eitem 6 - Strategaeth Pennu Cyllideb (gan gynnwys datblygu cyllideb a phroses y Fframwaith Adnoddau Tymor Canolig)

ARAC (25-01) Papur 8 – Strategaeth Pennu Cyllideb

6.1    Atgoffodd y Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor i’r eitem hon gael ei chynnwys fel cyfle i ystyried proses y gyllideb. Gwahoddodd Lisa Bowkett i ddarparu adolygiad o’r cylch cyllideb blaenorol, yn ogystal â chyflwyno’r strategaeth ar gyfer cyllideb 2026-27, a amlinellwyd yn y papur.

6.2    Tynnodd Lisa sylw at y prif wahaniaethau yn y broses oherwydd y newid sylweddol yn y gyllideb yn ymwneud â Diwygio’r Senedd a’r angen i ymgysylltu mwy ag Aelodau.

6.3    Amlinellodd Hefin y ffyrdd yr oedd ef, a swyddogion, wedi ymgysylltu ag Aelodau yn ystod proses y gyllideb a oedd wedi gweithio’n dda. Roedd hyn wedi arwain at greu’r strategaeth ymgysylltu, a oedd wedi’i chynnwys yn y papur, fel ffordd o godeiddio’r dull gweithredu. Pwysleisiodd bwysigrwydd ymgysylltu gwleidyddol parhaus ac ymhelaethodd ar sut y byddai'r strategaeth hon yn cael ei chyflawni ar gyfer datblygu cyllideb 2026-27.

6.4    Amlinellodd Lisa’r amserlen ar gyfer paratoi cyllideb 2026-27, gan ddechrau gydag adnewyddiad o’r Fframwaith Adnoddau Tymor Canolig ym mis Ebrill, ac yna paratoi’r gyllideb yn fanwl rhwng mis Ebrill a mis Gorffennaf, a’i chwblhau dros yr haf. Tynnodd sylw hefyd at effaith rhaglenni a phrosiectau mawr, fel y rhai sy’n ymwneud â Diwygio’r Senedd a Bae 32, ar y gyllideb.

6.5    Soniodd aelodau’r Pwyllgor am y canlyniad cadarnhaol, a’r ymagwedd broffesiynol a’r strategaeth ymgysylltu sy’n cael eu mabwysiadu. Nodwyd ganddynt hefyd bwysigrwydd gwaith ymgysylltu parhaus, yn enwedig gan y byddai angen cynnydd pellach yn y gyllideb.

6.6    Gofynnodd y Cadeirydd am gael gwybod am y cynnydd gyda'r broses o bennu’r gyllideb ac i ddogfennau allweddol gael eu rhannu â'r tîm Clercio pan fyddant ar gael i'w cynnwys yn Llyfrgell Aelodau ARAC. 

Commission Governance

6.0    Item 6 - Budget Setting Strategy (including budget development and MTRF process)

ARAC (25-01) Paper 8 – Budget Setting Strategy

6.1    The Chair reminded the Committee that this item had been included to provide an opportunity to consider the budget process. He invited Lisa Bowkett to provide a review of the previous budget cycle, as well as presenting the strategy for the 2026-27 budget which was outlined in the paper.

6.2    Lisa highlighted the main differences in the process due to the step change in the budget relating to Senedd Reform and the need to engage more with Members.

6.3    Hefin outlined the ways in which he, and officials, had engaged with Members during the budget process which had worked well. This had led to the creation of the engagement strategy, which was included in the paper, as a way of codifying the approach. He emphasised the importance of continued political engagement and elaborated on how this strategy would be delivered for developing the 2026-27 budget.

6.4    Lisa outlined the timetable for preparing the 2026-27 budget, starting with a refresh of the Medium-Term Resource Framework in April, followed by detailed budget preparation between April and July, and finalisation over the summer. She also highlighted the impact of major programmes and projects such as those relating to Senedd Reform and Bay 32 on the budget.

6.5    Committee members commented on the positive outcome, and the professional approach and engagement strategy being adopted. They also noted the importance of continued engagement activity, particularly as further increases in the budget would be necessary.

6.6    The Chair asked to be kept informed of progress with the budget setting process and for key documentation to be shared with the Clerking team for inclusion in the ARAC Members’ Library when available.  

7.0    Eitem 7 – Adolygiad Blynyddol o Bolisïau Cyfrifyddu

ARAC (25-01) Papur 9 – Adolygiad Blynyddol o Bolisïau Cyfrifyddu 

7.1    Cyflwynodd Lisa Bowkett y papur a oedd yn cynnwys manylion mân newidiadau ar gyfer safonau cyfrifyddu a gofynion datgelu, fel y nodir yn Llawlyfr Adroddiadau Ariannol (FReM) Trysorlys EM. Roedd y newidiadau'n ymwneud yn bennaf â phensiynau a McCloud heb unrhyw effaith sylweddol ar gyfrifon y Comisiwn.

7.2    Nododd y Pwyllgor y diweddariad, gan ddiolch i Clare amdano.

7.0    Item 7 - Annual Review of Accounting Policies

ARAC (25-01) Paper 9 – Annual Review of Accounting Policies

7.1    Lisa Bowkett presented the paper which included details of minor changes for accounting standards and disclosure requirements, as set out in HM Treasury’s Financial Reporting Manual (FReM). The changes related mainly to pensions and McCloud with no significant impact on the Commission’s accounts.

