Carwyn Jones, First Minister
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Special advisers add a political dimension to the advice and assistance available to Ministers while reinforcing the political impartiality of the permanent Civil Service by distinguishing the source of political advice and support.
They are appointed by the First Minister to help Ministers on matters where the work of Government and the work of the Government Party overlap and where it would be inappropriate for permanent civil servants to become involved. They are an additional resource for the Minister providing assistance from a standpoint that is more politically committed and politically aware than would be available to a Minister from the permanent Civil Service.
There were 10 Special Advisors in post for all or part of the 2017/18 financial year, as set out in the table below
Special Adviser (Pay Band)
Matt Greenough (PB3)
Alex Rawlin (PB2)
Andrew Johnson (PB2)
Jane Runeckles * (PB2)
Gareth Williams* (PB3)
David Costa (PB2)
Tom Woodward (PB2)
Huw Price (PB2)
Madeleine Brindley (PB2)
Kate Edmunds ** (PB2)
* Part-time
** Commenced employment on 16/10/17
The paybill cost for the period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 totalled £674,673. This includes salary, employers’ national insurance contributions and pension contributions.
Special Adviser Pay Bands for 2017-18
The pay bands and pay ranges for special advisers for 2017-18 were as follows:
- PB2 £53,000 - £69,999
- PB3 £70,000 - £94,999
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 Assembly returns I would be happy to do so.