PFD report

Carl Sargeant · Prevention of Future Deaths report

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Issued 11 Jul 2019•North Wales (East and Central)

Report record

Published report and response evidence

This page connects the concerns raised in this report with statements found in recipients’ published responses. A link shows a clear evidence connection; it does not assign responsibility.

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Concerns
1

Raised in this report

Recipients
1

Named on the report

Responses found
1

Of 1 recipient

Stated actions
13

Described in responses

Recipients and published responses

Source document

Full report text

This is the full text from the original published report.

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Concerns and recipient responses

Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

Concerns raised1

  1. Failure to provide appropriate channels of support to high-profile persons removed from Government roles
Responses linked to these concerns

Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.

Actions described in response An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.6

  1. Action

    Add a “Ministers and their Wellbeing” section to the Welsh Government Ministerial Code.

    Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 13 September 2019.
  2. Action

    Create a standardised departure pack covering support services, liaison arrangements, practical departure matters and media assistance.

    Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 13 September 2019.
  3. Action

    Have the Chief Whip contact departing Ministers after departure to assess whether further assistance is appropriate.

    Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 13 September 2019.

Respondent positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when it does not describe a specific action.1

  1. Position

    The Assembly Commission, rather than the Welsh Government, manages support arrangements for Assembly Members, including Ministers.

    Stated by Welsh GovernmentRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Failure to provide appropriate channels of support to high-profile persons removed from Government roles

Wider context from the report

“That in the future, persons of a high profile who are removed from a role in Government, and whose removal from office will attract significant media interest, may not be provided with appropriate channels of support regardless of whether or not that person has any mental vulnerabilities or the reason for the loss of their role. This concern is regardless of the fact that they may continue as Assembly Members. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

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Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Add a “Ministers and their Wellbeing” section to the Welsh Government Ministerial Code.

Verbatim wording from the response

“4. I think that it is important that I should signal very clearly that as First Minister I regard myself as having a responsibility to help promote and safeguard the wellbeing of my Cabinet colleagues throughout the period of their time in Government, from first joining the Cabinet through to their departure from office. I hope that in practice I have acted with this responsibility in mind since I became First Minister. You will recall from my earlier evidence to you that when I formed my Cabinet, on becoming First Minister, I was careful to ensure that those affected were aware of the support services available. I will now take steps formally to acknowledge and codify this responsibility. I will do so by adding a new section to the Ministerial Code for the Welsh Government.”

Source location

2019-0236-Response-by-Welsh-Government
Page 1 · response
Published 13 September 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Create a standardised departure pack covering support services, liaison arrangements, practical departure matters and media assistance.

Verbatim wording from the response

“10. As part of the protocol there will be a standardised pack of information for Ministers who are departing from Government. This will include a reminder of the support services available to them in their capacity as an Assembly Member, and will also give them details of a named official in my Cabinet Division who will act as their liaison point for any practical queries or issues in relation to their departure, including to ensure the orderly completion of any outstanding matters – collection of belongings, return of papers, for example – which remain to be transacted. It will also remind them of assistance which could be available to them, through their own Assembly Member office or trade union, for dealing with any immediate press or media issues which may arise as a result of their departure.”

Source location

2019-0236-Response-by-Welsh-Government
Page 2 · response
Published 13 September 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Have the Chief Whip contact departing Ministers after departure to assess whether further assistance is appropriate.

Verbatim wording from the response

“9. Particular care will be taken to consider the wellbeing of a departing Minister if the circumstances of their departure are difficult and high-profile, such as an alleged breach of the Ministerial Code. I see the Chief Whip of my Government as having an important role to play in this process, and the Chief Whip will make contact with the individual following their departure to see if any further assistance of any kind would be appropriate.”

Source location

2019-0236-Response-by-Welsh-Government
Page 2 · response
Published 13 September 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Request inclusion of a proactive counselling role in renewed occupational health contracts.

Verbatim wording from the response

“12. The Assembly Commission has told me that it is currently renewing contracts for occupational health services which provides a timely opportunity to enhance provision for counselling, and I have asked that the new contracts should include provision for a more proactive role to be played by a professional counsellor where that would be appropriate and necessary. I have also asked that staff who support Ministers can work with Commission staff to ensure that the particular circumstances of Members who have left the Government are taken fully into account.”

Source location

2019-0236-Response-by-Welsh-Government
Page 3 · response
Published 13 September 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Ensure Ministers remain aware of available support services throughout their tenure.

Verbatim wording from the response

“11. You will be aware from the proceedings of the Inquest of the support services available to all Members, including Ministers, from the Assembly Commission. This includes access to an Occupational Health Nurse and an Employee Assistance Programme which provides a confidential 24-hour helpline providing emotional and practical support for issues at home or work. As well as reminding departing Ministers of the availability of this service, I will ensure that Ministers remain aware of it throughout their tenure. The Welsh Government also has its own Employee Assistance Programme, which has been made available to serving Ministers, and in relation to which enhancements to the support available are currently being procured. Specifically these arrangements will offer access to Occupational Health (OH) support and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.”

Source location

2019-0236-Response-by-Welsh-Government
Page 3 · response
Published 13 September 2019

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Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Request coordination between ministerial support staff and Assembly Commission staff for Members leaving Government.

Verbatim wording from the response

“12. The Assembly Commission has told me that it is currently renewing contracts for occupational health services which provides a timely opportunity to enhance provision for counselling, and I have asked that the new contracts should include provision for a more proactive role to be played by a professional counsellor where that would be appropriate and necessary. I have also asked that staff who support Ministers can work with Commission staff to ensure that the particular circumstances of Members who have left the Government are taken fully into account.”

