NOTE OF THE 3rd MEETING OF THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT GROUP

CADW OFFICES, NANTGARW, 17 JUNE 2005

Present:

Tom Cassidy - Cadw, Chairman
Geraint Hopkins - National Trust
Chris Llewelyn - Welsh Local Government Association
Emma Plunkett Dillon - Council for British Archaeology
Matthew Griffiths - Civic Trust for Wales
Bill Britnell - Welsh Archaeological Trusts
Ian Lush - Architectural Heritage Fund
Jennifer Stewart - Heritage Lottery Fund
Peter Wakelin - Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales
Richard Kelly - Countryside Council for Wales
Jean Booker - Cadw
Stephen Gear - Cadw

Introductions

Tom Cassidy welcomed members to the new Cadw offices in Nantgarw, especially Bill Britnell, Peter Wakelin and Richard Kelly who were attending HEG for the first time. Although, Cadw had been relocated from Cardiff it was the longer-term intention that Cadw should move to a regenerated historic building at some future time. Apologies had been received from Linda Tomos, Mark Mainwaring and Roger Thomas (for whom Richard Kelly was deputising).

Agenda Item 1 - Matters Arising

2. Terms of Reference: Tom Cassidy said that the revised terms of reference
had been circulated with the minutes of the second meeting and, as no further comments had been received, these could now stand.

3. What's in Store: Tom Cassidy said that he and colleagues had met Mike
Houlihan of the National Museums & Galleries of Wales in early May to discuss the project and had agreed that up-dates on progress would be provided to meetings of HEG. No report had though been received prior to this meeting. (Note: A letter dated 17 June from the NM&GW was submitted, but not in time to be tabled at the meeting. Details are circulated at Annex A, along with the minutes of recent meetings).

4. Approved list of contractors: Stephen Gear said that enquiries on the efficacy of the Assembly Government producing, or being associated with, such a list would be explored and that contact would also be made with the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society which had had produced similar guidance. It was suggested that the Federation of Master Builders might also be involved in some capacity.

Agenda Item 2- Ministerial Announcement on the Historic Environment

5. Tom Cassidy said that the Culture Minister had made a statement on the historic environment to a plenary session of the National Assembly on 26 April. The statement had covered a number of areas including a proposed change to the status of Cadw to take effect on 1 July when Cadw would become an Assembly directorate rather than an executive agency. In practice the change would not alter the existing working arrangements since Cadw was already an integral part of the Assembly Government but hopefully this would be less confusing, especially to those outside government. Cadw would become part of the wider Culture Department that would be established in 2006 to reflect the range of Ministerial portfolios - though the term Culture Department was being associated with the new department, as far as Cadw was aware, no formal decision on the name had yet been taken.

6. A copy of the full debate that followed the Minister's statement had been circulated prior to the meeting. Tom Cassidy said the Group may have noted that some Assembly Members had made the point that Cadw was unresponsive to local buildings, and especially in not taking steps to aid their protection. Paradoxically, one of the other criticisms levelled at Cadw was that too many buildings were listed. He said that one of the key roles of HEG would be to engage people and communities so that more could be done to help local buildings, rather than extending statutory protection. To help facilitate this the Minister had also announced that Cadw would be establishing an Outreach Unit - to be headed by Stephen Gear - that would provide support to the Group and work with others - such as the Royal Commission - to develop community initiatives.

7. Matthew Griffiths said that in his statement the Minister had also announced the establishment of a new Assembly award to recognise good design in providing access for disabled people to an historic building and to be administered by the Civic Trust. Following a meeting with Cadw and Disability Wales the award was starting to take shape and it was hoped that further information would be available in July.

Agenda Item 3 - Ministerial Meeting with Local and National Park Authorities in Wales

8. Tom Cassidy said that the meeting between Ministers and Chief Executives of local and national park authorities was a commitment made by the Culture and Local Government Ministers in January 2004 - at the same time as the announcement of the establishment of HEG. The meeting would was to be used to raise the profile of the historic environment amongst decision-makers in local authorities and to demonstrate Ministerial commitment. Stephen Gear said that one of the main agenda items discussed at the meeting was the production of central guidance on including the historic environment in community strategies, which had been discussed at the first meeting of HEG. The guidance - with the exception of new performance indicators developed jointly with the Welsh Local Government Data Unit - was much the same as that which HEG had considered. Some 60 case studies had come forward in earlier consultations and these had now been scaled down to a manageable number and around 10 would appear in the final report. The guidance would be published later in the year.