7.2    The Committee noted, and thanked Lisa for the update. 

8.0    Eitem 8 – Adroddiad Diweddaru Llywodraethu

ARAC (25-01) Papur 10 – Adroddiad Diweddaru Llywodraethu – Chwefror 2025

8.1    Cyflwynodd Phil Boshier y papur a oedd yn rhoi’r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am weithgarwch llywodraethu diweddar. Amlygodd y datblygiadau pwysig canlynol:

-       Fframwaith Rheoli Risg – roedd set o ddatganiadau parodrwydd i dderbyn risg wedi cael eu cymeradwyo gan y Comisiwn. Datblygwyd y rhain gyda mewnbwn ac ymgysylltiad da gan y Bwrdd Gweithredol, uwch-swyddogion eraill a Chomisiynwyr, sydd wedi dangos lefel dda o ddealltwriaeth. Byddai'r datganiadau'n cael eu defnyddio i lywio'r broses o wneud penderfyniadau.

-       Fframwaith Sicrwydd – dull diwygiedig ar gyfer casglu sicrwydd i’w gyflwyno i’r Swyddog Cyfrifyddu i lywio’r Datganiad Llywodraethu Blynyddol. Byddai’r newidiadau’n helpu i nodi yn well unrhyw fylchau neu wendidau mewn sicrwydd ac yn caniatáu aliniad gwell â sicrwydd annibynnol, megis sicrwydd gan archwilio mewnol. Hefyd, byddai datganiad sicrwydd ar y cyd gan aelodau'r Bwrdd Gweithredol i'r Swyddog Cyfrifyddu yn cymryd lle datganiadau'r Cyfarwyddwr a luniwyd yn flaenorol.

8.2    Mewn ymateb i gwestiynau gan y Pwyllgor ynghylch y rhesymeg dros newid y dull o gasglu sicrwydd, esboniodd Phil fod hyn yn rhannol mewn ymateb i adborth a gafwyd o waith craffu aelodau ARAC ar ddatganiadau sicrwydd y Cyfarwyddwr ym mis Mawrth 2024. Roedd hyn yn cynnwys awgrymu y gallai'r datganiadau i'r Swyddog Cyfrifyddu fod yn fwy corfforaethol a thrawsbynciol. Amlinellodd Phil hefyd yr amseriadau ar gyfer cwblhau’r gwaith sicrwydd ac eglurodd y byddai’r datganiad sicrwydd corfforaethol sengl a’r dogfennau ategol yn cael eu cyflwyno yn y cyfarfod craffu a drefnwyd ar gyfer 24 Mawrth.

8.3    Mewn ymateb i gwestiynau pellach, rhoddodd Phil sicrwydd i'r Pwyllgor y byddai'r dull casglu sicrwydd yn cael ei werthuso i sicrhau ei fod yn parhau i ddiwallu anghenion y Swyddog Cyfrifyddu, gyda'r bwriad o'i gadw'n gymesur a sicrhau gwelliannau parhaus yn y blynyddoedd i ddod. Hefyd, amlinellodd gynlluniau i weithio gyda pherchnogion risg i fframio'r rheolaethau yn well, i egluro eu perchnogaeth ac i gynnal prawf ar gwmpas ar draws y tair llinell sicrwydd. Mewn perthynas â chwestiynau ynghylch datganiadau parodrwydd i dderbyn risg, amlinellodd Phil y camau i'w cymryd i’w rhoi ar waith a chytunodd i rannu'r datganiadau parodrwydd i dderbyn risg ag aelodau'r Pwyllgor.

Camau i’w cymryd

Phil Boshier i rannu manylion datganiadau parodrwydd i dderbyn risg ag aelodau'r Pwyllgor (papurau presennol).

8.0    Item 8 - Governance Update Report

ARAC (25-01) Paper 10 – Governance Update Report – Feb 2025

8.1    Phil Boshier presented the paper which provided an update on recent governance activity. He highlighted the following important developments:

Risk Management Framework – a set of risk appetite statements had been approved by the Commission. These were developed with input and good engagement by the Executive Board, other senior officials and Commissioners which demonstrated a good level of understanding. The statements would be brought into use to inform decision-making.

8.2    Assurance Framework – a revised approach to gathering assurances to present to the Accounting Officer to inform the Annual Governance Statement. The changes would better aid the identification of any gaps or weaknesses in assurance and allow better alignment with independent assurances, such as those from internal audit. There would also be a collective assurance statement from Executive Board members to the Accounting Officer, replacing the Director statements previously produced.

8.3    In response to questions from the Committee around the rationale for the change of approach to assurance gathering, Phil explained that this was partly in response to feedback received from ARAC members’ scrutiny of the Director assurance statements in March 2024. This included suggesting that the statements to the Accounting Officer could be more corporate and cross-cutting. Phil also outlined timings for completion of the assurance work and clarified that the single corporate assurance statement and supporting documentation would be presented at the scrutiny meeting scheduled for 24 March.

8.4    In response to further questions, Phil assured the Committee that the assurance gathering approach would be evaluated to ensure it continued to meet the Accounting Officer’s needs, with a view to keeping it proportionate and continuous improvements in future years. He also outlined plans to work with risk owners to better frame the controls, to clarify their ownership and to test coverage across the three lines of assurance. In relation to questions around risk appetite statements, Phil outlined the steps to be taken to bring their use into operation and agreed to share the risk appetite statements with the Committee members.

