Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership
I am pleased to update Members of the Senedd on the significant progress made in implementing the recommendations of the independent review of Cadw’s governance arrangements. This work has been driven by a commitment to strengthen Cadw’s ability to care for, protect and promote Wales’s historic environment, while enhancing its operational agility and resilience. Recent performance has demonstrated this, with highlights such as the ambitious conservation and regeneration work at Caerphilly Castle—one of the largest projects of its kind in the UK—bringing new opportunities for visitors and the local community.
Following our response to the review in June 2024, a comprehensive programme was launched to address its recommendations. This included the establishment of a Steering Group and four dedicated workstreams—Corporate Governance, HR, Royal Commission, and Commercial—to deliver short and medium-term improvements.
A key milestone has been the development of a new Cadw Operational Framework. This document formalises operational delegations and clarifies the roles and responsibilities across Cadw, including the important advisory role of the Cadw Board. The Framework ensures that Cadw can operate with the flexibility and speed required to deliver its diverse functions—from statutory conservation to commercial visitor services—while remaining a division of Welsh Government.
The newly agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cadw and the Welsh Ministers forms an integral part of the Framework. The MoU provides Cadw with a greater degree of professional independence in specific regulatory areas, including designation decisions, control of works affecting scheduled monuments, decisions relating to listed buildings, and planning functions. This formalisation of existing practices reinforces Cadw’s role as a trusted expert in heritage matters.
The Operational Framework also provides clarity over the important and much appreciated role of the Cadw Board, and I welcome the opportunity to meet with the Board twice yearly, as recommended in the Review.
Further progress includes the initiation of a Commercial workstream to review Cadw’s visitor attractions and enterprise activities, with a view to strengthening its financial sustainability.
Additionally, options for the future relationship between Cadw and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales are being actively explored. These include maintaining current arrangements, formal collaboration, or a potential merger. While this assessment is complex and ongoing, it is being conducted in social partnership with the trade unions representatives to ensure that any future model safeguards the valuable work of both organisations. A further update on this element of the work will be provided in the autumn.
I remain committed to supporting Cadw’s continued evolution. The dedication of Cadw’s staff has been instrumental in driving these reforms forward, and I am confident that the changes made will ensure that Wales’s historic places are cared for, understood and shared by everyone.
This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.