9. It was agreed that the final guidance should also include a list of useful contact points - especially those in local government and the voluntary sector - from which additional advice and information might be sought.

Agenda Item 4 - Education and the Historic Environment

10. Tom Cassidy said that the Group had considered education in the context of schools at its last meeting and Cadw had prepared a specification that would be used to engage consultants, which had been circulated. However, Cadw had more latterly discovered that in England DCMS and DfES had established a working group (the Joint Advisory Committee on Built Environment Education) in 2003 to examine similar issues. The group made recommendations in 2004, the result of which would likely be the creation of a 'one stop shop' for built environment education (wider than just the historic environment) which would involve organisations such as CABE, English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund. He said that he did not quite see the benefit of a 'one-stop shop' approach since it would effectively remove partnership arrangements by setting up a self-standing unit. In the context of CABE, Jean Booker said that Cadw had met the Design Commission for Wales to discuss the education work it had been undertaking and a letter from the Commission setting out the strands to its various work was tabled at the meeting. She also said that arrangements had been made to meet the National Grid for Learning (Cymru) in July and that ACCAC had also agreed a meeting. Subject to diary commitments, Matthew Griffiths had agreed to accompany Cadw.

11. There was a general consensus that the 'one-stop approach' was not one that we would seek to emulate in Wales. Richard Kelly drew an analogy with Farming Connect that he said had not worked. Emma Plunkett-Dillon said that a task and finish group was a more suitable way of addressing the problems and providing guidance taking account of the Assembly's priorities. Jennifer Stewart said that she too had concerns about the 'one-stop shop' approach, but that there were benefits in a 'one front door' approach - provided, possibly, through a web portal. Ian Lush said that it was important to ensure that the historic environment, and the work to raise its profile within education, was not marginalised and that it contributed to other policy areas. A 'one-stop shop' approach might encourage this, though the work of JACBEE in England was well regarded. Teachers had limited time and opportunity so it was important that Internet access to information and teaching tools was quick and efficient. The AHF had employed a similar approach in providing historic environment funding information.

12. It was agreed that it was important that the direction of any consultancy, and further work undertaken following that, should ensure that the needs of the schools and teachers were paramount. Some drafting changes were suggested to the draft specification. Tom Cassidy said that enquiries would have to be made within the Assembly on the procurement arrangements that should accompany the consultancy, but that members would be kept informed of progress and timing.

Agenda Item 5 - Life Long Learning, Continuing Education and Skills

13. Tom Cassidy said that Cadw's framework document mentioned education twice, not specifically in relation to children, but in the broader context of improving a general understanding and appreciation of the historic environment. Cadw had a substantial publications programme, as well as interpretative facilities provided at Cadw sites to address this. He also gave a brief rundown of the initiatives that Cadw was involved in, including the bursary scheme, for which funding was being sought from the HLF.

14. Ian Lush said that said that he had attended a launch of a publication of a skills needs analysis of the historic environment that suggested that 6,000 new craftsmen were required. Jennifer Stewart said that the HLF was not able to fund apprenticeships directly, but it needed to ensure that there were sufficient and suitable skills available to complete its projects and so had assisted with the development of a bursary scheme. The HLF would like to do something specific in Wales and it could fund up-skilling elements that were embedded in wider projects.

15. Tom Cassidy said that there seemed no obvious way in which the Group could help substantively in this area, since it seemed that the nub of the problem was in funding and direction of training institutions. Emma Plunkett-Dillon said that without the availability of the necessary skills it would not be possible for many of the organisations represented around the table to function and the Group should do what it could to at least highlight and publicise the problems that the lack of skills caused. Ian Lush said that some of the factors that had led to the skills shortage was the continuing emphasis placed on university education which has drained people away from vocational skills, which were often considered to be a second rate option. To address this work was underway to improve the status of NVQs.