Action

Phil Boshier to share details of risk appetite statements with Committee members (existing papers).

9.0    Eitem 9 - Diweddariad ar Ddefnyddio Deallusrwydd Artiffisial (AI) ar draws y Comisiwn

Eitem lafar

9.1    Rhoddodd Arwyn Jones ddiweddariad ar y defnydd o Ddeallusrwydd Artiffisial (AI) o’i safbwynt ef fel Cadeirydd y Grŵp Cyfleoedd AI, gan nodi ei fod hefyd yn gweithio'n agos gyda Matthew Richards, Uwch-berchennog Risg Gwybodaeth a Chadeirydd y Grŵp Llywodraethu AI. Roedd y ddau grŵp yn gweithio'n dda ac roedd yr adborth a geir bob mis gan y rhai sydd â thrwyddedau i brofi CoPilot yn dangos achosion o effeithlonrwydd. Roedd yr adborth, a oedd yn ymwneud â defnydd, cynhyrchiant, hygyrchedd a llesiant, hefyd yn cael ei ddefnyddio i lywio gwelliannau i CoPilot, mewn deialog â Microsoft. Ar y cyfan, roedd dull y Comisiwn yn un gofalus ac wedi’i arwain gan egwyddorion llywodraethu ond roedd swyddogion yn cydnabod y cyfleoedd posibl y gallai AI eu cynnig. 

9.2    Nododd Arwyn a Matthew ddatblygiadau o ran polisi AI y Comisiwn a rheoli risgiau, a bod gwaith ar fin dechrau ar hyfforddiant a chanllawiau ar gyfer cyflwyno nifer o drwyddedau CoPilot i grwpiau’r pleidiau. Cytunodd Arwyn i rannu rhagor o fanylion â'r Pwyllgor ar gynigion ar gyfer defnyddio AI yn y dyfodol a oedd wedi’u cyflwyno i'r Comisiwn.

9.3    Croesawodd y Cadeirydd y datblygiadau hyn a gwahoddodd gwestiynau gan y Pwyllgor. Hefyd, gwahoddodd Clare Thomas i roi sylwadau ar y dull a ddefnyddir gan Archwilio Cymru o ran defnyddio AI. Er iddi gydnabod y potensial i wella effeithlonrwydd ac effeithiolrwydd prosesau archwilio yn sylweddol, pwysleisiodd Clare bwysigrwydd defnyddio deallusrwydd artiffisial yn ofalus, yn enwedig wrth drin data cleientiaid.

9.4    Amlinellodd y camau sy'n cael eu cymryd i sicrhau bod AI yn cael ei ddefnyddio'n gyfrifol ac yn foesegol, gyda ffocws ar gynnal diogelwch data a phreifatrwydd.

9.5    Cytunodd Validera hefyd â’r dull pwyllog sy’n cael ei fabwysiadu gan Archwilio Cymru, gan nodi’r potensial i dynnu allan themâu cyffredin ar draws amrywiaeth o archwiliadau, ond nid oedd yn gweld AI yn symleiddio prosesau pen blaen archwilio mewnol.

9.6    Roedd Arwyn am roi sicrwydd i'r Pwyllgor fod pryderon cymdeithasol yn cael eu hystyried, gan gynnwys drwy gynrychiolaeth undebau llafur ar y grŵp cyfleoedd. Ychwanegodd y byddai effeithlonrwydd a geir drwy ddefnyddio AI yn rhyddhau adnoddau i wneud mwy o waith gwerth ychwanegol, yn hytrach na chymryd lle staff. Roedd y Senedd yn arwain ar sawl agwedd ar AI a dylid canmol Mark Neilson am gydgysylltu â deddfwrfeydd eraill sydd â diddordeb yn null y Senedd ac a ystyrir yn arweinwyr yn y maes. Roedd swyddogion hefyd yn gweithio gyda Microsoft ar welliannau megis y defnydd o drawsgrifiadau a materion yn ymwneud ag adnabod y Gymraeg.

9.7    Cydnabu’r Pwyllgor y dull cadarnhaol o ddefnyddio AI a nododd y byddai’n croesawu diweddariadau yn y dyfodol ar bob agwedd ar AI. 

Camau i’w cymryd

Arwyn i rannu gwybodaeth bellach (papurau presennol) ar y defnydd o AI

9.0    Item 9 - Update on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the Commission

Oral item

9.1    Arwyn Jones provided an update on the use of AI from his perspective as Chair of the AI Opportunities Group, noting that he was also working closely with Matthew Richards, SIRO and Chair of the AI Governance Group. 9.2      Both groups were working well and feedback gathered monthly from those with test CoPilot licences was demonstrating some efficiencies. The feedback, which covered use, productivity, accessibility, and well-being, was also being used to inform improvements to CoPilot, in dialogue with Microsoft. Overall, the Commission’s approach was cautious and led by governance principles but officials recognised the potential opportunities AI could bring.  

9.3    Arwyn and Matthew noted developments in terms of the Commission’s AI policy and the management of risks, and that work was due to begin on training and guidance for rolling out a number of CoPilot licences to the party groups. Arwyn agreed to share further details with the Committee on proposals for the future use of AI which had been presented to the Commission.

