Welsh Government’s heritage priorities needs focus on supporting the workforce and future funding, says Prospect
Prospect is broadly supportive of the Welsh Government’s heritage priorities but would like more details on the future funding arrangements for culture and a greater commitment to retaining, developing and the well-being of the nation’s heritage workforce.
Prospect’s stance is outlined in its response to a Welsh Government consultation on its draft priorities for culture in Wales from 2024 to 2030.
The Welsh Government has identified three broad priorities, each of which is supported by several ‘ambitions.’
- Priority 1: Culture brings us together
- Priority 2: A nation of culture
- Priority 3: Culture is resilient and sustainable
For more information on the consultation, the three priorities and each of the supporting ambitions, please see the Welsh Government website.
Prospect’s view
This consultation covers a broad range of Prospect’s membership within our Heritage and Bectu sectors, representing skilled workers across Heritage, Arts and the Creative Industries.
One of the key passages of Prospect’s response states:
“All ambitions identified have merit and value to the nation. We are concerned that there are too many ambitions to deliver on [within the priorities for culture] and that these will only serve to reduce focus on the foundations required for sustainability of the sector.”
“As a trade union we believe that the Welsh Government should be stronger in articulating its commitment to the workforce,” said Jane Lancastle, Prospect negotiations officer.
“It should be recognised that the cultural sector will not survive and thrive without a highly skilled, diverse workforce who benefit from fair work and be fairly rewarded.”
She added:
“If the first priority, ‘Culture brings us together’ is to succeed we would like to see less focus on the ‘should’ and more on the ‘what and the how.’ While these aims are laudable, there’s no mention of what, or how they’ll be achieved.
“These priorities are aspirational, but will be unachievable without secure, sustainable funding and a commitment to not only retaining staff but recruiting and developing the workforce.”
Volunteers
Prospect also brings attention to the practice of using volunteers within heritage to replace good, secure, skilled employment.
While volunteering is a good thing – it brings people closer to the national collections and helps institutions do work it doesn’t otherwise have time, or resources, to do.
However, says Prospect in its response, volunteers cannot and should not replace experienced professionals.
The Bectu sector, which covers theatre, live events and film, represents members in industries dependent on a freelance workforce. Workers are often expected to work unpaid, or on very low pay, especially at the early stages of their career.
This is a particular problem for those from underrepresented groups who often lack in confidence and take longer to build up their client base.
“These practices should not continue and Prospect calls on the Welsh Government to be alert to the issue, and to put in place clear guidance to address it,” said Jane.
