Sir David Henshaw has been confirmed as the chair of Natural Resources Wales, Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs announced today (Tuesday 8 October).
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Natural Resources Wales is the largest Welsh Government Sponsored Body - employing 1,900 staff across Wales with a budget of £180 million.
Sir David Henshaw is currently NRW’s interim chair and has been in post since 1 November 2018. Sir David will take up the role of Chair of NRW on 1st November 2019.
Confirming Sir David’s appointment, Lesley Griffiths said:
“Natural Resources Wales is responsible for sustainably managing, maintaining and using Wales’ natural resources. I attach great importance to its role and the work it does.
“I am pleased to confirm Sir David’s appointment as chair of NRW. Sir David has a proven track record in providing strong Board level leadership and transformation. His appointment will enable the organisation to continue to build on the good progress made since his appointment as interim chair.”
Sir David Henshaw, chair of NRW, said:
“I am delighted to be appointed chair of NRW. When I took on the role of interim chair in November 2018, my intention was to help the organisation rebuild from some of its challenges and then hand over to a successor. But that changed when I got to know the organisation better.
“The passion, commitment and expertise of staff; the importance of the role we can play in tackling climate and environment emergencies; and a deeper appreciation of our successes and our ability to improve Wales’ present and future. These are compelling reasons why I wanted to stay for longer.
“There is still much work to do, but I’m looking forward to continuing the job I’ve started, leading the board in supporting the chief executive and her team in building NRW’s success.”
Clare Pillman, chief executive of NRW, said: “I am very pleased that Sir David will continue as our chair, working with us to take our organisation forward.“His steadfast support for the staff of this organisation has been unwavering. His leadership over the last 12 months has helped us not only steady the ship, but to start to steer a course towards a successful future and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him to help the organisation fully achieve its potential.”
Sir David’s appointment as chair of NRW follows a fair and open recruitment exercise regulated by the Commission for Public Appointments. A pre-appointment hearing by the National Assembly’s Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee endorsed the appointment.