A CONWY council officer has been appointed as the first chairman of CADW, the Welsh Government's historic environment service

CADW has created its first board of directors to become more commercial and enterprising. It works for an accessible and well protected historic environment, conserves Wales’s heritage, helps people understand and care about their history and sustains the character of Wales.

Jane Richardson, who is Conwy County Borough Council’s Strategic Director for Economy and Place, will take up the chairmanship in addition to her council role. She said: “This is the first time CADW has had a board. One of the roles it will have is to generate extra revenue and to see how it can become more commercial and enterprising to help fund its conservation work."

Jane outlined her vision for the new role, she said: “I think CADW should tell the story of the people of Wales in new and exciting ways to local communities and international visitors. It is something I feel passionate about.

“But it is not just about the castles, there are many other places in Wales which help tell the country’s story. The job is a dream come true, I am madly passionate about it and I have the full support of Conwy council which feels it will benefit from the experience I will get from CADW.”

Jane spent 10 years working with the National Trust across Wales. She managed Plas Newydd on Anglesey where she increased visitor numbers by 50% and delivered the property’s first operating profit.