Institute of Welsh Affairs facts for kids
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Sefydliad Materion Cymreig
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| Formation | 1987 |
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| Founder | Geraint Talfan Davies Keith James |
| Founded at | Cardiff, Wales |
| Legal status | Charity |
| Purpose | To improve the Welsh economy, education and health sectors |
| Location |
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Region served
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Wales |
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Official language
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English Welsh |
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Director
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Auriol Miller |
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Chairwoman
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Bethan Darwin |
| Affiliations | ESRC |
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Revenue (2019–20)
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£302,336 |
| Expenses (2019–20) | £340,933 |
The Institute of Welsh Affairs (IWA) is a special group in Wales that works like a "think tank." This means they research and discuss important ideas about how Wales can be better. They are an independent charity, which means they don't belong to any political party or business. The IWA focuses on big topics like the economy (how money and jobs work), education (schools and learning), the environment (our planet), and health (keeping people well) in Wales. People can become members to support their work.
Contents
How the IWA Started
The idea for the IWA came about after a big vote in 1979 about "Welsh devolution." Devolution is when a country's central government gives some of its power to a local government. In Wales, people were debating how much independence Wales should have.
In 1986, Geraint Talfan Davies from BBC Wales and lawyer Keith James thought Wales needed a group to challenge old ideas. They wanted a group that could help improve Wales's economy and industries. The Welsh Development Agency gave them £50,000 to start.
So, the Institute of Welsh Affairs began on July 22, 1987. It became a registered charity on December 1, 1990.
Early Leaders and Growth
The IWA's first Chairman was Henry Kroch, a businessman. Sir Donald Walters, who helped create the University of Wales, Cardiff, was his Deputy Chairman. The IWA has always been independent, meaning it doesn't take sides in politics or business. It was the first "think tank" in the UK funded by its members.
Until 1996, Geraint Talfan Davies led the IWA as a volunteer group. Then, with money from the Welsh Development Agency and others, the IWA could hire full-time staff. They hired journalist John Osmond as their first full-time director. He helped create Agenda, the IWA's first journal.
In 2008, the IWA started an online site called Click on Wales. It was a place for people to share ideas and discuss public policy in Wales. This site is now called the welsh agenda to match their magazine.
Recent Leadership Changes
In April 2013, Lee Waters took over from John Osmond as Director. Lee Waters had worked for an environmental charity before. A year later, Helen Molyneux became the Chair.
In 2015, Lee Waters decided to run for election as a politician. After he won, he stepped down from the IWA. In July 2016, Auriol Miller became the new Director. She had worked for a homelessness service and for Oxfam. The current Chair is Bethan Darwin.
What the IWA Focuses On
The IWA's main goal is to find new ideas and plans to make Wales better. They want to improve the economy, education, environment, and health sectors.
After the 1979 vote on devolution, the IWA focused a lot on that topic. Now, they work more on public policy. This means they help lead discussions among important people about different issues. They also write reports on topics like transport, justice, healthcare, and how to reduce inequality.
The IWA often holds events to talk about their reports and other important issues in Wales. For example, they held a big debate about Brexit and devolution. Carwyn Jones, a former leader of Wales, and Nigel Farage took part in this debate.
How the IWA Gets Money
The IWA is a charity and gets most of its money from its members. People can join as individual members or businesses can become "corporate affiliates."
In the year 2019-2020, the IWA reported an income of £302,336 and spent £340,933. While members are their main support, they have also received money from businesses and government groups in the past.
The IWA also gives out "fellowships." These are special honorary positions given to people who have done great things for Wales. They also have "Life Fellowships" for those who have made an amazing contribution to making Wales better.
The IWA used to have smaller offices in different parts of Wales. Now, they mainly work from their main office in Cardiff Bay.
People Involved with the IWA
Many important people from Wales have been involved with the Institute. They have served as fellows, board members, or directors.
- Lee Waters
- John Osmond
- Helen Molyneux
- Geraint Talfan Davies
- Eurfyl ap Gwilym
- Professor Laura McAllister
IWA Directors
- Auriol Miller (2016–present)
- Lee Waters (2013–2016)
- John Osmond (1996–2013)
IWA Chairpeople
- Bethan Darwin (2018–present)
- Helen Molyneux (2014–2018)
- Geraint Talfan Davies (1992–2014)
- Henry Kroch (1987–1991)
The IWA has a board of trustees who help guide the organization. You can find a current list of their board members on the IWA's website.
See also
- List of think tanks in the United Kingdom
- List of think tanks in Wales