Source location

2019-0236-Response-by-Welsh-Government
Page 3 · response
Published 13 September 2019

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

The Assembly Commission, rather than the Welsh Government, manages support arrangements for Assembly Members, including Ministers.

Verbatim wording from the response

“3. To assist my thinking, I have consulted all current Ministers in my Cabinet as well as those former Ministers who are still Assembly Members. I have also consulted the family of the late Carl Sargeant and sought to incorporate the views they were able to provide at that stage. The Permanent Secretary on my behalf has contacted the Assembly Commission since it is the Commission, rather than the Welsh Government, which manages the arrangements for making support available to Assembly Members, including Ministers. My response here is informed by all of the replies that I received.”

Source location

2019-0236-Response-by-Welsh-Government
Page 1 · response
Published 13 September 2019

Open published response

Other statements in published responses

These actions and other statements could not be clearly connected to one concern in this report.

Recipient-stated actions An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.7

  1. 1

    Introduce confidential arrangements for new Ministers to disclose personal pressures or conditions affecting wellbeing.

    Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 13 September 2019.
  2. 2

    Expand Welsh Government support-service access to public appointees.

    Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 13 September 2019.
  3. 3

    Develop and adopt a protocol governing ministerial appointments and dismissals, including wellbeing-sensitive reshuffle planning.

    Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 13 September 2019.
  4. 4

    Develop an induction programme addressing workload and ministerial pressures, with opportunities for mentoring by experienced Ministers.

    Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 13 September 2019.
  5. 5

    Keep reshuffle information restricted to the smallest practicable cohort of individuals.

    Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 13 September 2019.
  6. 6

    Provide Private Secretaries with training to support Ministers, identify excessive stress and respond appropriately.

    Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 13 September 2019.
  7. 7

    Enhance Welsh Government support arrangements by procuring Occupational Health and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy provision.

    Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 13 September 2019.

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Introduce confidential arrangements for new Ministers to disclose personal pressures or conditions affecting wellbeing.

Verbatim wording from the response

“15. While I certainly would not wish to intrude upon the privacy of any of my Ministerial colleagues, the point has also been made to me in my consultations that it might be helpful for new Ministers to have an opportunity to indicate, in a very confidential setting, any particular pressures upon them, or conditions which might have the potential to impact upon their wellbeing while they are Ministers. Under the current arrangements Ministers are expected to declare to the Permanent Secretary, soon after taking office, their relevant financial and other interests. I will introduce arrangements for them to have the opportunity at the same time to draw attention on a confidential basis to any circumstances or conditions of which they may wish to make the Permanent Secretary and myself aware.”

Source location

2019-0236-Response-by-Welsh-Government
Page 3 · response
Published 13 September 2019

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Expand Welsh Government support-service access to public appointees.

Verbatim wording from the response

“16. You might also wish to be aware that your Report has prompted us to review more widely the access to support services which we provide at the moment. While Ministers and civil servants of the Welsh Government do have such access, it has not been our practice in the past to offer this to our public appointees. But we cannot rule out the circumstances which you outline in your Report being replicated with an individual appointed by the Welsh Government. We are expanding access to the support services available to cover our public appointees as well.”

Source location

2019-0236-Response-by-Welsh-Government
Page 4 · response
Published 13 September 2019

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Develop and adopt a protocol governing ministerial appointments and dismissals, including wellbeing-sensitive reshuffle planning.

Verbatim wording from the response

“7. There are a number of practical steps which I also intend to implement immediately in order to give effect to this new section of the Ministerial Code.”

Source location

2019-0236-Response-by-Welsh-Government
Page 2 · response
Published 13 September 2019

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Develop an induction programme addressing workload and ministerial pressures, with opportunities for mentoring by experienced Ministers.

Verbatim wording from the response

“13. An induction programme for new Ministers is being developed, and as part of that I will ensure that the programme includes advice on managing a challenging workload and dealing with the pressures of ministerial responsibilities, alongside wider constituency duties and personal circumstances. It will also include giving new Ministers the opportunity to be linked to an experienced Minister who will be able to offer informal support and guidance at the outset.”

Source location

2019-0236-Response-by-Welsh-Government
Page 3 · response
Published 13 September 2019

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Keep reshuffle information restricted to the smallest practicable cohort of individuals.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The First Minister will ensure that information surrounding any reshuffle is kept to as tight a cohort of individuals as the First Minister thinks possible.”

Source location

2019-0236-Response-by-Welsh-Government
Page 5 · response
Published 13 September 2019

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Provide Private Secretaries with training to support Ministers, identify excessive stress and respond appropriately.

Verbatim wording from the response

“14. The Permanent Secretary will ensure that Private Secretaries who work with Ministers on a daily basis are given training in how they can best support their Ministers in dealing with the pressures of the job, how they may be able to identify early signs of excessive stress developing, and actions they should take as a result.”

Source location

2019-0236-Response-by-Welsh-Government
Page 3 · response
Published 13 September 2019

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Enhance Welsh Government support arrangements by procuring Occupational Health and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy provision.

Verbatim wording from the response

“11. You will be aware from the proceedings of the Inquest of the support services available to all Members, including Ministers, from the Assembly Commission. This includes access to an Occupational Health Nurse and an Employee Assistance Programme which provides a confidential 24-hour helpline providing emotional and practical support for issues at home or work. As well as reminding departing Ministers of the availability of this service, I will ensure that Ministers remain aware of it throughout their tenure. The Welsh Government also has its own Employee Assistance Programme, which has been made available to serving Ministers, and in relation to which enhancements to the support available are currently being procured. Specifically these arrangements will offer access to Occupational Health (OH) support and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.”

Source location

2019-0236-Response-by-Welsh-Government
Page 3 · response
Published 13 September 2019

Open published response
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Information checked against the published report and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026