Attendees

NICW

Dr David Clubb, Chair

Aleena Khan, Commissioner

Steve Brooks, Commissioner

Nick Tune, Commissioner

Helen Armstrong, Commissioner

Elspeth Jones, Nature Guardian

Secretariat/Welsh Government

Stuart Ingram, NICW Secretariat

Nicola Britton, NICW Secretariat

Equinox (item 8 only)

Masie Wallace

Carys Williams

Apologies

Dr Jenifer Baxter, Deputy Chair

Eluned Parrott Commissioner

Dr Eurgain Powell, Commissioner

Nature on the Board – Welcome

Elspeth Jones introduced herself and talked about her rational for taking up this role.  Discussion focused on the learning experience for NICW and how this can be used to develop a valuable and compelling case study for public bodies.  The importance of learning in public was noted.

Action

Track experience of nature on board for NICW – All

Check in, values and futures

Following check in the chair reminded the group of NICW’s values.  A Futures Community of Practice event by Defra was noted.

Housekeeping

Declaration of interest

Elspeth requested a form and following a suggestion will relook at the Nolan principles.

Notes of Previous Meeting

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Invitations

• NESO RESP forum on 10 July – Nick Tune would like to attend
• Futures Community of Practice on 26 June – Steve, Helen, Eurgain and Eluned invited to present.
• NICW are scheduled to meet with the WG Infrastructure Strategy Group.

DC has invited relevant portfolio holders from Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives to talk about NICW and its work

Work Programme

Work Programme

The Work Programme report and budget report was circulated to Commissioners in advance.  The following specific areas were discussed in relation to the report:

Year 1 – Renewable Energy

The changing landscape of renewable development was discussed, for example recent UK government initiatives that will deliver on NICW recommendations.  Commissioners thought a review of the report and its recommendations is timely and also provides an opportunity to test the recommendations with nature on board.

Action

Arrange session to review report recommendations and produce an update: Secretariat

Year 2 – Flooding

A meeting with Martin Buckle (Chair FCEC) has been arranged and correspondence with Dr Peter Fox (NRW Board) initiated.  The purpose is to progress the recommendations with delivery partners.

Year 3 – Climate Change Communication

Helen Armstrong provided an update on developing recommendations and progress on developing a legacy for the project with SOIF.

Steve Brooks updated the group on synthesising recommendations and the timeline for the draft report.  He is confident a draft will be ready early September, ready for design etc.

Year 4 Infrastructure Assessment

David Clubb reported on workshop dates.  Elspeth noted there was a lack of consistency in stakeholders for individual workshops, as environmental/conservation groups not invited to all.  This would be discussed with the consultants, also with other discussion points such as the need to ensure there is a Wales centric approach in all workshops and the role future trends can play in framing workshop exercises.

Action

Finalise workshop planning with ARCADIS: Chair

Year 4 Infrastructure DeliveryThe project is currently out to tender, closing on 8 July. updated list of case studies: Secretariat

Risk Register

Senedd Committee being critical of NICW’s performance was discussed.  This is a low risk.

NICW Commissioner Updates

The Dept of HCLG’s recent briefing on AI on planning was discussed. Commissioners noted that AI could help with capacity in LA planning departments, but believed a full strategy wasn’t needed. Instead, Welsh LAs should be encouraged to pilot new technologies.  Consideration will be given to engaging RTPI and the WLGA on this issue.

CCEI Committee Report

The WG response was noted and discussed.  The key issue was extending the terms of the current commission to late summer 2026.  This was broadly seen as a positive step which would allow NICW to prepare and develop options for NICW’s role under the next government. 

NICW Communications Support

Masie Wallace took the commissioners through the communication plan for 2025/26.

The importance of messaging around the nature guardian role was discussed.  All agreed lines need to be developed.  This would be done as part of the review of key messages.

An offer of media training was noted; this can be arranged for interested commissioners in August.

Action

Key message to be review and updated to include lines on Nature on Board: Equinox/Secretariat

Media training session to be arranged: Equinox/Secretariat

Nature on the Board

The letter from the Deputy First Minister was noted.  Elspeth Jones agreed to get in touch with the contacts provided in the letter.  Elspeth also explained she is keen to develop her own network of nature guardians. 

The possibility of Lee Walter MS sponsoring an event about Nature in Governance at the Senedd was discussed.  The Chair will contact him to discuss.  A draft programme and date were noted.

Action

Arrange Senedd event re Nature on Board for January 2026 : Chair

NICW Summer Site Visit Details

The secretariat ran through the draft programme for the visit to Llandudno/Anglesey in July 2025.

AOB

None