9.4    The Chair welcomed these developments and invited questions from the Committee. He also invited Clare Thomas to comment on the approach being taken by Audit Wales on the use of AI. Whilst recognising the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of audit processes, Clare stressed the importance of careful and cautious use of AI, particularly in handling client data. She outlined the steps being taken to ensure that AI was used responsibly and ethically, with a focus on maintaining data security and privacy.

9.5    Validera also agreed with the cautious approach being adopted by Audit Wales, noting the potential to pull out common themes across a variety of audits, but did not see AI streamlining front-end internal audit processes. 

9.6    Arwyn wanted to reassure the Committee that societal concerns were being considered, including through trade union representation on the opportunities group. He added that efficiencies from using AI would free up resource to do more value-added work, as opposed to replacing staff. The Senedd was leading on many aspects of AI and Mark Neilson should be credited for liaising with other legislatures who were interested in the Senedd’s approach and seen as leading the way. Officials were also working with Microsoft on improvements such as the use of transcriptions and issues around Welsh language recognition.

9.7    The Committee recognised the positive approach to the use of AI and would welcome future updates on all aspects of AI.   

Action

Arwyn to share further information (existing papers) on the use of AI

10.0  Eitem 10 – Adrodd ar Achosion o Dorri Diogelwch Data

ARAC (24-01) Papur 11 – Torri Diogelwch Data

10.1  Cyflwynodd Matthew Richards yr adroddiad yn ystod y flwyddyn ar doriadau diogelwch data. Eglurodd y bu dau doriad cymharol fach ac nad oedd angen hysbysu Swyddfa'r Comisiynydd Gwybodaeth (ICO) am y naill na’r llall gan nad oeddent yn niweidio buddiannau unrhyw unigolyn i bob pwrpas.

10.2  Nododd y Pwyllgor y papur, gan ddiolch Matthew amdano.

10.0     Item 10 - In-Year Report on Data Breaches

ARAC (24-01) Paper 11 – Data Breaches

10.1  Matthew Richards presented the in-year report on data breaches. He explained that there had been two relatively minor breaches, neither of which were reportable to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) as they did not effectively damage any individual's interests.

10.2  The Committee noted, and thanked Matthew for the paper. 

11.0  Eitem 11 – Risgiau Corfforaethol

ARAC (25-01) Papur 12 - Risgiau Corfforaethol

ARAC (25-01) Papur 12 - Atodiad A - Crynodeb o’r Gofrestr o Risgiau Corfforaethol

ARAC (25-01) Papur 12 – Atodiad B - Risgiau corfforaethol a nodwyd

11.1  Adolygodd y Pwyllgor y risgiau corfforaethol, gan nodi na fu unrhyw newidiadau sylweddol ers y cyfarfod diwethaf, heblaw am ychwanegu ac yna dileu risg yn ymwneud â meddalwedd deddfwriaeth a oedd wedi cael ei datrys i raddau helaeth.

11.2  Mewn ymateb i gwestiynau gan aelodau’r Pwyllgor, nododd swyddogion fod Rhaglen y Seithfed Senedd yn darparu mesurau lliniaru ar gyfer risgiau sy’n ymwneud â chanlyniad yr etholiad nesaf. Roedd y risg gorfforaethol ar Ddiwygio’r Senedd hefyd yn rhoi gwybodaeth i’r Pwyllgor am reoli risg, ac yn cynnwys manylion ynghylch cynllunio senarios. Roedd y Pwyllgor hefyd yn cael gwybodaeth yn rheolaidd gan ddangosfyrddau ar gynnydd Rhaglen y Seithfed Senedd a’r Rhaglen Ffyrdd o Weithio. Awgrymodd y Cadeirydd y gellid trefnu sesiwn friffio ar y Seithfed Senedd mewn cyfarfod yn y dyfodol.

11.3  Bu'r Pwyllgor yn trafod meysydd risg i'w hystyried mewn cyfarfodydd yn y dyfodol, gan gynnwys y rhai sy'n ymwneud ag urddas a pharch a chapasiti. Nododd hefyd yr asesiad parhaus o risgiau yn ymwneud â chymorth y Comisiwn i Aelodau mewn ymateb i waith y Bwrdd Taliadau Annibynnol.

11.4  Nododd y Pwyllgor y diweddariadau i’r gofrestr risgiau.

11.0  Item 11 - Corporate Risks

ARAC (25-01) Paper 12 – Corporate Risk

ARAC (25-01) Paper 12 – Annex A -  Summary Corporate Risk Register

ARAC (25-01) Paper 12 - Annex B – Corporate Risks plotted

11.1  The Committee reviewed the corporate risks, noting that there had been no significant changes since the last meeting, other than the addition and subsequent removal of a risk relating to legislation software which had been largely resolved.

11.2  In response to questions from Committee members, officials noted that the Seventh Senedd Programme provided mitigation for risks relating to the outcome of the next election. The corporate risk on Senedd Reform also provided the Committee with information on the management of risk, and included details of scenario planning. The Committee were also receiving the regular dashboards on progress of the Seventh Senedd and Ways of Working programmes. The Chair suggested that a briefing session on the Seventh Senedd could be arranged at a future meeting. 

11.3  The Committee discussed areas of risk for consideration at future meetings, including those around dignity and respect and capacity. It also noted the ongoing assessment of risks relating to the Commission’s support for Members in response to the work of the Independent Remuneration Board.