16. Richard Kelly suggested that it might be possible to examine what had happened at, for example, Blaenavon in the context of skills development, education and in engaging the support of local communities. It was agreed that this was a good approach, but that more than one case study was required - especially ones which were perhaps less obvious since not many areas could hope to achieve World Heritage Site status. Various members of the group undertook to prepare papers for the next meeting of the group on specific case studies.

(Action: Members and Cadw)

17. Tom Cassidy said that, to get a better understanding of the problems of skill shortages, Cadw would obtain a copy of the recent report by the National Training Heritage Group and try and identify the obstacles in addressing the skills shortages, and actions it suggested.

(Action: Cadw)

18. It was agreed that formal continuing education should be put on the agenda for the fifth meeting of the Group, and Matthew Griffiths agreed to look at various prospectus to see what sort of courses of relevance to the historic environment were available.

19. Geraint Hopkins said that arrangements might also be made to invite a representative of Herian to a meeting of the Group to give a presentation on how it involves local and community groups in its work.

Agenda Item 6 - Any Other Business

20. Jennifer Stewart distributed a leaflet on 10 years of Heritage Lottery funding to education and up-dated members briefly on the Valleys Built Heritage Project and the Culture Minister's initiative on new (sporting) uses for old buildings on which more details should be released in due course.

21. Geraint Hopkins said that the National Trust was to hold a launch at the Millennium Centre on 5 July that examined the social and economic benefits of the Trust property at Llanechaeron.

22. Jean Booker said that the Assembly Government's Environment Strategy would be published for consultation at the beginning of July.

Next Meeting

23. It was agreed that the next meeting would be held at the HLF offices at Hodge House, St Mary's Street, Cardiff.

Cadw
July 2005

Working Group for the Delivery of the Recommendations in the What's in Store? Report

STRATEGIC PLAN

Recommendation 1 - Creation of shared archaeological resource centre(s)

The proposed creation of shared archaeological resource centre(s) is a fundamental issue that has emerged from this report and addresses issues of care of and access to Wales' archaeological archive. The lack of archaeological expertise in many non-national museums is an acute problem and innovative solutions will be required if collections are to be cared for in a manner that will encourage and facilitate access and more public engagement with them. It is felt that to progress this issue, the support of the Welsh Assembly Government will be required at an early stage.

Recommendation 2 - Create a database of Welsh Archaeological collections

The creation of a web-based database of Welsh archaeological collections, using the SWISH concept, will improve professional and public access to material by facilitating a national database of the collections held in museums across Wales that can be accessed locally.

Recommendation 3 - Establish a national panel for archaeology

The formation of a national panel for archaeology is a role that the Historic Environment Group might consider taking on.

Recommendations 4, 5 and 7 - Encourage and develop a national collecting policy through the Museum Accreditation Scheme; draw up standards for the deposition of collections and supporting information and improve the management of them prior to permanent deposition

It is proposed to create a unified Welsh strategy for collecting archaeological material and agreed standards for their deposition. The production of concise standard guidelines for best practice will address many of the current problems faced by both depositors and receiving institutions i.e. museums and the NMRW. This recommendation will be progressed by members of the Working Group. The national standards would be applicable to and would need to be recognized by all archaeological organizations who undertake work in Wales. They will also take cognisance of similar work progressing in England.

Recommendation 6 - Review the management of the information database

A recognized strategy needs to be adopted by the archaeological profession, for management of this resource is crucial if the information is to be made readily accessible to researchers from all sectors of the community. The Strategic Framework for Historic Environment Records in Wales should be involved in this.

Recommendation 8 - Training and awareness building

Further training will be essential to ensure that the work is implemented across the archaeological sector. The report also highlighted areas of concern to museums.

Working Group for the Delivery of the Recommendations in the What's in Store? Report

ACTION PLAN

Recommendation 1 - Creation of shared archaeological resource centre(s)

· A scoping study needs to be commissioned to explore this concept more fully with all issues of the needs of museums assessed. Support for and use of such resource centre(s) needs to be ascertained. Views of individual Unitary Authorities would also have to be sought.
· An option appraisal needs to be developed from the findings of the scoping study.
· Funding in the region of £25,000 is required for the scoping and appraisal stages of this project. Action: Chairman of HEG to discuss with WAG.
· A detailed business case will be needed if this recommendation is to be progressed further.

