What prevents us from standing for the Assembly?

Researchers in Bangor University's College of Business, Law, Education and Social Sciences have been awarded a prestigious research contract by the National Assembly for Wales’ Independent Remuneration Board to identify and research barriers that may inhibit persons from otherwise putting their names forward for election to the Assembly.

The research by Bangor University will aim to better understand what, if any, deterrents or barriers inhibit individuals who have the necessary commitment and ability to standing for election, from doing so.

Bangor University has assembled a team of leading multidisciplinary experts to undertake this important project, led by Professor Catherine Robinson, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Professor of Social Policy Research, Professor Dermot Cahill, Head of Bangor Law School and Chair in Commercial Law, and Professor Kostas Nikolopoulos, Professor of Decision Sciences and Director of Research for the College.

The work will be carried out by researchers from the Bangor Schools of Law and Social Sciences. Researchers will interview current and past National Assembly members, prospective candidates, independents and party officials.

Professor Phil Molyneux, Dean of the College of Business, Law, Education and Social Science said

"We are delighted that this multidisciplinary team from Bangor University are collaborating on a piece of research which will guide and better inform electoral policy in Wales, so that barriers to electability are identified, analysed and categorised, in order to help ensure that no unnecessary barriers continue to exist that would inhibit (otherwise well-qualified) candidates from allowing their name to go forward for election to our National Assembly.

“In a democratic society, run along parliamentary lines such as ours, it is vital that all sectors of society feel they can seek election to the National Assembly, and not feel unfairly excluded from its electoral processes, so we welcome our selection as the University chosen to undertake this significant research project on behalf of the Remuneration Board."

Sandy Blair, chair of the Independent Remuneration Board, said: “This research is an important part of our work to ensure that the salaries and support we make available for Assembly Members at the next election are not deterring people with ability and an interest in the future of Wales from standing. It will also highlight whether there are other factors – beyond our remit - that put people off. We look forward to considering the work from Bangor University this summer.”

Publication date: 5 June 2014