The National Assembly Commissioner for Standards
Mr Richard Penn was appointed on 15th March 2005 as the National Assembly's First Commissioner for Standards. The appointment is made in accordance with the Assembly's Standing Orders, and as such is non-statutory. Standing Order 33.1 provides for the appointment of a person who is not an Assembly Member or a member of its staff to act as the Commissioner for Standards. The main duties of the Commissioner are:
- ·to investigate factual matters arising out of any complaint against a Member;
- ·to advise the Committee on Standards of Conduct on any matters of general principle relating to the standards of conduct of Members;
- ·to advise the Committee on Standards of Conduct on any matters of general principle relating to the Registration of Members' Interests and the Recording of Membership of Societies; and
- ·otherwise render such assistance on matters relating to the standards of conduct of Members as the Assembly may from time to time decide.