Recommendation 2 - Create a database of Welsh Archaeological collections

· A drafting group is to be formed by Hilary Malaws.
· A bid for funding for a feasibility study will be drafted and funding applied for from CyMAL in April 2005.
· If successful a feasibility study will be undertaken.
· The feasibility study is expected to be split into two parts; one considering museum requirements and issues, the other IT / SWISH. The study may include the production of a pilot database ready for testing, if the first part of the feasibility study shows this to be sustainable. This will be split over two years.
· The study, if CyMAL supports it, would have to be completed by the end of March 2007.

Recommendation 3 - Establish a national panel for archaeological archives

· The Working Group will discuss and prepare a paper suggesting the remit of and a role for this panel for discussion by HEG.
· MH to request that this should appear as an agendum item at a future HEG meeting.

Recommendations 4, 5 and 7 - Encourage and develop a national collecting policy through the Museum Accreditation Scheme; draw up standards for the deposition of collections and supporting information and improve the management of them prior to permanent deposition

· Mary Ellis to arrange for the collation of information held by CyMAL to determine any gaps, overlaps or omissions in collecting policies across Wales.
· A strategy to develop a national collecting policy will be developed from this information base.
· A drafting group is to be formed by Elizabeth Walker.
· Standards for the care of archaeological archives in temporary storage and deposition to be drafted by end July 2005.
· Consultation with all users August - October 2005.
· Final text agreed by March 2006.
· Consultation prior to drafting guidelines for caring for archaeological archives by contractors, universities and independent excavators. January - April 2006.
· Seminar launching standards and discussing the temporary care of archaeological archives to be held April or May 2006.
· Drafting of the guidelines for caring for archaeological archives by contractors, universities and independent excavators April - May 2006.
· Consultation with the sector, including Cadw August - September 2006.
· Finalising guidelines and documents August - September 2006.
· Review of all work to ensure adoption March 2007.

Recommendation 6 - Review the management of the information database

· The Working Group will give further consideration to this recommendation at a future meeting. Issues to be identified by HM and RJB for discussion.

Recommendation 8 - Training and awareness building

· A training day providing an introduction to the various stages of an archaeological project followed by an explanation of the standards will be developed.
· CyMAL will facilitate advertisement of training events required.
· The Federation of Museums and Art Galleries in Wales will identify a list of training priorities for museum curators that they may take forward.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Working Group for the Delivery of the Recommendations in the What's in Store? Report, held in the National Museum & Gallery Cardiff, Thursday 17th March 2005

Present: Mike Houlihan, Chair (MH); Richard Brewer, NMGW (RJB); Vince Devine, Cadw (VD); Gareth Edwards, RCAHMW (GE); Mary Ellis, CyMAL (ME); Gavin H. Evans, Archaeological Archives Forum & Federation of Museums & Art Galleries of Wales (GHE); Jane Henderson, Cardiff University (JH); Charles Hill, Welsh Archaeological Trusts (CH); Hilary Malaws, RCAHMW (HM) and Elizabeth Walker, NMGW (EAW).

