Kirsty Williams, Cabinet Secretary for Education
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Qualifications Wales was established under the Qualifications Wales Act 2015 and the Board undertakes an important role in ensuring that Qualifications Wales has:
- effective leadership
- a well defined strategic direction
- that it undertakes activities efficiently and effectively and in accordance with its’ aims, objectives and targets.
The Board is to consist of the Chair (Ann Evans), the chief executive of Qualifications Wales (Philip Blaker) and at least 8 and no more than 10 ordinary members as appointed by the Welsh Ministers.
In April 2017, I agreed to the appointment of David Jones and Dr Arun Midha to the Qualifications Wales Board.
David Jones began his career as Head of Technology at Cardiff based Aspro Travel Group and went on to set up several technology companies including Travelink Systems Limited, Tigerbay Software Limited and also Westgate Cyber Security, where he is currently the Director.
He was appointed to the Welsh Government’s ICT Sector Panel in 2011 providing advice to Welsh Minister’s about digital industries in Wales. He also worked as a Strategic Digital Consultant to the Welsh Government in 2015.
Dr Arun Midha began his career with Lloyds Bank on its graduate entrant scheme, before working as a Commerce and Industry Advisor at the Health Promotion Authority for Wales from 1990-1994. Arun’s most recent executive role was at Cardiff University where he was the Director of Strategy and Resources in the School of Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education.
He has built up a portfolio of non executive and lay member roles in the fields of regulation, standards, governance and education. He was until recently, a lay member on the General Medical Council, an independent member of the Welsh Health and Social Services Ministerial National Advisory Board and a board member of the Welsh Language Board.
Arun is currently the chair of retrospective continuing healthcare reviews in Wales, a case examiner for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons; lay member of the professional conduct committee, Bar Standard Board, lay member of the General Pharmaceutical Council and a member of the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.
David Jones began his appointment on 15 May 2017. David will bring to the Board a wealth of experience and knowledge about the use of digital technology and corporate security from his roles across the IT sector and through his work with the Welsh Government.
Arun Midha’s appointment begins on 22 May 2017. Arun’s wide ranging experience of regulation will help the Board to undertake its regulatory work.
These appointments will be for a period of 3 years.
I am now pleased to announce the appointment of David Jones and Dr Arun Midha to the Qualification Wales Board.