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Lynne Neagle, Cabinet Secretary for Education

First published:
24 July 2024
Last updated:

I am pleased today to announce two new members appointed to the Education Workforce Council. The new members will commence their roles on 2 September 2024. I am confident the new members will play an important role in maintaining and raising teaching standards and ensuring our young people receive the very best learning and support.

The Education Workforce Council (Appointments and Membership) (Wales) Regulations 2014 provide for the Council to consist of 14 members. Seven members should be appointed by Welsh Ministers through open competition and seven members by Welsh Ministers having been nominated by organisations listed in the 2014 Regulations.

Details of new appointments are provided below, along with the process for doing so.

New members:

Karl Jones is employed at Cardiff Metropolitan University as a Senior Lecturer in Technologies and was nominated by University and College Union. He has worked in education for the past 15 years. He also works for numerous exam boards, was a pioneer for the Curriculum for Wales, and has supported education as a scrutineer and school governor.

David Edwards is employed at Hereford Church of England Academy and is currently on secondment at Gwernyfed School in Powys. He was nominated by Association of School and College Leaders. He has a degree in Performing Arts, a dual teaching qualification for both secondary and primary, and the NPQH. He has also been a Chair Magistrate for the last 15 years.

These appointments were made following the principles of the Governance Code on Public Appointments. Posts are not remunerated however, members may be reimbursed for reasonable travel and subsistence costs. Members have a typical time commitment 12 days per year.

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the Nolan principles, there is a requirement for the political activity of appointees (if any declared) to be published.

This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.