1. Welcome and introductions
Mike Houlihan welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were received from Emma Plunkett-Dillon.
2. Appointment of a Secretary
Elizabeth Walker was appointed Secretary to the Working Group.
3. Membership of the Group
It was agreed that there should be a contracting archaeologist on the Working Group. Action: EAW will contact IFA (Wales) to invite them to nominate a representative to attend future meetings.
4. Remit of the Working Group
4.1 The background and role of the Historic Environment Group were explained by the Chairman.
4.2 The Working Group will report to the Historic Environment Group with minutes of all meetings being sent to the Chairman, Tom Cassidy.
4.3 A discussion arose regarding the Working Group's executive authority and ability to apply for funding to deliver the recommendations of the report.
Mary Ellis clarified that CyMAL is able to allocate money to various institutions to manage on behalf of the Working Group. Action: MH to clarify this position with the Chairman of HEG.
4.4 It was agreed that there needs to be a clear communication route back to HEG. It was hoped that the Working Group would be able progress the recommendations without having to seek permission for each stage of its work. Action: MH to discuss communication of progress to HEG with the Group's Chairman.
4.5 It was agreed that a Strategy and an Action Plan are required for delivering the recommendations of the What's in Store? report. These will be taken to the Chairman of HEG for discussion. Action: MH & EAW to draft.
5. Priorities and Strategy for the delivery of the recommendations
5.1 Recommendation 2 - Create a database of Welsh Archaeological collections
A feasibility study is required to ensure that development of a database will be sustainable. If the consultant's report is positive then a pilot study should be undertaken. Action: HM will lead a team of Working Group members to draft a document outlining a strategy and costs for the delivery of this recommendation.
Mary Ellis agreed CyMAL will be willing to consider a bid for funding this element of the report. The work will have to be completed by the end of March 2006. Action: MH to write to CyMAL indicating the Working groups intention to make an application.
5.2Recommendation 3 - Establish a national panel for archaeology
It was agreed that a fuller discussion of this recommendation will be scheduled for the next meeting. Action: MH to request that this is an agenda item for the next HEG meeting.
5.3Recommendations 4, 5 and 7 - Encourage and develop a national collecting policy through the Museum Accreditation Scheme; draw up standards for the deposition of collections and supporting information and improve the management of them prior to permanent deposition
CyMAL holds all museum collecting policies so may be able to identify gaps, overlaps and omissions between them. Action: ME to see if this information can be collated for future use by the Working Group.
Standards for deposition are urgently needed and can be developed using a range of existing documentation. Encouraging organizations to adopt them was identified as a potential issue. Action: EAW will lead a team of Working Group members to draft an action plan for delivering this recommendation.
5.4 Recommendation 6 - Review the management of the information database
It was agreed that this will be discussed fully at the next meeting. It was recognised that the Strategic Framework for Records relating to the Historic Environment of Wales has a role in progressing this recommendation. Action: GHE will report back to the next meeting on the work being undertaken in England to develop a strategy for digital archives. Action: RJB & HM will meet to identify the issues that need to be addressed in advance of the next meeting.
5.5 Recommendation 8 - Training and awareness building
The Federation need to prioritise some training needs so that CyMAL can facilitate any necessary training. Action: GHE to develop a list with members of the Federation.
5.6 Recommendation 1 - Creation of shared archaeological resource centre(s)
It was agreed that this is an issue that requires addressing strategically at government level. A two stage approach was considered 1) to undertake a feasibility study to look at the concept, issues, space required and location to develop options for possible solutions; 2) A business case will then be required. Action: MH will discuss this with the Chairman of HEG to seek approval for a recommendation for WAG funding for this essential work.
6 Presentation to the IFA Conference
Elizabeth Walker reported that she and Hilary Malaws will be making a presentation on the What's in Store? report and its recommendations during the archaeological archives session of the IFA conference in Winchester March 22nd.
7 Any other business
It was noted that the full survey report has not been available since the closure of the Council of Museums in Wales. Action: ME to investigate the possibility of putting this on CyMAL's website.
Charles Hill noted that should IFA be unable to provide an archaeological contractor for the Working Group we should consider contacting SCAUM.
8 Date and venue of the next meeting
The next meeting will be held at 2pm on Wednesday 11th May 2005. The availability of video conferencing facilities will be explored in the National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff and in the CyMAL offices, Aberystwyth.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Working Group for the Delivery of the Recommendations in the What's in Store? Report held in the National Museum & Gallery Cardiff and CyMAL, Aberystwyth, Wednesday 11th May 2005

Present: Mike Houlihan, Chair (MH); Richard Brewer, NMGW (RJB); Vince Devine, Cadw (VD); Gareth Edwards, RCAHMW (GE); Mary Ellis, CyMAL (ME); Gavin H. Evans, Archaeological Archives Forum (GHE); Jane Henderson, Cardiff University (JH); Kate Howell, IFA (Wales) (KH); Hilary Malaws, RCAHMW (HM); Frank Olding, Federation of Museums & Art Galleries of Wales (FO); Emma Plunkett-Dillon, CBA (Wales) (EP-D) and Elizabeth Walker, NMGW (EAW).