11.4  The Committee noted the updates to the risk register. 

12.0  Eitem 12 – Archwiliad beirniadol o Un Risg Gorfforaethol neu Bwnc Amserol a Nodwyd – Prosiectau Ystadau Diwygio’r Senedd

Eitem lafar (yn cyfeirio at y diweddariad yn y Gofrestr Risg Gorfforaethol - eitem 11)

12.1  Rhoddodd Ed Williams, Nicky Morgan a James Herman ddiweddariad ar y prosiectau ystadau, gan gynnwys gwaith yn Nhŷ Hywel a’r Siambr. Eglurwyd bod y prosiectau'n mynd rhagddynt yn dda, gyda cherrig milltir allweddol yn cael eu cyrraedd a materion yn cael sylw'n brydlon.

12.2  Drwy gydol y prosiectau, roedd James a’i dîm wedi ymgysylltu’n barhaus ag Aelodau, Penaethiaid Staff a Chadeiryddion Pleidiau drwy drefnu sesiynau galw heibio yn ystod y Cyfarfod Llawn a thrwy fynd i gyfarfodydd grwpiau, gyda’r opsiynau dylunio terfynol yn cael eu cyflwyno ym mis Rhagfyr 2024.

12.3  Tynnodd James sylw at rai newidiadau allweddol i’r Siambr o ran hygyrchedd ynghyd ag ystyriaethau eraill megis goleuo ac acwsteg. Nodwyd y byddai Siambr Hywel yn Nhŷ Hywel yn cael ei defnyddio yn lle Siambr y Senedd am gyfnod o naw mis o fis Ebrill 2025.

12.4  Nodwyd hefyd y byddai adeilad y Senedd yn parhau i fod ar agor i'r cyhoedd a bod y tîm ystadau yn gweithio'n agos gyda staff Gwasanaethau’r Pwyllgorau a staff y Gwasanaeth Ymgysylltu i darfu cyn lleied â phosibl ar staff a rhanddeiliaid eraill.

12.5  Trafododd y Pwyllgor yr angen am linellau atebolrwydd clir a diweddariadau rheolaidd ar ddatblygiadau prosiectau er mwyn sicrhau bod yr holl randdeiliaid yn cael y wybodaeth ddiweddaraf.

12.6  Ar y cyfan, cafodd y Pwyllgor ei sicrhau gan y cynnydd a oedd yn cael ei wneud ar y prosiectau ystadau a diolchodd i bawb a gymerodd ran am eu gwaith hyd hynny.

12.0  Item 12 - Critical Examination of One Identified Corporate Risk or Topical Issue – Senedd Reform Driven Estates Projects

Oral item (referring to the update in the Corporate Risk Register - item 11)

12.1  Ed Williams, Nicky Morgan and James Herman provided an update on the estates projects, including works in Tŷ Hywel and the Siambr. They explained that the projects were progressing well, with key milestones being met and any issues being addressed promptly.

12.2  Throughout the projects, James and his team had continuously engaged with Members, Chiefs of Staff and Party Chairs by arranging drop-in sessions during Plenary and attending group meetings, with final design options being presented in December 2024. 

12.3  James highlighted some key accessibility changes to the Siambr along with other considerations such a lighting and acoustics. Siambr Hywel in Tŷ Hywel would be used as a replacement to the Senedd Siambr for a nine month period from April 2025. 

12.4  It was also noted that the Senedd building would remain open to the public and the estates team were working closely with staff in Committee Services and the Engagement Service to minimise disruption to staff and other stakeholders.

12.5  The Committee discussed the need for clear lines of accountability and regular updates on project developments to ensure that all stakeholders were kept informed.

12.6  Overall, the Committee was assured by the progress being made on the estates projects and thanked all those involved for their work to date. 

13.0  Eitem 13 – Crynodeb o'r ymadawiadau

ARAC (25-01) Papur 13 – Crynodeb o’r ymadawiadau

13.1  Nododd y Pwyllgor un achos o wyro oddi ar y gweithdrefnau caffael arferol.

Busnes Pwyllgor

14.0  Eitem 14 – Blaenraglen Waith

ARAC (25-01) Papur 14 - Y Flaenraglen Waith

14.1  Atgoffodd y Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor, pe na bai angen ei ddefnyddio ar gyfer argymell llofnodi'r cyfrifon, y byddai’r cyfarfod ym mis Gorffennaf yn gyfle am drafodaethau llai ffurfiol ar weithgarwch ehangach y Comisiwn.

14.2  Ystyriodd y Pwyllgor feysydd megis datgarboneiddio a'r Cynllun Ieithoedd Swyddogol a oedd wedi cael eu hystyried yn llai ffurfiol yn y gorffennol ac awgrymodd y dylid rhoi sylw i feysydd yn ymwneud â phobl mewn cyfarfodydd i ddod. Awgrymodd y Cadeirydd y gallai hyn gynnwys Urddas a Pharch a Chynllun y Gweithlu (yn ymwneud â risg Gallu a Chapasiti Corfforaethol). Gofynnodd hefyd am ddiweddariad ar y prosiectau ystadau yn yr hydref a nodwyd y byddai hwn yn cael ei gynnwys yn eitemau’r diweddariadau corfforaethol fel mater o drefn.

14.3  Trafododd y Pwyllgor gyfraddau ymateb Aelodau a staff cymorth ar gyfer arolygon Urddas a Pharch a gofynnodd i swyddogion rannu manylion unrhyw gamau gweithredu arfaethedig i gynyddu cyfranogiad yn y dyfodol.

