The Council consists of 14 members including the Chairperson. Members represent a range of interests across the education workforce in Wales.
Seven members are directly appointed through the Welsh Government public appointments process, and seven members are appointed following nominations made by organisations named in Schedule 2 of the Education Workforce Council (Membership and Appointment) (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The current Council took office on 1 April 2023.
Eithne Hughes - Chairperson
Eithne Hughes was the Head of Ysgol Bryn Elian for 11 years. She won the Teaching Award for Leadership for Wales in 2004, and was awarded an OBE for services to secondary education in Wales in the 2013 New Year’s Honours’ list. She received the Pearson award for Leadership in 2004, and was the UK runner up of the Investors in People Leadership award. More recently, Eithne won the Cymru Professional Award for promoting school collaboration.
Eithne is a past president of ASCL, currently serving on the executive group. She also co-authored the Blueprint for Wales outlining a roadmap for strategic and operational improvement for Wales, based on a self-improving school system.
She is a current member of the Foundation for Leadership in Education Research Council UK where she represents Wales and is an invited member of the Oxford All Souls Group. She is the ASCL Cymru Director and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). She was recently awarded an Honorary Professorship with Bangor University and was formally a member of the Teacher Recruitment & Retention Advisory Board.
Register of interests
Current employment | ASCL Cymru Director |
---|---|
Previous employment | Headteacher, Bryn Elian High School, Conwy |
Ownership/part-ownership of business(es) | n/a |
Consultancy or contract work | n/a |
Membership of school/college governing bodies | n/a |
Membership of trade union | ASCL Executive Board |
Membership of other public bodies | n/a |
Gifts and hospitality | n/a |
Other declarations | n/a |
David Edwards
David Edwards is a Senior Deputy Headteacher in a high school that caters for 11–18-year-old pupils. During his career, he has worked in both primary and secondary settings.
David is passionate about ensuring equality of opportunity exists for all members of the school community regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or economic background. He has spent a number of years teaching in South Africa within the state education system in both Durban and Cape Town.
David is a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE) in England and a DFE ‘Future Leader’. He is also a Chair Qualified Magistrate.
Register of interests
Current employment | Senior Deputy Headteacher, Gwernyfed High School |
---|---|
Previous employment | The Hereford Church of England Academy |
Ownership/part-ownership of business(es) | n/a |
Consultancy or contract work | n/a |
Membership of school/college governing bodies | n/a |
Membership of trade union | Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) |
Membership of other public bodies | Chair Qualified Magistrate, Cardiff Magistrates Court, 2006-present |
Gifts and hospitality | n/a |
Other declarations | n/a |
Kelly Edwards
Kelly Edwards has worked in education, across a variety of sectors, for 20 years. She taught English in secondary education then qualified as a careers adviser. She completed her MA in Post-Compulsory Education and Training at the University of Wales, Newport in 2011.
Kelly spent nine years in higher education in various roles at the former University of Wales, Newport, Glamorgan University, and the University of South Wales as project manager, programme leader, and senior lecturer in work-based learning (WBL). She then moved to the adult community learning sector as senior research and policy officer at the former WEA YMCA CC Cymru.
Kelly joined the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW) as Head of WBL Quality in 2016, with strategic responsibility for leading quality improvement across the WBL sector in Wales. She is currently Director of Development at ColegauCymru, responsible for leading the development of projects that support enhancement and enrichment for FE-led provision.
Register of interests
Current employment | Colegau Cymru |
---|---|
Previous employment | NTfW |
Ownership/part-ownership of business(es) | n/a |
Consultancy or contract work | n/a |
Membership of school/college governing bodies | n/a |
Membership of trade union | n/a |
Membership of other public bodies | n/a |
Gifts and hospitality | n/a |
Other declarations | n/a |
Theresa Evans-Rickards
Theresa Evans-Rickards began working in education through third sector voluntary work in Girl Guiding, subsequently working in youth centres, before embarking on her teaching career. She taught Business Studies, ICT and Computing in several Secondary Schools in Wales and England becoming head of faculty and a senior leader.
In 2010 Theresa became an adviser for ICT and Computing across Torfaen and Monmouthshire followed by two years at Regional Consortium. In 2014 she moved into the ALN sector becoming a Deputy Headteacher at a 3-19 Special School. Alongside this Theresa developed and managed a Local Authority Inclusive Practice Service supporting mainstream schools and gained an additional PGCE and an MA in Education Leadership and Management.
Theresa was Chair of the South Wales Association for Special School Deputy Headteachers for six years, which provided opportunities to develop leadership collaboration across the sector. She became a peer inspector for the ALN sector in 2018. Her work during the last decade has led Theresa to become an advocate for ALN and the teachers and support staff that work in this sector.
Register of interests
Current employment | Deputy headteacher, Blaenau Gwent CBC |
---|---|
Previous employment | ICT, Computing and Digital Competency Advisor, South East Wales Education Achievement Service ICT, Computing and Digital Competency Advisor, Torfaen and Monmouthshire CBC |
Ownership/part-ownership of business(es) | n/a |
Consultancy or contract work | n/a |
Membership of school/college governing bodies | n/a |
Membership of trade union | NAHT (2014-present) NUT (1998-2014) |
Membership of other public bodies | Registered with the EWC |
Gifts and hospitality | n/a |
Other declarations | n/a |
Jane Jenkins
Jane has worked as a teacher, headteacher and school improvement adviser in Cardiff for over 30 years. She has recently retired as the headteacher of Moorland Primary School in Splott, and has been doing consultancy work, and supply teaching since then.
Jane has spent her career working in inner-city schools and has always recognised the importance of supporting the wellbeing of the whole school community in order to secure the best outcomes for children. Her work with the advisory service focused on the development and implementation of the Foundation Phase curriculum, and she has always been a strong advocate for play-based and authentic learning.
