The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales
Appointment of Chair and Commissioners
The Commission was established in 1908 by virtue of a Royal Warrant. It has a
recognised standing in the UK and internationally as the official body of survey and
record for the historic environment of Wales. Its core functions are to investigate,
understand, interpret and disseminate authoritative information about the historic
environment, and to care for and maintain the National Monuments Record of Wales
(NMRW). Coflein, an on-line service, provides access to the collections, catalogues
and a national index of sites. (www.coflein.gov.uk)
Meetings are normally held in Aberystwyth, but there may be occasions when
meetings are required elsewhere in Wales.
There are three vacancies:
Vacancy for Chair
The Chair has a particular responsibility among Commissioners to lead, direct and
represent, and to act as the primary point of contact with the Welsh Ministers to
whom he or she is personally responsible for the legality and probity of the Royal
Commission’s affairs. An important aspect of the Chair’s role is to advise on the
appointment of Commissioners. Candidates are sought who can demonstrate the
following:
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a proven professional expertise in one or more areas of interest to the Royal
Commission as stated in its remit contained in the Royal Warrant;
http://www.rcahmw.gov.uk/media/2.pdf
extensive managerial and leadership experience at a high level in a relevant
organisation for example in the university, museum, archive, education or
heritage sector;
awareness of public accounting and accountability
the ability to provide authoritative advice;
a capacity for networking.
good presentation skills
A clear understanding and commitment to equality issues and challenging
discriminatory practices; and
have a clear understanding and commitment to Nolan’s ‘Seven Principles of
Public Life’.
The Chair must also be prepared to give sufficient time to maintain a high level of
contact with the Secretary and attend meetings and functions as necessary in
addition to the regular business meetings of the Commission. The Chair is expected
to work 15 days a year on Royal Commission activities.
Vacancies for Commissioners
There are currently two vacancies for Commissioners both of which require a proven
professional expertise in one or more of the following specific areas:
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Maritime archaeology;
Celtic studies;
Post-medieval archaeology or
Architectural practice.
Commissioners will be expected to be able to attend three plenary meetings each
year, in February and October for one day and in June for two days. They must also
be able to attend three committee meetings each year in February, May and October.
Commissioners will need to be prepared to read background material, to assess texts
for publication and to represent the Royal Commission between meetings. This
represents an average time commitment of about 10 days a year.
In addition applicants for the Chair and Commissioner vacancies should:
 Have a knowledge of, and interest in, the historic environment of Wales;
 Have intellectual and analytical skills of a high order;
 Have proven communication skills;
 Be able to work well as part of a team;
 Have proven experience of management and strategic planning to be able to
contribute towards and accept responsibility for the Organisation’s strategic
direction and performance;
 Have proven experience of people management to be able to guide and
monitor 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’.
A daily rate of remuneration at the rate of £243 for the Chair and £190 for
Commissioners a day is available together with travel and other reasonable
expenses.
It is the policy of the Welsh Assembly Government to promote and integrate equality
of opportunity into all aspects of its business including appointments to public bodies.
It welcomes and encourages applications from groups currently under-represented
including women, minority ethnic communities and disabled people. The principles of
fair and open competition will apply and appointments will be made on merit.
For an application pack and further details, please contact Public Appointments Unit,
Welsh Assembly Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ (telephone no:
(029) 2082 3799/3576, or fax no; (029) 2082 6869 or e-mail:
publicappointments@wales.gsi.gov.uk)
The closing date for applications for both the Chair and Commissioners is 1st May
2008
Applications received after this date will not be accepted.
A large print, Braille or audio version of this advert can be obtained by request
from 029 2082 3799.