1. Welcome and introductions
Mike Houlihan welcomed Kate Howell, Frank Olding and Emma Plunkett-Dillon to their first meeting.
2. The minutes of the meeting held 17th March 2005
The minutes were accepted as a correct and accurate record of the meeting.
3. Matters Arising
3.1 Minute 5.4 - recommendation 6 - the discussion was held over until the next meeting. Action: RJB & HM to meet and report back to the next meeting.
3.2 Minute 5.4 - recommendation 6 - Gavin Evans reported on initiatives underway in England. The main area of progress appears to be the OASIS project which is beginning to address issues of access to grey literature in England and the work of the ADS who are developing standards for the curation of digital archives.
3.3 Minute 5.5 - recommendation 8 - Gavin Evans reported that there are a number of organisations across the U.K. providing training courses for archaeology. The Archaeology Training Forum helps co-ordinate and develop training provision for archaeologists across the country. CyMAL are currently undertaking a training needs analysis for the non-national museum curators. Action: GHE & ME to contact Denise Lavis to see if there are areas that the What's in Store? Delivery Group can contribute to.
It was agreed that there are two types of training provision; that requested directly by Museum curators that can be facilitated by CyMAL and training that may be required in order to implement the Delivery Group's recommendations and standards.
4. Report on a meeting held with Tom Cassidy, Chair of the Historic Environment Group
The Chairman reported that a meeting had been held with Tom Cassidy and Richard Avent at the Cadw offices. The summary notes of the discussion had previously been circulated to members of the Delivery Group.
It was explained that the Delivery Group has a clearly defined set of targets to deliver the recommendations of the What's in Store? report so is intended to be a group that will have a natural end to its work. The Group has authority to apply for funding and will be expected to rely on the organisations in which members work to provide the monitoring of any money received.
The Historic Environment Group will continue to be informed of the development of the strategic and the action plans by the Chairman.
The Delivery Group welcomed the outcome of the meeting which was seen to be very helpful in clarifying the role of the Group.
5. The Strategic Plan and the Action Plan
5.1 The Strategic Plan was accepted by the Group.
5.2 It was agreed that the Action Plan needs to be updated in the light of discussion of recommendation 8. The more detailed plan for recommendations 4, 5 and 7 needs to be incorporated. Action: MH & EAW to update.
The Action Plan is a document that will develop and change as work on the recommendations progresses.
6. Recommendation 2 - create a database of Welsh archaeological collections
A draft application to CyMAL for funding for a feasibility study for a database had been circulated for comment prior to the meeting. Hilary Malaws explained that some of the work is dependent upon the RCAHMS who have confirmed that they can undertake the aspects that concern them, however, this work will be critical upon the swift appointment of a consultant to undertake the project.
Mary Ellis observed that the project might be better split over two years given the need to go out to tender for three quotes from people willing to undertake the work. She also confirmed that CyMAL would be able to take a decision in around 10 days following receipt of the bid. Action: HM to check that RCAHMS are happy with this and revise the application accordingly.
Work will commence to draw up the Project Initiation Document (PID) which the Group will be invited to comment on. The aim will be to sign it off at the next meeting (or electronically beforehand if required earlier). Action HM & GE to draft the PID.
A list of consultants who might be approached to undertake the work will be created. Names and addresses should be sent to Elizabeth Walker. Action: EAW to collate a list of potential consultants.
The financial arrangements were discussed as RCAHMW is unable to manage funding for external projects. It was agreed that the bid to CyMAL will be submitted in the name of the Delivery Group but that the Federation of Museums & Art Galleries in Wales will administer any grant obtained via an arrangement it has with Carmarthenshire County Council.
