Providing written evidence to Committee Inquiries Tom Jackson Policy and Legislation Committee Service Tom.Jackson@assembly.wales Graham Winter Research Service Graham.Winter@assembly.wales

What we’ll cover today How committees select inquiries Submitting written evidence to committee inquiries How committees select witnesses to give oral evidence

How do committees choose their inquiries?

Potential Influences: – Committee Members’ political interests and ideas (including issues raised by constituents) – Stakeholders’ suggestions – Researchers’ analysis of topical/forthcoming issues – Other ‘proceedings’ within the National Assembly for Wales Which includes: Legislation, Legislative Consent Motions, Budget Scrutiny, Constitutional Issues, Legacy Reports from predecessor committees, Petition referrals, Wales Audit Office report referrals, etc.

What is effective written evidence?

Why do Committees gather written evidence? Scrutiny Committees use written evidence to hold the Welsh Government to account and to scrutinise proposals for new pieces of legislation. Committees gather evidence in a variety of ways but written evidence is often the bedrock of the work it completes. Good written evidence informs a Committee about any issues or problems, provides evidence to support its views and when appropriate makes clear and concrete recommendations for change.

How is written evidence used? A call for written evidence will be issued alongside either terms of reference and/or a series of consultation questions. Written evidence is sometimes used to select which organisations/individuals will be invited to give oral evidence to a Committee. It will be read and summarised by researchers and used as the basis for written briefings to the Committee. It will be read by Members and used to question witnesses and Ministers. It will often be included in a summary of written evidence to support the Committee’s final considerations. It will inform the Committee’s final report and recommendations.

What makes effective written evidence? Be concise and relevant – ideally four or five sides of A4 at the most Follow the Terms of Reference/Consultation questions Be specific: identify any problems, explain why there might be an issue and if relevant provide a recommendation for change. If possible/appropriate prioritise any recommendations you have made. Think about the absolutely key message/messages you want to leave with Members.

What makes effective written evidence? Avoid just giving your opinions on an issue. Use specific examples or provide evidence to back up statements. Respond to the consultation questions but you don’t need to respond to them all if you don’t want to. Stick to your areas of expertise. You can also identify any specific issues you feel aren’t covered by the questions. Don’t include Annexes; hyperlinks (or footnotes) are a better way of linking to further information if needed. Responding by the deadline is really important or let us know if you can’t.

Effective written evidence: Example Friends of the Earth Cymru: Submission to the Environment (Wales) Bill http://www.senedd.assembly.wales/documents/s41947/Paper%2012.pdf

For advice on formatting written evidence: see http://www.assembly.wales/en/bus-home/committees/gettinginvolved/Pages/Preparing-evidence.aspx#HowPutTogether And also…

How do committees choose who to invite to give oral evidence?

Influences: Spread of opinion/perspectives; Time; Scrutiny of Welsh Government; Availability of witnesses/use of panels; Further exploration of issues raised in written evidence.

Informal evidence gathering

Informal methods of gathering evidence: Online platforms (Dialogue, Loomio) Surveys Video interviews Web-chats Workshops Focus groups Citizens panels Events

What we’ve covered How committees select inquiries Submitting written evidence to committee inquiries How committees select witnesses

We’re done. Any more questions?