Vacancy -- Commissioner - Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales

The Royal Commission is a Welsh Government Sponsored Body (WGSB) whose role and responsibilities are set out in a Royal Warrant of 2000. Our governance and accountability arrangements are set out in a Framework Document. The Royal Commission’s operational priorities and performance targets are informed by, and respond to, an annual remit letter from the Minister for Culture and Sport, which sets out strategic priorities, specific policies and action plans, and the wider policies and procedures of the Welsh Government. Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, acts as the Commission’s sponsoring division.

The Royal Commission has a long history in Wales. We were established in 1908 by virtue of a Royal Warrant, which was revised in 2000. The Warrant directs the Commission ‘to provide for the survey and recording of ancient and historical monuments and constructions from the earliest times (including the ancient and historical monuments in, on or under the sea bed) by compiling, maintaining and curating the National Monuments Record of Wales as the basic national record of the archaeological and historical environment’.

Building on its recent successes and achievements, the Commission is now looking to grow and develop for the future. We are seeking to appoint two new members.

The Board of Commissioners provides leadership and governance for the organisation, and provides scrutiny and constructive challenge to all of the Commission’s activities. The Board also shapes the future of the organisation. The Commission is keen to appoint individuals who are committed to providing the best possible historic environment service for the benefit of all the people of Wales. As a Commissioner, you will:

• Review the organisation’s Strategic Statement and Operational Plan, taking account of work in progress, the directions contained in the Remit Letter from the Welsh Assembly Government and initiatives that originate within the organisation;

• Ensure that the governance of the Organisation complies with the requirements of the Management Statement and Financial Memorandum, and that the scope of the Organisation’s activities falls within the terms of the Royal Warrant;

• Ensure that the performance required of the Organisation by the Welsh Assembly Government is attained and that a report is published annually on the Organisation’s activities;

• Provide guidance and direction to the expert staff of the Organisation, and to monitor their work, in committee or individually;

• Be directly involved in and take responsibility for the content of the specialist publications of the Organisation;

• Represent the Royal Commission and its interests when called upon to do so.

Commissioners are also expected to:

• Have an understanding of the historic environment and its significance;

• Have a clear vision on how the Commission can continue to work with key partners to provide the best possible historic environment service for Wales;

• Work as part of a high performing Board of Commissioners that carries out strong performance management, displays core team behaviours and values, constructively challenges and supports one another, and that continuously measures the achievements of the team against the Commission’s goals;

• Act in a way that promotes high standards of propriety and public finance;

The Royal Commission is committed to strengthening and diversifying our board, and so are looking for two new Commissioners who will have experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Have experience in commercial ways of working, marketing and PR, and a proven record of fundraising;

• Have expertise in archive management;

• Have expertise in working with communities, particularly hard-to-reach groups, at a strategic level, and a commitment to the principles of equality and diversity;

• Providing oversight and constructive challenge to organisations with charitable aims;

• Have knowledge of, and a successful track record, in a senior governance role.

Individuals will also need to demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Have intellectual and analytical skills of a high order;

• Proven communication skills;

• The ability to work well in a dispersed team;

• Proven ability to contribute towards, and accept responsibility for, organisational direction and performance; 

• Be able to guide, monitor, rigorously scrutinise and challenge the work of expert staff both on an individual basis and in committee;

• Have a clear understanding and commitment to equality issues and to challenging discriminatory practices; and

• Have a clear understanding of and commitment to Nolan’s ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’.

• Welsh language skills are desirable.  However, all candidates will be expected to display an awareness of the linguistic profile of Wales and support compliance with the forthcoming Welsh Language Standards.

Commissioners are entitled to claim a daily rate for days attended of £198. Travel and other reasonable expenses that might be incurred in carrying out work for the Commission can be claimed within the recognised limits.

You may also be eligible to claim reimbursement for costs in relation to child care/care of the elderly/assistant carer whilst carrying out work on behalf of the Royal Commission.