Power of Place Review

Summary extract taken from the record of the COTAC Standing Conference Meeting held in June 2001

Wide Review of Training

The Power of Place report identified a need for better interrelationship between the bodies involved in conservation education and training. The COTAC Trustees have been considering what form of action this might require and have consulted with a number of organisations. As a result they have produced recommendations for a wide review. It is envisaged that a small steering group of major players will be invited to take the lead. It is appreciated that everyone and every organisation involved had precious interests and that these must be respected.

English Heritage has welcomed the COTAC proposal and noted the DfEE have a long-term strategy for training and education but that, in this, conservation has not been taken into account.

It is generally agreed that it will not be possible to take matters forward in the proposed review through a single directing body since it needs to incorporate the views of a whole range of organisations operating at different levels. The review should identify what people want to achieve and how to get there. The aim should be a framework within which all players can agree to operate.

CITB (the National Training Organisation and in the organisation responsible for craft S/NVQ development) concluded that there appeared to be broad support for the proposals from the members of the COTAC Standing Conference. He agreed that all must be aware of the sensitivities and suggested that COTAC now work up the outline proposals for circulation to all members of the Conference as soon as possible. It is hoped that CHNTO and LANTRO will be involved as will the HLF.

The next stage will be to issue a more detailed paper on the wider review. Conference Members are asked to propose appropriate names for the Review’s Steering Group. These would need to be senior people since, to be effective the group will need to be politically active.