Today, the Welsh Government will publish recommendations made by Dr Simon Thurley in a review commissioned by the Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Infrastructure, Ken Skates.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Dr Thurley makes a number of useful observations and recommendations which both the Cabinet Secretary and Welsh Government, and Amgueddfa Cymru will now consider in detail.
Cabinet Secretary, Ken Skates, said:
In his review, Dr Thurley recognises the quality of Amgueddfa Cymru’s national collections, the expertise and knowledge of staff, its support of social and community development and its contribution to a knowledge of Welsh history and culture, and describes its achievements in these areas as having been outstanding. His recommendations also look at relations between Amgueddfa Cymru and Welsh Government; opportunities for commercial development as well as policy and governance, and future vision.
Dr Thurley, said:
David Anderson, Director General of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales said:
Cabinet Secretary, Ken Skates, said:
“I’d like to thank Dr Thurley for his balanced, thoughtful and impartial report. The review is a key step to help the Welsh Government identify the most appropriate ways in which we can help ensure Amgueddfa Cymru continues to thrive in the future, in what continue to be challenging financial times.
“As outlined in the report on Historic Wales, I remain absolutely committed to enabling our heritage institutions to maximise the economic benefits that they bring to the people of Wales .
“We will now work closely with Amgueddfa Cymru’s Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team to determine how best to take the review and recommendations forward.”
In his review, Dr Thurley recognises the quality of Amgueddfa Cymru’s national collections, the expertise and knowledge of staff, its support of social and community development and its contribution to a knowledge of Welsh history and culture, and describes its achievements in these areas as having been outstanding. His recommendations also look at relations between Amgueddfa Cymru and Welsh Government; opportunities for commercial development as well as policy and governance, and future vision.
Dr Thurley, said:
"I hope that my review and its recommendations will form a strong foundation for the museum, together with the Welsh Government, to meet the challenges and successfully move forward to the next stage in its history.”
David Anderson, Director General of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales said:
“We are pleased that the positive contribution made by Amgueddfa Cymru – through its staff, museums and collections – is acknowledged by Dr Thurley in his review.Elisabeth Elias, President of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales said:
“He describes Amgueddfa Cymru as one of the ‘great museums of the UK and a ‘successful and thriving organisation’, of which we are extremely proud.
“We recognise the need to make improvements in certain areas of our work including income generation and industrial relations, and Dr Thurley’s observations and recommendations provide a helpful framework to help us address these."
“I would like to thank the Cabinet Secretary for commissioning this Review, which has captured both the successes of this much-loved and iconic national institution as well as some of the challenges it faces.“As a Board of Trustees we will be considering the recommendations in detail and supporting the Senior Management Team going forward in working with staff, the recognised Trade Unions and Government Officials in their implementation.”