Stakeholder Consultation Report Published

Responses to an independent stakeholder consultation on the proposed merger between Historic Scotland and RCAHMS have now been published.

In November and December 2012, ODS Consulting – a leading Scottish consultancy working in the field of public policy – contacted individuals and organisations currently using the resources and functions of Historic Scotland and RCAHMS. The consultation involved an on-line survey circulated widely through the email lists of both organisations and the Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS), which resulted in 599 responses; two regional workshops with 23 participants; and telephone interviews with 19 key organisations.

We would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation. Your input has helped to ensure that stakeholders’ concerns have been taken into account in preparing the business case for the proposed merger.

Jo Robertson, Historic Environment Officer at The Built Environment Forum Scotland said 'BEFS welcomes publication of this independent report by ODS on the merger.  This report provides a fair and useful assessment of views of individuals and organisations that work with both RCAHMS and Historic Scotland. It will help inform discussions amongst colleagues within the wider sector in advance of formal policy consultation which is anticipated in the summer.'

Michael Proctor, Head of the merger programme team said, 'The Business Case for the new organisation takes into account the concerns raised in this report, and details how we aim to address those concerns throughout the merger process. Likewise, the varied suggestions and ideas about how to ensure a positive merger have been factored in. Stakeholders will continue to be involved in the process - and in particular when we consult on the proposed new organisation in the summer of 2013.'

The Business Case for the new organisation was presented to the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, and a decision will be taken by Cabinet in due course. If the Business Case is approved by Ministers, the process will require legislation, with a possible Bill in the 2013/14 Parliamentary session, and the aim of creating the new organisation by 2015/16.