Gerard Elias QC

Gerard Elias was appointed on 17 November 2010 as the National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards.  The appointment of an independent statutory Commissioner was made in accordance with the National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009.

The main duties of the Commissioner are to:

• receive any complaint that the conduct of an Assembly Member has, at a relevant time, failed to comply with a requirement of a relevant provision;

• investigate any such complaint in accordance with the provisions of this Measure;

• report to the Assembly the outcome of any such investigation; and

• advise Assembly Members and members of the public about the procedures for making and investigating complaints.

Further to the above, the Commissioner may also give advice to the Assembly on:

• any matter of general principle relating to relevant provisions or to standards of conduct of Assembly Members generally;

• procedures for investigating complaints that Assembly Members have failed to comply with the requirements of relevant provisions; or

• any other matter relating to promoting, encouraging and safeguarding high standards of conduct in the public office of Assembly Member.

Biography

Gerard is a leading criminal QC with over 40 years legal experience who has been involved in many of the most important criminal cases on the Welsh Circuit in recent years.  His practice since 1996 has largely been dominated by major public inquiries including the North Wales Child Abuse Inquiry, the Bloody Sunday Inquiry and the Baha Mousa Inquiry.  He also has many years’ experience in the field of professional discipline at a high profile UK level, particularly in sport.  His appointments include: Deputy High Court Judge; Recorder and former Leader of the Wales and Chester Circuit; Chancellor, Diocese of Swansea and Brecon; Chairman of ECB’s Cricket Discipline Commission; and Chairman of Sports Resolutions UK.