The four Trusts are independent limited companies with charitable status, employing professional archaeological staff with a wide range of expertise. The Trust's work is assisted through grants, donations, project income and voluntary support.

Company Profile

The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd, created in 1975, is a charitable company (Registered in Wales, No: 1276976; Registered Charity No. 505609). Its principal objective is to educate the public in archaeology which it achieves by such diverse means as are allowed in its Articles and Memorandum of Association.

The Trust's Main Office and Registered Company Address is SA12 Business Centre, Seaway Parade, Baglan Energy Park, Port Talbot, SA12 7BR.

The work of the Trust is overseen by an elected Board of Trustees, and co-ordinated by a management team formed from senior staff. The Trust undertakes works for government and non-governmental bodies and private sector organisations. It owns, maintains and continually enhances the Regional Historic Environment Record, which includes information on more than 250,000 known archaeological and historic sites and monuments and is a prime tool for education and research.

The Trust provides an archaeological planning service jointly funded by the Unitary Authorities and Cadw, Currently more than 22,000 planning applications are checked each year for implications to the Historic Environment. Actions are advised to ensure that proper assessments are carried out and appropriate measures implemented to ensure that Historic Environment interests are protected. As a result of potential conflicts of interest this area of work is separately staffed and funded and governed by a Code of Conduct approved by Cadw.

The Trust also provides advice for land use change and management that does not require planning permission, through its Heritage Management Services to a variety of institutions and organisations including Natural Resources Wales, the National Trust, the Church in Wales, and other national organisations.

The Trust through its Projects teams undertakes assessments, evaluations, surveys, watching-briefs, building recording and excavations in south Wales and elsewhere. It has had extensive involvement with many major developments in the area. Projects staff also undertake area wide monument assessment and historic landscape characterisation works with the intention of improving the information and evidence base to support enhanced protection of the historic environment.

The Trust has also contributed to developing research agendas through publication of its work. It promotes knowledge and learning about the past through publication, displays, leaflets, lectures and talks and seeks to involve the community of south east Wales in its work.

The Trust is registered as a registered organisation with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (no 15) and requires all employees, whether corporate members of the Institute or not, to adhere to the CIfA Codes and Standards as a condition of employment.