The development of Natural Resources Wales
The overall scope of our work was whether NRW has in place, or is developing, effective governance arrangements that support delivery of its key priorities and outcomes. Our examination covered progress against intended performance; vision and strategic direction; accountability arrangements; management of resources; sponsorship arrangements with the Welsh Government; and the way in which NRW has been preparing for the implications of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act and Environment (Wales) Bill.
Overall, we have concluded that NRW adopted a sound and well-structured approach to quickly establishing the key systems and controls that enabled its smooth creation. These arrangements supported continuity in its operations in order to deliver its key priorities and outcomes.
We consider that NRW has a solid platform for continuing to realise the benefits envisaged in the business case for its creation and for tackling the challenges of transforming NRW for the future, in light of anticipated funding constraints, new statutory responsibilities and stakeholders’ expectations.