14.4  Yn ystod y cyfarfod, roedd y Pwyllgor hefyd wedi gofyn am ddiweddariadau ar barhad busnes a fydd yn cael eu cynnwys yn y Diweddariad ar Lywodraethu yng nghyfarfod mis Tachwedd, a diweddariad ar y defnydd o AI a fydd yn cael ei ddarparu o dan yr eitem ar risg gorfforaethol mewn cyfarfodydd yn y dyfodol.

Camau i’w cymryd

Cynnwys yr eitemau canlynol yn y Flaenraglen Waith:

-      Urddas a Pharch; a

-      Chynllun y Gweithlu (yn ymwneud â'r risg Gallu a Chapasiti Corfforaethol).

Committee Business

14.0  Item 14 - Forward Work Programme

ARAC (25-01) Paper 14 – Forward Work Programme

14.1  The Chair reminded the Committee that, should the July meeting not be needed for recommending the signing of the accounts, it would be an opportunity for less formal discussions on wider Commission activity.

14.2  The Committee reflected on areas such as decarbonisation and the Official Languages Scheme, which had been considered less formally in the past, and suggested covering areas relating to people at forthcoming meetings. The Chair suggested this could cover Dignity and Respect and the Workforce Plan (related to the Corporate Capacity and Capability risk). He also requested an update on the estates projects in the Autumn and it was noted this would be covered by the corporate update items as a matter of course.

14.3  The Committee discussed Member and support staff response rates for Dignity and Respect surveys and asked officials to share details of any proposed actions to increase future participation.

14.4  During the meeting, the Committee had also requested updates on business continuity which would be included in the Governance Update at the November meeting, and an update on the use of AI which would be provided under the corporate risk item at future meetings.

Action
Include the following items on the Forward Work Programme:

-      Dignity and Respect; and

-      Workforce Plan (related to the Corporate Capacity and Capability risk).

15.0  Eitem 15 - Adroddiad Blynyddol ARAC – Meysydd i'w Cynnwys

Eitem lafar (dosbarthwyd Adroddiad Blynyddol ARAC y llynedd y tu allan i'r Pwyllgor cyn y cyfarfod)

15.1  Oherwydd amserlen cyfarfodydd y Comisiwn eleni, bydd Adroddiad Blynyddol ARAC yn cael ei gynhyrchu yn gynharach yn y flwyddyn nag arfer.

Trafododd y Pwyllgor y meysydd i'w cynnwys, gan ganolbwyntio ar y newidiadau llywodraethu, trefniadau archwilio mewnol, newidiadau llywodraethu prosiectau a rhaglenni, a newidiadau o ran uwch-reolwyr ar lefel y Bwrdd Gweithredol.

15.2  Hefyd, trafododd y Pwyllgor sut y gellid gwneud yr adroddiad yn ddogfen fyrrach gyda gwybodaeth atodol yn cael ei chynnwys fel atodiadau.

15.3  Oherwydd yr amserlen dynn, byddai'r Clerc a'r Cadeirydd yn croesawu sylwadau a mewnbwn y Pwyllgor drwy e-bost. Nodwyd hefyd efallai y byddai angen cymeradwyo’r adroddiad y tu allan i’r Pwyllgor os na chytunir ar ddrafft cyn y cyfarfod ar 9 Mai.

15.0  Item 15 - ARAC Annual Report – Areas for Inclusion

Oral item (last year’s ARAC Annual Report was circulated out of committee ahead of the meeting)

15.1  Due to the schedule of Commission meetings this year, the production of the ARAC Annual Report would be earlier in the year than normal.

15.2  The Committee discussed the areas for inclusion, with a focus on the governance changes, internal audit arrangements, project and programme governance changes and senior management changes at Executive Board level.

15.3  The Committee also discussed how the report might be a shorter document with supplementary information included as annexes. 

15.4  Due to the tight turnaround, the Clerk and Chair would welcome comments and the Committee’s input by email. It might also be necessary to approve the report out of committee if a draft was not agreed ahead of the 9 May meeting. 

Y Wybodaeth Ddiweddaraf am Faterion Corfforaethol

16.0  Eitem 16 – Prosiect Pobl a Thaliadau (System Adnoddau Dynol/y Gyflogres)

Eitem lafar

16.1  Rhoddodd Eve Jennings ddiweddariad ar y Prosiect Pobl a Chydnabyddiaeth, gan amlygu’r cerrig milltir allweddol a’r cynnydd a oedd wedi cael ei wneud. Disgrifiodd y pontio effeithiol i system newydd Adnoddau Dynol/y Gyflogres a oedd wedi mynd yn fyw ym mis Ionawr. 

16.2  Roedd arddangosiadau wedi'u cyflwyno i staff y Comisiwn fel rhan o'r prosiect, ac roedd Cymorth Busnes i’r Aelodau hefyd wedi cynnal sesiynau galw heibio i ddangos y system newydd i'r Aelodau a'u staff cymorth.

16.3  Cafwyd problem gyda'r darparwr gwasanaeth yn ymwneud â chodau cynnau Cyllid a Thollau EF ond cafodd hyn ei ddatrys mewn pryd ar gyfer y dyddiad mynd yn fyw. Roedd nifer o faterion heb eu datrys, gan gynnwys y rhai sy'n ymwneud â Chynllun Pensiwn yr Aelodau a MyCSP, yr oedd atebion ar eu cyfer yn debygol o fod ar waith tan fis Ebrill. Gofynnodd y Pwyllgor am gael y wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am y rhain, a gweithredu rhannau eraill o'r system yn llawn (gweler paragraff 16.4) maes o law.

