Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site Steering Group

The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site (IGWHS) Steering Group was established in 1995 and is a strategic body comprising senior professional and community representatives from key stakeholders including: 

• English Heritage Trust
• Historic England
• The Environment Agency
• Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust
• Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)
• Natural England
• Parish and Town Councils within the World Heritage Site:
  • Broseley Town Council
  • Gorge Parish
  • Madeley Town Council  
• Severn Gorge Countryside Trust
• Shropshire Council
• Telford & Wrekin Council.

What is the purpose of the Steering Group? 

The purpose of the Steering Group is to: 

• ensure effective collaboration and partnership between national, regional, local organisations and local communities to deliver a common vision
• ensure the IGWHS is managed in line with the high standards required by its WHS status, balancing the needs of all stakeholders and local people
• help coordinate a consistent, holistic approach by all parties to ensure a strong relationship between the protection of the WHS and its economic vitality
• provide a forum where concerns and proposals from interested groups and expert parties can be discussed and appropriate actions agreed. 

What does the Steering Group do? 

• Agrees a common vision and overarching strategy for the IGWHS.
• Communicates and advocates that vision and strategy through influencing members’ respective organisations.
• Oversees revisions to the IGWHS Management Plan and direct regular reviews.
• Agrees action programmes and priorities for specific aspects within the IGWHS Management Plan and Business Plan and monitor progress against objectives.
• Directs the development of policies and codes of practice which balance the needs of local communities with the historic and natural environment whilst promoting tourism and creativity.
• Promotes the adoption of these policies and codes of practice by all responsible agencies.
• Provides regular liaison across members’ learning and community engagement activities within the IGWHS.
• Receives, invites and debates reports from professional and community groups on activities, threats and opportunities which affect the WHS.
• Co-ordinates, sets priorities, helps to facilitate funding applications and encourages the support of external bodies.
• Seeks investment towards common goals which enhance the IGWHS.
• Provides general direction.  

The World Heritage Steering Group meets four times each year and the minutes of the steering group meetings are recorded for information.

Download the Steering Group Minutes

Last updated: 07/04/2022 11:03