Monthly Policy Update -May

Susie Ventris Field (Chief Exec of WCIA)  and Claire O’Shea (as Chair of WOAG) represent the international sector on the Third Sector Partnership Council – an opportunity for the third sector in Wales to feed into Welsh Government policy. Here, we share a few updates on recent activity and some upcoming opportunities for you to give input. If you’d like issues to be raised at TSPC meetings, or you’d like to get more closely involved in influencing policy on international issues in Wales, please email susieventrisfield@wcia.org.uk.

Updates

  • Although the first round of applications for Taith pathway 1 is closing this week, we are still seeking to strengthen some areas of the programme so they are accessible for all young people. Alongside other colleagues from TSPC, we have a meeting coming up with the Taith director and the Chair of the Advisory Committee Kirsty Williams
  • We are disappointed about the passage of the Nationality and Borders Bill as expressed in our statement. Along with over 250 other organisations, we are signatories to Refugee Action’s pledge to fight the anti-refugee laws
  • We are also signatories to a Green Alliance civil society response to the Energy Bill released on 10 May
  • Along with the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and Size of Wales, we wrote to Minister Rebecca Evans and Deputy Minister Hannah Blythyn about global responsibility in the Social Partnership and Procurement Bill and have requested a meeting with the miniter

 

Opportunities to give views

  • There are opportunities to feed into the new Qualifications framework for Wales – our focus is ensuring the education for sustainable development and global citizenship that is embedded in the Curriculum for Wales is also embedded in the new Qualifications
  • There will be a consultation on a Public Engagement Strategy to achieve the Net Zero Plan. Climate Cymru is collecting views to share in regular meetings with civil servants
  • TSPC meetings coming up over the next 4 months with:
    • Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education and Welsh language – agenda items likely to include Taith, post-COVID education recovery and curriculum rollout
    • Vaughan Gethin, Minister for the Economy
    • Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Climate Change
  • A new Cross-Party group on Peace and Reconciliation is being launched this week. Academi Heddwch are acting as Secretariat and we will soon share opportunities to get involved. WCIA are launching a Peace Education Policy paper at the meeting.