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