Attendees

NICW

Dr David Clubb, Chair

Aleena Khan, Commissioner

Steve Brooks, Commissioner

Nick Tune, Commissioner

Eluned Parrott Commissioner

Dr Eurgain Powell, Commissioner

Elspeth Jones, Nature Guardian

Secretariat/Welsh Government

Stuart Ingram, NICW Secretariat

Nicola Britton, NICW Secretariat

Apologies

Dr Jenifer Baxter, Deputy Chair

Helen Armstrong, Commissioner

Welcome and check in

Housekeeping

Declaration of interest.

The Chair reminders commissioners to ensure DoI are current, especially as they will be meeting a variety of stakeholders during this visit.

Notes of Previous Meeting

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

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 chair has been working on a blog post, picking up the recommendation about devolving the crown estate and a review of the recommendations.  Comments were invited via email the meeting

Action

Write to Chair of Great British Energy about work is being undertaken in Wales: Chair

Year 2 – Flooding

A meeting with Martin Buckle (Chair FCEC) took place on 27 June.  This led to a discussion about NICW initiating the formation of a welsh flood forum.  The conclusion was to research the steps necessary and then to bring a thoroughly worked up proposal to Welsh Government.

Action

Arrange initial meeting with The National Flood Forum: Secretariat/Eurgain Powell

Year 3 – Climate Change Communication

Work is progressing on a final report and recommendations.  The chair asked everyone to engage/comment as this will be the major autumn initiative for NICW and will need to be finalised by the end of the summer.

Year 4 Infrastructure Assessment

David Clubb fed back on the water sector workshops, which were well attended providing a good mix of challenge and enthusiasm.  The next tranche of workshops will be in September

Year 4 Infrastructure Delivery

No bids were received; however, a direct award may be possible.  The secretariat is discussing with the procurement service and ARUP.

Risk Register

Media criticism of NICW Governance was discussed.  The importance of visible governance, such as minutes and register of interests, was noted.  Holding public meetings was not considered to be appropriate or viable for the size of organisation

NICW Commissioner Updates

Elspeth update the members of networking she has undertaken in relation to Nature on Board.

Feedback on meeting with Rebecca Evans MS of 2nd July

The Chair reported back on the meeting.  The Cabinet Secretary will be writing to members offering to extend terms (to Sept 2026). 

Discussion centered on ensuring the right people are aware of NICW’s recommendations.  The concept of arranging information sessions for political parties was mooted. 

NICW Reflection / End of Term Arrangements

Stuart Ingram introduced how the 2025 annual report will be a more reflective publication and asked commissioners how they would like to engage, e.g. would a facilitated reflective session be useful.  The discussion moved on to developing recommendation for the future of NICW (based on experience to date).  The planned Spring infrastructure symposium was seen as a good place to highlight the next steps.

Nature on the Board – Reflective Moment

Elspeth further updated on meeting she has had over the past month.  Engagement with Lawyers for Nature was discussed.

The proposed Senedd event was discussed, refining the programme and format.

Action

Confirm timing for event with Lee Water’s office: chair

AOB

None