Terms of reference

The Innovating Democracy Advisory Group has been established in response to the recommendations of Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales which published its final report on 18 January 2024. The Commission recommended a set of urgent recommendations to strengthen democracy in Wales, including the establishment of an expert panel to help strengthen the capacity for democratic innovation and inclusive community engagement in Wales.

"Democratic innovation - The Welsh Government should strengthen the capacity for democratic innovation and inclusive community engagement in Wales. This should draw on an expert advisory panel, and should be designed in partnership with the Senedd, local government and other partners. New strategies for civic education should be a priority for this work, which should be subject to regular review by the Senedd."

The purpose of the group is to provide expert practical advice to Welsh Ministers and partners in relation to strengthening democratic participation and opportunities for democratic innovation.

1. Support the development of civic engagement and education strategies by providing insight and knowledge to inform the response to the recommendations of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales.
2. Provide expert advice to the Welsh Government and partners on enhancing democratic engagement in Wales, building on the foundations provided by the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which requires government and local government to take into account the importance of involving people in achieving the well-being goals, in ways that reflects the diversity of the population.
3. Provide expert advice in relation to making greater use of democratic innovations in policy development and delivery at national and local levels (potentially including the development of a statement of constitutional principles).
4. Promote the use of democratic innovation and participation in public life, including through engagement with partners, stakeholders, and the wider public.
5. Provide advice on engagement with people who have lived / community experience of citizen-led engagement to enhance capacity in the sector.

The Chair and members have been appointed for a period up until Spring 2026, with a possibility of extension. The group is made up of members with knowledge and experience of democratic innovation and civic education, appointed by the Deputy First Minister.

As the work of the group progresses, there is the opportunity to expand membership to community representatives and/or to co-opt members for a fixed period where they bring expertise relevant to time limited projects or establish sub-groups. There is also the option of adding a community reference group to the structure, the Chair of which would sit on the Innovating Democracy Advisory Group.

In spring 2026, the activities and outcomes of the group will be reviewed, for an incoming government to consider options for future governance and structure of the group.