16.4  Cafwyd problem gyda'r darparwr gwasanaeth yn ymwneud â chodau cynnau Cyllid a Thollau EF ond cafodd y rhain eu datrys mewn pryd cyn y dyddiad ar gyfer mynd yn fyw. Roedd gan Gynllun Pensiwn yr Aelodau a MyCSP broblemau parhaus gyda datrysiadau dros dro yn debygol o fod ar waith tan fis Ebrill.

16.5  Roedd cyfarfod i drafod y gwersi a ddysgwyd wedi'i drefnu gyda'r darparwr gwasanaeth. Roedd Efa yn gobeithio y byddai'r materion a godwyd gan y Comisiwn yn helpu prosiectau'r darparwr gwasanaeth yn y dyfodol. 16.6    Roedd paratoadau ar gyfer cyflawni cam 2 o’r prosiect wedi'u datblygu'n dda. Byddai’r rhain yn cynnwys y cyfleuster i gofnodi amser hyblyg, a'r System Rheoli Dysgu. 

16.7  Rhoddodd Ed (Uwch-swyddog Cyfrifol y prosiect) sicrwydd pellach ynghylch dogfennu'r materion a oedd wedi codi a'r gwersi a ddysgwyd. Cafodd Eve ei chanmol ganddo ef a’r Pwyllgor am ei gwaith a'i hymroddiad i'r prosiect hwn a diolchwyd i bawb a oedd wedi cymryd rhan. Fe ddiolchodd Eve i'r Pwyllgor am ei fewnbwn. 

Corporate Updates

16.0  Item 16 - People and Remuneration Project (HR/Payroll System)

Oral item

16.1  Eve Jennings provided an update on the People and Remuneration Project, highlighting the key milestones and progress made. She described the effective transition to the new HR/payroll system which went live in January.  

16.2  Demonstrations to Commission staff had been delivered as part of the project, and the Members’ Business Support had also held drop-in sessions for Members and their support staff to demonstrate the new system.

16.3  There had been an issue with the service provider relating to HMRC activation codes but this had been resolved in time for the go-live date.

16.4  There were a number of issues outstanding, including those relating to the Members’ Pension Scheme and MyCSP, for which workarounds were likely to be in place until April. The Committee asked to be updated on these, and the full implementation of other parts of the system (see paragraph 16.4) in due course.

16.5  A lessons learned meeting had been scheduled with the service provider. Eve hoped that the issues raised by the Commission would help future projects undertaken by the service provider. Preparations for delivery of phase 2 of the project were well developed. This would include the facility to record flexi time, and the Learning Management System.   

16.6  Ed (project SRO) provided further assurance around documentation of the issues which arose and lessons learned. He, and the Committee, praised Eve for her work and dedication to this project and thanked all those involved. Eve also thanked the Committee for its input.  

17.0  Eitem 17 – Ffyrdd o Weithio

Eitem lafar - mae rhai manylion yn absennol o’r cofnodion hyn am resymau cyfrinachedd masnachol

17.1  Rhoddodd Ed Williams ddiweddariad ar y Rhaglen Ffyrdd o Weithio, gan amlygu'r meysydd ffocws allweddol a'r cynnydd a wnaed. Roedd yr achos busnes amlinellol ar gyfer prosiect Bae 32 wedi'i gymeradwyo gan y Comisiwn ac roedd yr hysbysiad contract wedi'i gyhoeddi. Amlinellodd Ed hefyd yr amserlen ar gyfer y prosiect a oedd yn rhedeg ar ei hôl hi bryd hynny.

17.2  Amlinellodd Ed nifer o weithgareddau a cherrig milltir allweddol ar gyfer y misoedd i ddod. Yna, disgrifiodd yr adnoddau mewnol sydd ar waith a'r llinellau atebolrwydd clir. Ymatebodd hefyd i gwestiynau ynghylch yr adnoddau ar gyfer y prosiect a'r broses gaffael. Roedd hyn yn cynnwys ymateb i gwestiynau ynghylch cyfleoedd i gyflenwyr Cymreig, ac amrywiaeth a gwerth cymdeithasol wedi'u cynnwys yn y telerau ac amodau, a sicrhaodd Ed fod y Pwyllgor yn gweithredu yn unol â Strategaeth Gaffael y Comisiwn. 17.3      Fel y trefnwyd ym mlaenraglen waith y Pwyllgor, bydd diweddariad pellach ar y prosiectau ystadau yn cael ei ddarparu yn yr hydref.

17.4  Croesawodd y Pwyllgor y diweddariad manwl gan Ed ar y rhaglen hon a gofynnodd am gael gwybod am y cynnydd a wneir.     

17.0  Item 17 - Ways of Working

Oral item - some details have not been captured in these minutes due to the commercial confidentiality 

17.1  Ed Williams provided an update on the Ways of Working Programme, highlighting the key areas of focus and progress made. The outline business case for the Bay 32 project had been approved by the Commission and the contract notice had been issued. Ed also outlined the timeline for the project which was currently running behind schedule. 

