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), also known as Sefydliad Materion Cymreig in Welsh, is a special kind of organisation. It's an independent charity and a think-tank based in Cardiff, Wales. A think-tank is a group of experts who do research and suggest ideas about public issues. The IWA focuses on public policy and discussions about the economy, education, environment, and health in Wales.
Contents
History of the IWA
The IWA was created during an interesting time in Wales. In 1979, people in Wales voted on whether they wanted more power to make their own decisions, a process called devolution. This vote failed, which led to a lot of discussion about Wales's future.
How the IWA Started
In 1986, Geraint Talfan Davies from BBC Wales and lawyer Keith James from Cardiff had an idea. They wanted to create a group that would challenge how things were done in Wales. They hoped this group would help improve Wales's industry and economy.
They received £50,000 from the Welsh Development Agency. This funding helped them officially start The Institute of Welsh Affairs on 22 July 1987. On 1 December 1990, the IWA became a registered charity. This means it works for public benefit, not for profit.
Early Leaders and Growth
The IWA's first Chairman was Henry Kroch, a German-born industrialist. His Deputy Chairman was Sir Donald Walters. A board of trustees, which still exists today, oversaw the organisation. From the start, the IWA has been independent. It doesn't belong to any political or economic groups. It was also the first think-tank in the UK funded by its members.
Until 1996, Geraint Talfan Davies was the Chairman. During this time, the IWA was run by volunteers. Later, with funding from the Welsh Development Agency, the Hyder Group, and banker Julian Hodge, the IWA could hire full-time staff. They appointed journalist John Osmond as their first full-time director. He helped create the IWA’s first journal, Agenda.
Online Presence and New Leadership
In 2008, the IWA launched Click on Wales. This was a website for discussions and analysis about public policy in Wales. It's now called the welsh agenda to match their magazine.
In April 2013, Lee Waters took over from John Osmond as Director. Lee Waters had previously worked for an environmental charity. A year later, Helen Molyneux became the Chair. The current Chair is Bethan Darwin.
In 2015, Lee Waters decided to run for election as a politician. After winning, he left the IWA. Auriol Miller became the new Director in July 2016. She had worked for a Welsh homelessness service and for Oxfam in Sudan.
What the IWA Does
The IWA's main goal is to create new ideas and plans. They want to make the economy, education, environment, and health sectors in Wales better.
Focusing on Key Issues
When it first started, the IWA focused a lot on devolution. After the 1979 vote and economic changes in Wales, this was a big topic. Now, the IWA works more on public policy advocacy. This means they encourage discussions among leaders and experts. They do this on their ClickOnWales platform.
They also write reports on different areas that need improvement. These areas include the environment, higher education, transport, justice, and healthcare. They also look at topics like European Union membership, the media, and inequality.
Hosting Important Debates
One of the IWA’s main activities is holding events. They discuss their reports, public policy issues, and other important topics for Wales. For example, they held a debate about whether Brexit would affect devolution. This was for the 20th anniversary of Welsh devolution. They even hosted a big debate in Cardiff between former First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones and Brexit supporter Nigel Farage.
How the IWA is Funded
The IWA is a membership-based organisation. People can become individual members, or companies can join as corporate affiliates. They also offer special fellowships. For the year ending 2019-20, the IWA reported an income of £302,336 and spent £340,933.
The organisation gets most of its money from its members. Since it's a charity, it also receives funding from other sources. In the past, businesses like AB Electronics and Hodge Bank have sponsored their reports. Government or volunteer groups, such as the former Welsh Development Agency, have also provided funding.
The Institute gives out fellowships as honorary positions. These are for people who have made important contributions to society in Wales. They also have honorary Life Fellowships for those who have done something truly amazing "to making Wales better."
Notable People
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
Leadership
You can find a current list of board members on the IWA's website. It's also available at the Charity Commission.
Directors
- Auriol Miller (2016–present)
- Lee Waters (2013–2016)
- John Osmond (1996–2013)
Chairpeople
- Bethan Darwin (2018–present)
- Helen Molyneux (2014–2018)
- Geraint Talfan Davies (1992–2014)
- Henry Kroch (1987–1991)
Board Members
Original list
- Eurfyl ap Gwilym
- Professor Laura McAllister
- Frances Beecher
- Sarah Prescott (Honorary Treasurer)
- Alison Copus
- Shereen Williams
- Valerie Livingston
- Professor Kevin Morgan
- Helen Mortlock
- Anthony Pickles
- Leena Farhat
- Marc Thomas
- Bethan Darwin
- Professor Alison Wride
See also
- List of think tanks in the United Kingdom
- List of think tanks in Wales
