Welsh Government Board meeting: 24 April 2026

• Andrew Goodall (Chair) 
• Carys Williams 
• Aled Edwards 
• Mike Usher 
• Judith Paget 
• Emma Williams 
• Sioned Evans 
• Tracey Burke 
• Andrew Slade 
• David Richards 
• Dean Medcraft 
• Nicola Williams 
• Dom Houlihan 
• Nicola Edwards 
• TUS representative 

In attendance 

• Toby Mason 
• Piers Bisson 
• Will Whiteley 
• Rachel Garside-Jones 
• Head of Senedd Policy 
• Head of the Resilience Unit 
• Michael Kay 
• Emma Spear 

Apologies 

• Jacqueline Totterdell 
• Wellbeing of Future Generations Champion 

Secretariat 

• Permanent Secretary’s Office 

1.1 The Chair welcomed all to the meeting and noted the apologies received. No conflicts of interest were declared. The Chair noted that the meeting was designed in a more workshop-style format than usual, in order to allow a candid and wide-ranging discussion among board members and supporting officials.

1.2 Board received an update on the current in-year finance position. The Board noted the positive position and that the main risks are understood and manageable

1.3 Board noted the Wales Resilience Outlook for April to September 2026.

1.4 The Chair noted that recruitment for a third iteration of the Shadow Board is progressing well. There has been a good level of interest with over 60 applications received from across the organisation, compared with 39 in the previous recruitment exercise.

1.5 The Chair reflected positively on recent visits to office locations across Wales and staff engagement. These discussions had been useful not only for pre-election preparedness but also for recognising the organisation’s delivery over the last five years, including the breadth of activity undertaken under the current government and especially over the last 18 months. A recent ‘Let’s Talk Live’ session with around 1,800 staff had focused on thanking colleagues and acknowledging delivery. The Board noted than Welsh Government’s role is not only about delivering a Programme for Government but also about delivering core statutory and operational responsibilities.

1.6 The Board noted the successful outcome in the Cardiff airport subsidy challenge, highlighting the work of the legal and policy teams.

1.7 The Chair reflected on the continuing international instability, particularly in the Middle East. The position remains highly uncertain and continues to have implications Aled Edwards observed that existing interfaith networks in Wales appear to be helping social cohesion.

2.1 The Chair provided an update on the access talks which have been underway with leaders of several of the political parties standing in the Senedd elections. The Chair described the talks as constructive, professional and useful in developing relationships with parties, clarifying their expectations and explaining more the role of the civil service and Welsh Government. Several themes had emerged consistently. The Chair noted that parties were interested in how quickly they could move on priorities, what practical and budgetary constraints they would face, and how legislative ambitions could realistically be turned into deliverable programmes. Access talks had therefore helped identify pressures that could arise very early after the election and where Welsh Government would need to respond quickly and realistically.

3.1 The Board received a presentation from Piers Bisson, Will Whitely and the Head of Senedd Policy on the new electoral system. The presentation outlined the constitutional and political background to new system before Board were taken through a worked example of the d’Hondt seat allocation method.

3.2 Board queried the extent of the public’s understanding of the new system and noted the risk that close outcomes could create tension or allegations of unfairness. The challenge for independent candidates to win seats under the system because of the scale of constituencies and vote thresholds required was discussed.

4.1 Michael Kay and the Head of the Resilience Unit briefed the Board on security and risks relating to the Senedd elections.

4.2 The current security position was described as stable, with no immediate indication of major disruption. However, several risks were being actively monitored. There had been some reports to police of candidate harassment, particularly online. Welsh Government was also monitoring cyber incidents and the wider international situation, particularly its possible implications for public order and community tensions.

4.3 The Board was advised that close working arrangements are in place across communications, community safety, electoral reform and resilience teams within Welsh Government, and these relationships are supplemented by strong links with Cabinet Office, Home Office and the National Cyber Security Centre.

5.1 Toby Mason provided an overview of recent polling, with extensive caveats. Polls use different methodologies, the new electoral system adds further uncertainty, and very small vote changes can have a significant impact.

5.2 The Board discussed Welsh Government’s role in supporting any coalition or cooperation discussions. It was explained that the civil service may, on request and with the First Minister’s agreement, provide accommodation, factual constitutional and procedural advice, and policy information to parties during talks, but must not broker agreements or become part of political negotiations themselves. Equal treatment must be provided to all parties involved. The key issue for Welsh Government is therefore to be ready to support appropriately while avoiding overstepping the constitutional boundary between official advice and political negotiation.

6.1 Piers Bisson and Rachel Garside-Joes outlined the immediate post-election process. Following the count and declarations on the Friday, successful candidates would need to complete the necessary oath or affirmation and satisfy any disqualification checks before formally taking their seats. The first Senedd meeting is expected to take place on the following Wednesday, after all Members have been sworn in and the required notice period has elapsed. The first business of that meeting would be the election of the Llywydd and Deputy Llywydd. Once a new Llywydd is elected, they may then invite nominations for First Minister. The current First Minister and ministers remain in office in the interim, even if they are not re-elected, unless they resign. This continuity is important for the functioning of government.

6.2 Rachel Garside-Joes explained that Welsh Government must be ready immediately for the formalities of appointment, the swearing-in process, and the rapid formation of a ministerial team. This includes communication with the Royal Household, confirmation of ministerial appointments, agreement of portfolios, and the practical logistics of private office support. Existing private office and induction preparations have been underway for some time, with briefing material commissioned from across the organisation. The induction programme is intended not simply to convey process but to empower incoming ministers, set the right tone and help them understand how to work effectively with the civil service.

6.3 The Board discussed how the reset work within the organisation must connect clearly with the ministerial induction programme and wider transition planning so that the organisation can improve its responsiveness and clarity.

7.1 Toby Mason provided a ‘State of Wales 2026’ analysis, developed to help ministers and officials better understand the social, political and communications environment in which the next government will operate.

8.1 No items of any other business were raised.