17.2  Ed outlined a number of key activities and milestones over the coming months. He then described the internal resources in place and the clear lines of accountability. He also responded to questions around the resources for the project and the procurement process. This included responding to questions around opportunities for Welsh suppliers, and diversity and social value included in terms and conditions, which Ed assured the Committee were in line with the Commission’s Procurement Strategy. As scheduled in the Committee’s forward work programme, a further update on the estates projects would be provided in the Autumn. 

17.3  The Committee welcomed the detailed update from Ed on this programme and asked to be kept informed of progress.    

18.0  Eitem 18 - Rhaglen y Seithfed Senedd

Eitem lafar

18.1  Rhoddodd Anna Daniel ddiweddariad ar y Rhaglen Ffyrdd o Weithio, gan amlygu'r meysydd ffocws allweddol a'r cynnydd a wnaed. Amlinellodd y gwaith sy'n cael ei wneud gan y gwahanol bwyllgorau, y byddai angen i'r Comisiwn ymateb iddo. Roedd hyn yn cynnwys gwaith Pwyllgor Senedd y Dyfodol, sydd i fod i gyflwyno adroddiad ym mis Mai, y Pwyllgor Busnes, Pwyllgor Biliau Diwygio’r Senedd, a’r Pwyllgor Safonau Ymddygiad.

18.2  Rhoddodd Anna hefyd y wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am y gwaith sy'n cael ei wneud gan y Bwrdd Taliadau Annibynnol a'i ddeialog barhaus â’r Comisiwn. Nodwyd y byddai'r Bwrdd yn gweithio i'w gapasiti llawn cyn hir pan fyddai recriwtio i ddwy swydd wag yn cael ei gymeradwyo. Roedd wrthi bryd hynny yn ymgynghori ar gymorth i’r Aelodau a fydd yn gadael eu swydd yn yr etholiad nesaf, ac roedd wedi bod yn ymgysylltu ag Aelodau a'u staff cymorth ar ei adolygiad cyflog a graddfeydd mewn perthynas â fframwaith ar gyfer rolau swyddi yn y dyfodol. Dywedwyd y byddai ymgynghoriad llawn yn dilyn ac y byddai hyn yn pennu cyfanswm y lwfans a ddarperir ar gyfer y Seithfed Senedd. Roedd swyddogion yn asesu'r risgiau o ran cefnogi Aelodau drwy'r newidiadau hyn.

18.3 O ran y gwaith sy’n cael ei wneud gan y Comisiwn, tynnodd Anna sylw at y strategaeth cyfathrebu ac ymgysylltu, cynlluniau pontio ar gyfer etholiadau, sesiynau briffio rheolaidd i’r Comisiwn ar gyflawni Rhaglen y Seithfed Senedd, a pharodrwydd busnes. Roedd hyn yn cynnwys adolygu'r tybiaethau cyffredin a chynllunio senarios manwl.

18.4  Croesawodd y Cadeirydd yr awgrym i rannu dogfennaeth ychwanegol â’r Pwyllgor. Cytunodd Anna i ystyried beth a allai fod yn fuddiol i’w rannu y tu hwnt i'r diweddariadau corfforaethol llafar a diweddariadau risg ym mhob cyfarfod, a dangosfwrdd y Bwrdd Newid sy’n cael ei rannu â’r Pwyllgor yn rheolaidd, a nododd y byddai'n trafod y mater â'r Cadeirydd.  

18.0  Item 18 - Seventh Senedd Programme

Oral item

18.1  Anna Daniel provided an update on the Seventh Senedd Programme, highlighting the key areas of focus and progress made. She outlined the work being taken forward by the various committees, on which the Commission would need to respond. This included the work of the Future Senedd Committee, which was due to report in May, the Business Committee, the Senedd Reform Bill Committee, and the Standards of Conduct Committee.

18.2  Anna also provided an update on the work being taken forward by the Independent Remuneration Board and its ongoing dialogue with the Commission. The Board would shortly be working at full capacity when recruitment to two vacancies had been approved. It was currently consulting on the support for Members leaving office at the next election, and had been engaging with Members and their support staff on its pay and grading review in relation to a framework for future job roles. A full consultation would follow and this would determine the total allowance provision for the Seventh Senedd. Officials were assessing the risks in terms of supporting Members through these changes.

18.3  In terms of the work being taken forward by the Commission, Anna highlighted the communication and engagement strategy, plans for election transition, regular briefings to the Commission on delivery of the Seventh Senedd Programme and business preparedness. This included reviewing the common assumptions and detailed scenario planning.

18.4  The Chair welcomed the suggestion of sharing additional documentation with the Committee. Anna agreed to consider what could be usefully shared over and above the oral corporate updates and risk updates at each meeting, and the Change Board dashboard which the Committee received regularly, and would discuss this with the Chair.     

Unrhyw fater arall

19.0  Eitem 19 – Unrhyw fater arall

Eitem lafar

19.1  Ni chodwyd unrhyw fater arall.

Nodwyd y byddai sesiwn breifat gyda Lee Glover, Pennaeth Archwilio Mewnol ac aelodau'r Pwyllgor yn cael ei haildrefnu.

Mae’r cyfarfod nesaf wedi’i drefnu ar gyfer 9 Mai 2025.

AOB

19.0  Item 19 - Any Other Business

Oral item

19.1  No other business was raised.

A private session with Lee Glover, Head of Internal Audit and members of the Committee would be rescheduled.

Next meeting is scheduled for 9 May 2025.