I was first introduced to Sustainable Wales shortly after I started working for Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales. As the Sustainability Lead for the organisation, I was asked whether I’d like to join a cross-departmental working group that was focusing on growing the brand licensing and product development aspects of our retail offering. As a conscientious organisation, the working group considered it essential to develop a policy that sets out our ethical and sustainability aspirations. One of my colleagues was already aware of the work that Sustainable Wales does and reached out to enquire whether they could support our desire to create a robust ethical and sustainability policy. Thankfully, Sustainable Wales replied affirmatively, and we booked a half day workshop at Sustainable Wales’ premises in Porthcawl.
From initial contact, the Sustainable Wales team were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful – they welcomed us to the upstairs space like we were old friends! It soon became apparent that the Sustainable Wales team has deep knowledge built over many years and that they embody the ethical and sustainable ways of living that they promote. The workshop itself was a hybrid affair, with retail colleagues joining from their respective museum sites. No prior knowledge was assumed. Sustainable Wales gave a short presentation referencing multiple relevant resources, after which an open conversation was invited. The Sustainable Wales team guided us through issues we might like to take a stance on and how best to include this in a written policy document. At the end of the workshop, all attendees felt it had been a worthwhile exercise. I would recommend the Policy Workshop to any group or organisation who is in the development stage of a policy document or who feels their members would benefit from an awareness session.
On a personal level, I was impressed with the positive practical work that Sustainable Wales does and was keen to strengthen the links that had been forged during the workshop. I was therefore pleased to join the Sustainable Wales team as an Advisor in 2025.
Victoria Hillman, writing in a personal capacity
Project Lead: Sustainable Development and Decarbonisation at Amgueddfa Cymru