What we do

Cadw is the Welsh Government’s historic environment service.

Our Mission

Caring for our historic places, inspiring current and future generations.

Our work serves a greater purpose — protecting our historic places so they can continue to inspire generations to come. We look back in order that we can see ahead.

Our Vision

A Wales where our historic places are cared for, understood and shared by everyone.

Our historic places continue to play a vital role in shaping modern Wales. They provide a living link to our diverse histories and help us make sense our place in a changing world.

We are working for an accessible and well-protected historic environment for Wales.

We do this by:

• helping to care for our historic environment for the benefit of people today and in the future
• promoting the development of the skills that are needed to look after our historic environment properly
• helping people to cherish and enjoy our historic environment
• making our historic environment work for our economic well-being
• working with partners to achieve our common goals together.

Cadw is part of the Welsh Government’s Culture, Skills and Social Partnership and is answerable to the Minister, Jack Sargeant MS.

Memorandum of Understanding

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cadw and the Welsh Ministers formalises Cadw’s professional independence in key regulatory areas, including designation decisions and planning functions. It ensures Cadw can provide expert advice and make decisions without undue influence, reinforcing its role as a trusted authority in heritage matters.