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As Cadw and the RCAHMW ‘look closely at their functions and responsibilities and identify synergies and different ways of delivering’, a Working Group led by Mrs Carole Souter has been consulting stakeholders and, following Workshops, has offered a report below.
Carole Souter writes:
I would like to extend my thanks to all of you who participated in the workshops held in January. Your contributions were invaluable and have greatly informed our ongoing review process.
Main Messages from the Workshops:
- Prioritising Interests: All participants agreed that the review should prioritise the interests of the people and the historic environment of Wales over individual organisational interests. There was unanimous support for this approach.
- Knowledge and Professionalism: The knowledge and professionalism of both Cadw and RCAHMW staff were widely acknowledged and appreciated. Participants emphasised the importance of ensuring that any changes enhance this expertise and do not put it at risk.
- Positive and Engaged Discussions: The discussions were positive and engaged, with many points raised as open questions rather than fixed positions. There was a general perception of the need for change, although opinions varied on the preferred outcome.
- Further Information Needed: Whether closer working or merger was the preferred option depended on further information in several key areas, including legal requirements, financial implications, and how Cadw/RCAHMW would relate to wider historic environment/heritage organisations in the future.
Next Steps:
We are currently collating all the information gathered from the workshops and further developing what closer collaboration and merger could look like. Workstreams have been established looking at IT and cyber security compatibility, as well as financial implications. We aim to ensure that any future changes are well-informed and beneficial to all stakeholders involved.
It is hoped that the finalised report will be submitted to the Minister in the summer. We will keep you updated on our progress and look forward to your continued engagement in this important review process.
Thank you once again for your participation and support.
For full background see the NewsBlog
