Dear all

Apologies for the lateness of this email but a big thank you for taking part in the National Assembly for Wales’s first ever webchat on Monday.

Not only was it our first ever webchat but it was arranged as part of an inquiry into the future outlook of the media in Wales which means the contributions in it form part of the evidence which will help to form the task and finish group’s findings. Although my research isn’t exhaustive, I can’t find examples of any other UK legislature trying something similar. I’d be interested to hear if anyone else has.

I am also interested in getting your thoughts and feedback on the webchat itself. I didn’t expect it to be perfect first time out but I hope it is something we can build on, improve and use again in the future.

I would like to know what worked and what didn’t work for you. Were there too many people and too many conversations? Did you feel you got your points across and that they were taken on board? Was the chat disjointed? Could it have been arranged better? I know one or two of you wanted to take part but didn’t receive an invite and there was some quick tweeting and emailing of links to bring you in. For that, I apologise.

Should we have used the webchat earlier on in the inquiry and perhaps followed up some of the suggestions with a more formal request for detailed evidence from contributors afterwards? Should a webchat be a way of gathering suggestions of ideas and issues to set the terms of reference for an inquiry rather than be a part of it?

I am also aware the twitter hashtag simply didn’t work, we didn’t promote it enough and it didn’t spark conversation and reaction outside of the chat. We will look at how we use hashtags again.

I don’t want us to sit back and think we’ve been innovative and leave it at that. I want it to be the beginning of a strategy setting out new ways of how we engage with people, what we see as evidence and, most importantly, how do we show people the contributions they have taken the time to make effect the Assembly’s work and, ultimately, life in Wales.

I would appreciate any feedback, either positive or negative, you can offer.

Once again I thank you for taking part.

Yours sincerely

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Cyfathrebu

Communications

Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru

National Assembly for Wales

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www.cynulliadcymru.org

www.assemblywales.org    

Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru yw’r corff sy'n cael ei ethol yn ddemocrataidd i gynrychioli buddiannau Cymru a’i phobl, i ddeddfu ar gyfer Cymru ac i ddwyn Llywodraeth Cymru i gyfrif.

The National Assembly for Wales is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people, makes laws for Wales and holds the Welsh Government to account.

Croesewir gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg neu Saesneg

We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English.

Any of the statements or comments made above should be regarded as personal and not necessarily those of the National Assembly for Wales, any constituent part or connected body.

Dylid ystyried unrhyw ddatganiad neu sylw a geir yn y neges hon fel un personol ac nid o reidrwydd yn fynegiant o safbwynt Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru, unrhyw ran ohono neu unrhyw gorff cysylltiedig.