Mark Drakeford MS, 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 15 Special Advisers in post for all or part of the 2019/20 financial year, equating to 10 average full-time equivalents, as set out in the table below:
|
Special Adviser |
Pay Band |
|
Clare Jenkins † |
PB3 |
|
Jane Runeckles |
PB3 |
|
Gareth Williams * |
PB3 |
|
Madeleine Brindley |
PB2 |
|
Andrew Johnson |
PB2 |
|
Tom Woodward |
PB2 |
|
Alex Bevan (started 07/05/19) |
PB1 |
|
Daniel Butler ** |
PB1 |
|
Ian Butler ** (started 23/3/20) |
PB1 |
|
David Davies ** (left on 31/3/20) |
PB1 |
|
Kate Edmunds (started 30/3/20) |
PB1 |
|
Sara Faye ** (started 04/06/19) |
PB1 |
|
Paul Griffiths ** |
PB1 |
|
Andy Pithouse ** (started 23/3/20) |
PB1 |
|
Mitchell Theaker ** (started 10/06/2019) |
PB1 |
† Secondee.
* Part time up to 15/03/20. Full time from 16/03/20.
** Part time
The pay bill cost for the period 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020 totalled £835,840.38. This includes salary, employers’ national insurance contributions and pension contributions.
Special Adviser Pay Bands
The pay bands and pay ranges for Special Advisers for 2019-20 were as follows:
PB1 - £40,500 - £60,500
PB2 - £57,000 - £78,000
PB3 - £73,000 - £102,000
PB4 - £96,000 - £145,000
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.