To ask the Assembly Commission to outline the plans for MLA induction in the next Assembly mandate.

Ms Ennis

I thank the Member for her question, and I may require an extra minute. The Clerking and Member Support Office is leading the development of arrangements to support Member induction in the next Assembly mandate. The induction programme is intended to provide structured support for new Members from the outset, while also offering updates for returning Members, targeted learning for Chairpersons and Committees, and relevant information for constituency office staff. Initial scoping work is under way to identify the key elements of the programme. This has focused on reviewing previous Assembly induction arrangements, examining approaches adopted in other Parliaments, and identifying programme elements that have proved effective for different categories of Members, including those co-opted during the current mandate. This phase is intended to inform the development of material that is practical, accessible and aligned with Members’ needs at the beginning of the mandate. Building on that foundation, the next phase will focus on the identification and production of core content. It is envisaged that that will include a programme of introductory sessions, briefings and guidance materials designed to support Members in understanding Assembly procedures and practices, as well as the range of services and supports available to assist them in carrying out their roles. Alongside content development, consideration is being given to the tools and formats best suited to an environment that requires timely access to information, effective support for scrutiny and decision-making, and the capacity to respond to tight turnaround times. The diversity of content, methods of access, immediacy of need and appropriate depth of detail will all be taken into account in shaping an effective and flexible induction programme. Throughout the development process, structured engagement points will be built in to gather feedback and trial outputs with key stakeholder groups, including Whips, Members and constituency staff. The induction programme will build on the established parliamentary excellence programme, which is well used and will continue to be a core element of Member support in the next mandate.

Madam Principal Deputy Speaker

I am sorry: there is no time for a supplementary question, Michelle. Members should take their ease.