Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) has provided an update on the ongoing policy and management review of historic environment operations currently under way at Historic Scotland (HS), a process that includes contributions from a number of BEFS’ members including IHBC Director Dr Seán O’Reilly.
BEFS writes:
Historic Scotland’s Corporate Plan committed to carrying out a fundamental review of Scottish historic environment policy. Initial scoping was undertaken earlier this year which identified a number of themes that the review ought to consider:
– The need for a strategy for the whole historic environment (not just designated)
– The impact of HS operating as a commercial manager and property owner
– The impact of climate change mitigation measures on the historic environment
– Regulation to be effective and proportionate
– Proposals to be informed by evidence
Governance: Historic Scotland has established a programme board (John Pelan has a place for BEFS), along with three workstreams/groupings to consider high level policy issues and develop policy proposals for formal consultation. These workstreams are to consider:
1: strategy, roles and governance, definition of the historic environment
2: how to regulate and look after the historic environment
3: how to promote the historic environment and how the historic environment can contribute to other policy objectives
Each workstream comprises 12 -15 individuals and members of BEFS have some involvement here; Sean O’Reilly, Robin Turner, Jocelyn Cunliffe, Simon Gilmour, John Lawson and Eila Macqueen are all on the workstreams – acting in their own professional capacities. The groups are to meet four times between September and December, including a final meeting in December for all workstreams to come together.
Outcome: Each workstream is to develop content for formal policy consultation. The outcome will be a high level consultation document on the key issues identified by each workstream.
Relationship with RCAHMS/HS merger and legislation: The timescale for this part of the policy review is being driven by the HS/RCAHMS merger programme, with a Business case expected at the end of the year. It is not yet known whether the policy review will result in a need for legislation, however the RCAHMS/HS merger will require primary legislation and this presents a possible legislative vehicle for historic environment issues if needed.
Next stage: The consultation document will be published for formal consultation in parallel with, or as part of, public consultation on the RCAHMS Business case which will take place late January/early February 2013.
Getting involved: If you’d like any further information on the review please get in touch. The review will on the agenda for BEFS HEWG on 7th November, 2pm (Edinburgh, – venue tbc), with hopefully HS attending. Let me know if you’d like to attend.
For BEFS see www.befs.co.uk
