, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary
for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: In November I announced the
appointment of Dr Anwen Elias as Chair of the new Innovating
Democracy Advisory Group. The Group is being established in
response to the recommendations of the Independent Commission on
the Constitutional Future of Wales. It proposed a set of
reforms to strengthen democracy in Wales, including establishing
an expert panel to explore innovative ways to increase
understanding of democracy.
The application process for group members is now open and
published on the Welsh Government public appointments
website: Public Appointments.
We are seeking to bring together influencers and advisors in the
field of democratic innovation, participation and involvement. We
are looking for people who want to contribute to new ways for
people to take part in politics, to ensure that people in Wales
have a voice in decision-making at all levels of government.
We believe that Wales should be ambitious in creating a robust
democratic culture, and this is an opportunity to revitalise the
way that the people of Wales interact and engage with the
institutions and processes that effect our daily lives.
Democracy doesn't stay still. It is the responsibility of
the whole of civic society to ensure it evolves and
thrives. This group will continue the collaborative and
consensual style of working demonstrated by the Commission, to
strengthen the capacity for democratic innovation and citizen
involvement in Wales.
I will continue to update the Senedd on developments in this
area.
