The (), or Presiding Officer in English, is the speaker of the Senedd in Wales, elected by members of the Senedd to chair their meetings (plenary sessions); to maintain order; and to protect the rights of Members.
The also heads the Corporate Body (known as the Senedd Commission) and as such is viewed as a figurehead for the entire organisation. One Deputy Presiding Officer () is also elected to help fulfil the role. The office of the is based in and is also responsible for the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay. In their roles, neither the nor the Deputy Presiding Officer () are allowed to participate in votes, except where legislation requires those votes to be passed by two-thirds of Members.
The main function is to chair plenary sessions of the , to maintain order and to protect the rights of Members. They are responsible for ensuring that business is handled on the basis of equality and impartiality.
The is also responsible for Standing Orders and is the final authority on their interpretation. The also acts as Chair of the Senedd Commission, and has special responsibility for promoting democratic engagement, leadership, developing the Senedd's future legislative powers and external relations
Along with the Deputy Presiding Officer, they are politically responsible for all aspects of the Presiding Office to which the Standing Orders relate.
The chairs meetings of the Panel of Subject Committee Chairs, where committee procedures and matters affecting Committee business are discussed. In addition to this, the acts as the ambassador for the , attending speakers' conferences and other events in order to publicise and raise the profile of the .
The role of the Llywydd's committee is to scrutinise the financial estimates of the Electoral Commission, as relates to devolved elections and referendums. It is typically chaired by the Deputy Presiding Officer, currently David Rees.