Thank you from Cofnod’s board of directors

When Roy Tapping joined Cofnod from the Countryside Council of Wales in 2005, it was to take charge of an as yet non-existent venture, which presented a calculated risk that earnt the board’s greatest respect and appreciation. That spirit and confidence have been hallmarks of his 20 years as Manager; major factors in establishing and developing relationships and successful undertakings with directors, staff, recorders, data suppliers and service customers alike.

Reflection across those 20 years shows just some of the ways in which Roy’s work has brought Cofnod to its current success.

Following the much-valued grants and other support that various agencies contributed at the outset, Roy’s task to prise funding from an increasingly squeezed public purse was hard going. Cofnod’s data collection and service provision were still in their infancy and there was some scepticism about its value by some. Over a lengthy period, Cofnod experienced some of the same white knuckle moments that bedevil many start-up businesses. Following the much-valued grants and other support that various agencies contributed at the outset, Roy’s task to prise funding from an increasingly squeezed public purse was hard going. Cofnod’s data collection and service provision were still in their infancy and there was some scepticism about its value by some. Over a lengthy period, Cofnod experienced some of the same white knuckle moments that bedevil many start-up businesses.

Only after the first 10 or so years did the tide turn sufficiently for us to believe that we were truly on a firm financial footing with the opportunity to follow a largely unrestricted vision for the future. Roy finally had space to think beyond tying down the next service level agreement and Cofnod’s focus could shift more towards supporting recorders and developing the quality and speed of service.

During all this time, Roy had the support of our other excellent staff, three of whom had joined Cofnod at its very beginning. Their hard work and commitment have built a first rate service that is used and valued across north Wales.

Looking further afield, Roy contributed fully in enabling the 4 Welsh LERCs to provide complete cover for Wales and to establish a co-operative spirit that drives negotiations with national agencies. A further development that Cofnod’s success has allowed is the promotion of its data management systems for use by other LERCs in the UK. Roy worked hard as ambassador and salesman for the bespoke software developed in house so that it is now used by LERCs across the border.

In short, Cofnod directors have much enjoyed working with Roy and offering such support and advice as we can. We will do all we can to ensure that this continues in tandem with Jemma, our new Manager, to whom we offer a warm welcome and our full support.

Our wholehearted thanks go to Roy for his 20 years’ productive time at the helm, as do our very best wishes for the future. Well done, Roy, you can be immensely proud of what you have achieved!

Cofnod Board of Directors