Responses to an independent stakeholder consultation on the merger between Historic Scotland and RCAHMS have now been published with success dependent on key including Retaining independence and the development of regional hubs.
On the independence of RCAHMS the report notes:
‘It is essential that the independence of decision-making that RCAHMS currently has is retained within the new organisation otherwise it will be viewed as Government-driven and tied to Ministerial decision-making which may not always be in the best interests of the sector. This could be aided by the establishment of an independent Advisory Board.’
On the creation of regional hubs it notes:
‘In order to combat the existing view of the remote ‘Edinburgh-centric’ culture of both Historic Scotland and RCAHMS, there is the opportunity to establish regional offices to undertake a range of service delivery options. Decisions must also be taken on the location of the Edinburgh head office and consideration taken of the implications of this decision.’
RCAHMS writes:
In November and December 2012, ODS Consulting – a leading Scottish consultancy working in the field of public policy – contacted individuals and organisations currently using the resources and functions of Historic Scotland and RCAHMS. The consultation involved an online survey circulated widely through the email lists of both organisations and the Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS), which resulted in 599 responses; two regional workshops with 23 participants; and telephone interviews with 19 key organisations.
We would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation. Your input has helped to ensure that stakeholders’ concerns have been taken into account in preparing the Business Case for the proposed merger…
Jo Robertson, Historic Environment Officer at the Built Environment Forum Scotland said, ‘BEFS welcomes the publication of this independent report by ODS on the merger. This report provides a fair and useful assessment of views of individuals and organisations that work with both RCAHMS and Historic Scotland. It will help inform discussions amongst colleagues within the wider sector in advance of formal policy consultation which is anticipated in the summer.’
Michael Proctor, Head of the merger programme team said, ‘The Business Case for the new organisation takes into account the concerns raised in this report, and details how we aim to address those concerns throughout the merger process. Likewise, the varied suggestions and ideas about how to ensure a positive merger have been factored in. Stakeholders will continue to be involved in the process – and in particular when we consult on the proposed new organisation in the summer of 2013.’
The Business Case for the merger has now been submitted to the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs for her consideration of the options, before Cabinet takes a decision on the way forward. Depending on the decision, further consultation and legislation will follow.
See the report at: LINK
RCAHMS News: LINK