7. Recommendation 3 - establish a national panel for archaeology
The meeting with Tom Cassidy and Richard Avent resulted in a suggestion that the Drafting Group might become a National Panel for Archaeological Archives, as it was felt that a Panel for Archaeology would be too difficult to create.
Jane Henderson expressed concerns about this saying that the original aim of the recommendation was to look more broadly at archaeology as a whole rather than solely at issues concerning archives. The issue of the Delivery Group itself having a proposed short lifespan as well was raised.
Kate Howell raised concerns about the definition of archaeological archives used by the original What's in Store? Steering Group and asked whether this could be revisited in the context of the discussion about a national panel.
Action: JH to draft terms of reference for a National Panel for discussion at a future meeting. A longer time slot will be allocated to enable a full discussion about this and the definition at a future meeting Action: EAW.
8. Recommendations 4, 5 and 7 - standards for archaeological archives
A draft action plan for the delivery of this recommendation had been circulated. Action: MH & EAW to incorporate this into the main Action Plan.
Work gathering information on the stages that the procedure should address and the issues that may require more discussion have been collated. Action: EAW will arrange a meeting of those working on this and will circulate the progress summary prior to the next Delivery Group meeting.
Jane Henderson and Elizabeth Walker will be discussing the development of standards with members of the Federation of Museums & Art Galleries of Wales at their Archaeology Study Day on May 17th.
9. Recommendation 1 - creation of shared archaeological resource centre(s)
The Chairman of the Historic Environment Group has expressed his willingness to support a bid for funding to progress this recommendation. It may be possible to apply for funding through the Culture Fund, but there will be a delay before this can be done. It was agreed that the Working Group might be able to start to tackle some of the issues to pave the way for a bid for funding.
Action: MH to explore the issues with the Culture Division of the National Assembly to discuss options for the potential for funding the delivery of this recommendation.
10. Any Other Business
10.1 It was reported that the Federation of Museums & Art Galleries in Wales will be holding a study day on Archaeology at which several members of the Delivery Group will be speaking.
10.2 Frank Olding asked about SWISH's ability to present data generated in the TOAD format. Hilary Malaws reassured everyone that SWISH acts as a portal for all databases on a non-commercial basis and that anyone using the data would not be aware of which database the record was created on.
10.3 Gavin Evans reported that AAF have been seeking funding from Wales for a project to develop standards for archaeological archives Action: EAW will draft a letter to the Secretary of AAF to remind them that Wales should continue to be featured in the documentation but explaining the work of the Delivery Group.
10.4 It was noted that a draft of MAP3 is currently being prepared by English Heritage. It was unclear how Cadw might apply this Action: VD to establish what Cadw's view is on the draft document.
10.5 It was felt that the MAP3 document might be helpful in developing standards for archaeological archives Action: EAW to seek to obtain a copy of the document for use by the Delivery Group.
10.6 It was noted that Charles Hill has resigned from the Group and has suggested that one of the Principal Archaeology Officers from one of the Trusts should attend future meetings. Action: EAW to contact Louise Austin to seek a new representative from the Trusts.
11. Date and venue of next meeting
The next meeting will be held Friday 24th June 2pm. If possible it will be by video conference between Cardiff and Aberystwyth.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Working Group for the Delivery of the Recommendations in the What's in Store? Report held in the National Museum & Gallery Cardiff and CyMAL, Aberystwyth, Friday 24th June 2005

Present: Mike Houlihan, Chair (MH); Liz Bowerman, CyMAL (LB); Richard Brewer, NMGW (RJB); Vince Devine, Cadw (VD); Gareth Edwards, RCAHMW (GE); Jane Henderson, Cardiff University (JH); Kate Howell, IFA (Wales) (KH); Hilary Malaws, RCAHMW (HM); Frank Olding, Federation of Museums & Art Galleries of Wales (FO); Emma Plunkett-Dillon, CBA (Wales) (EP-D) and Elizabeth Walker, NMGW (EAW).

1. Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from Louise Austin, Mary Ellis, Gavin Evans (GHE), and Denise Lavis.
2. The minutes of the meeting held 11th May 2005
The minutes were accepted as a correct and accurate record of the meeting.
3. Matters arising
3.1 Minute 3.3 - Liz Bowerman noted that CyMAL have received training needs appraisal forms from Gavin Evans but require a more detailed proposal if a training day is to be arranged.
3.2 Minutes 10.3 & 10.5 - Elizabeth Walker reported that she had spoken to Kathy Perrin of English Heritage who was already aware of the work of the What's in Store? Delivery Group. She also established that English Heritage's revisions to MAP2 will only be referencing the work of the Archaeological Archives Forum in developing standards for archaeological archives.
3.3 Minute 10.4 - Vince Devine reported that Cadw have not been approached by English Heritage to discuss the revisions to MAP2.
3.4 Minute 10.6 - Louise Austin of Cambria Archaeology has been appointed the Trust's representative on the Delivery Group.
4. The Strategic Plan and the Action Plan
4.1 The Action Plan entry for recommendation 3 should be updated following the meeting Action: MH & EAW.
4.2 The Action Plan entry for recommendation 8 will be updated following the suggestion that a more detailed proposal for a training day will be developed. Action: MH & EAW.
5. Recommendation 2 - create a database of Welsh archaeological collections
Hilary Malaws reported that the funding proposal for the project has been submitted to CyMAL for comment prior to its formal submission.
The draft Project Initiation Document (PID) was circulated. It was agreed that the project scope should be the same as that used in the What's in Store? report with a definition of the term archaeological archives appearing early in the document.
It was agreed that Gareth Edwards and Elizabeth Walker would prepare a brief for a consultant to be ready to go out if the funding is approved. Action: GE & EAW.
A Project Management Team was agreed to comprise of Hilary Malaws, Gavin Evans, Elizabeth Walker, Frank Olding, Gareth Edwards and Jane Henderson. If the funding is approved this group will meet in July and has the authority of the Delivery Group to appoint the consultant and to commence work on this project. Action: HM to arrange this meeting.
The Federation of Museums & Art Galleries of Wales will need to prepare a letter confirming the funding arrangements. Action: HM & FO to arrange this.
6. Recommendation 3 - establish a national panel for archaeology
A discussion took place around whether a panel should be established to deal with archaeology as a whole, or solely for archaeological archives. It was generally felt that a national panel for archaeology would necessarily be so broad that archives would be lost within it. There would also be the danger that it would duplicate the work of other bodies such as the Ancient Monuments Board and Listed Building Commission. It was agreed that the panel should focus on archaeological archives.
It was agreed that it may be appropriate for any future National Panel for Archaeological Archives to recommend whether there should also be a National Panel for Archaeology.
A discussion about the scope of the panel and whether or not industrial collections should be included was inconclusive. It was agreed that the issues would be discussed by a sub-group comprising Jane Henderson, Richard Brewer, Kate Howell and Gareth Edwards. This group will aim to produce the terms of reference for the panel for circulation ahead of the next meeting. Action: JH to convene the meeting.
7. Recommendations 4, 5 and 7 - standards for archaeological archive
The summary of a discussion held at the Federation's archaeology day were circulated. Jane Henderson reported that the meeting had led to a recommendation that the Federation should support the idea of a single standard. This recommendation has subsequently been approved by the Committee.
The headings and framework for a set of standards was discussed. It was agreed that this should be split into four sections dealing with Pre-excavation, excavation, post-excavation and transfer. Action: EAW will prepare a first draft for other members of the sub-group to work up into a document for discussion at the next meeting.
Liz Bowerman reported on her work looking at the various museum collections policies. It was agreed that she and Elizabeth Walker will meet up to discuss this further Action LB & EAW.
8. Recommendation 6 - review the management of the information database
This is not seen as a high priority for the Group but will continue to feature on the agenda. Action: RJB and HM to meet to discuss taking this recommendation forward. A report will be given at the next meeting.
9. Recommendation 1 - creation of shared archaeological resource centre(s)
Mike Houlihan reported that he has a meeting arranged with Margaret Evans, Director of the Culture Division of Welsh Assembly Government at which he will raise the issue of funding for the delivery of this recommendation. Action: MH to report back to the next meeting.
10. Recommendation 8 - training
The suggestion that there should be two forms of training, one to address training for the implementation of the standards and then more general training was discussed. It was agreed that the two forms of training could be linked in a day meeting with an introduction explaining each stage of the archaeological process that could be followed by an explanation of the standards. This meeting would then be applicable to both curators and contractors. Action: EAW, JH & GHE to develop a programme for this meeting by the end of July.
It was agreed that any further training needs for museum curators should be mapped out by the Federation and discussed further with CyMAL. Action: FO & GHE.
11. Any other business
Liz Bowerman reminded the Group of the time constraints for appointing a consultant for the delivery of the first year of the pilot scheme for museums. She also pointed out that funding for the second year can not be guaranteed, although CyMAL will be happy to consider an application for a second phase.
12. Date and venue of the next meeting

The next meeting will be held Monday 12th September 2pm in Cardiff