Since retiring, Jane has been keen to take more opportunities to travel and is hoping to use her recent TEFL qualification to teach English abroad in the future.
Register of interests
Current employment | Retired |
---|---|
Previous employment | Headteacher, Moorland Primary School, Cardiff |
Ownership/part-ownership of business(es) | n/a |
Consultancy or contract work | Consultancy work for The Learning Partnership Wales Supply teacher for Cardiff Council, through Cardiff Works |
Membership of school/college governing bodies | n/a |
Membership of trade union | National Education Union (1989-present) |
Membership of other public bodies | n/a |
Gifts and hospitality | n/a |
Other declarations | n/a |
Karl Jones
Karl Jones has worked in education for almost two decades. He worked as a lecturer in computer science at Merthyr Tydfil College, before becoming a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at University of Wales Trinity St Davids. More recently, Karl has taken on the role of Senior Lecturer in Technologies at Cardiff Metropolitan University, teaching computer science, and managing aspects of their transnational education provision.
Karl has also worked in a number of broader education roles including lead examiner, education scrutiny, and curriculum for Wales Pioneer for science and technology. Alongside his EWC role, he is also a school governor.
Karl completed his MSc in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire and is currently working towards completing his PhD. His research interests lie in educational technology and widening participation.
Register of interests
Current employment | Cardiff Metropolitan University |
---|---|
Previous employment | University of Wales, Trinity Saint David The College Merthyr Tydfil Ltd |
Ownership/part-ownership of business(es) | n/a |
Consultancy or contract work | Examiner, Pearson Education Examiner, WJEC Tutor, Wolsey Hall, Oxford |
Membership of school/college governing bodies | LEA Governor, Newton Primary School, Porthcawl Community Governor, Cyfarthfa High School, Merthyr Tydfil (previous) |
Membership of trade union | UCU |
Membership of other public bodies | n/a |
Gifts and hospitality | n/a |
Other declarations | n/a |
Rosemary Jones
Rosemary Jones is an education consultant and a part time school improvement adviser. She has extensive school leadership experience including Welsh medium and bilingual schools. She was headteacher of a high school in Flintshire.
Rosemary is passionate about learning and creating positive experiences to increase learners’ confidence and raise aspirations.
Rosemary is a member of Cyngor Partneriaeth Cymraeg. She was awarded an OBE for services to education in 2017.
Register of interests
Current employment | GwE, Bae Colwyn |
---|---|
Previous employment | Flintshire County Council Headteacher, Elfed High School |
Ownership/part-ownership of business(es) | n/a |
Consultancy or contract work | Self-employed education consultant (part time) |
Membership of school/college governing bodies | n/a |
Membership of trade union | ASCL (associate member) UCAC (1990-2018) Prospect |
Membership of other public bodies | Member of Cyngor Partneriaeth Cymraeg |
Gifts and hospitality | n/a |
Other declarations | n/a |
Kathryn Robson
Kathryn is Chief Executive of Adult Learning Wales. Kathryn has worked in the post-16 education sector for over 20 years and has developed many partnerships to help advance further education and adult community learning.
With a background in Human Resource Management, Kathryn is a Chartered Member of the CIPD, and holds a Post Graduate qualification in HR Management from Swansea Institute of Higher Education. She is a member of Colegau Cymru’s Principals’ Forum as well as their Audit Committee, and is also a member of the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA). Kathryn is actively involved in advancing race equality initiatives and is a Board Member of Race Council Cymru.
With a keen interest in the health and wellbeing benefits linked to adult learning, Kathryn actively works with Social Prescribing Networks across all regions. She is an advocate for lifelong learning for all ages, and has held school governor positions across primary and secondary school education throughout her career.
Register of interests
Current employment | Chief Executive, Adult Learning Wales |
---|---|
Previous employment | Director of Staff and Learner Services, Pembrokeshire College |
Ownership/part-ownership of business(es) | n/a |
Consultancy or contract work | n/a |
Membership of school/college governing bodies | n/a |
Membership of trade union | n/a |
Membership of other public bodies | Member of the Welsh Government led Race Equality Steering Group Trustee and Board Member, Race Council Cymru Member of the WG PCET Strategy and Implementation Group Member of the WG External Reference Group: National Programme of Co-ordination Member of the Bevan Foundation Aelod Cymdeithas yr Iaith – Member of the Welsh Language Society Member of Audit Committee, Colleges Wales Member of the Principals’ Forum, Colleges Wales Member, Learning and Work Institute Member of the Third Sector Partnership Council, WCVA Member of the three Regional Learning and Skills Councils in Wales Chartered Member of the CIPD Employer Representative for the Social Partnership Council |
Gifts and hospitality | n/a |
Other declarations | n/a |
Nicola Stubbins
Nicola Stubbins has worked in public service since 1995. She began her social care career as a mental health support worker and has a broad range of experience across children’s and adult social care as well as education and housing.
Nicola has held senior leadership posts in local government for 15 years and is currently the Corporate Director Communities for Denbighshire County Council.
During 2020-21, she was President of the Association of Directors of Social Services Cymru (ADSSC) after being Vice President for the previous two years. She is also a board member of RYA Cymru Wales.
Register of interests
Current employment | Corporate Director Social Services and Education, Denbighshire County Council |
---|---|
Previous employment | Head of Adult Safeguarding and Wellbeing, Blackpool Council |
Ownership/part-ownership of business(es) | n/a |
Consultancy or contract work | n/a |
Membership of school/college governing bodies | n/a |
Membership of trade union | UNISON |
Membership of other public bodies | Board member, Association of Directors of Social Services Cymru RYA Cymru Wales |
Gifts and hospitality | n/a |
Other declarations | n/a |
Gwawr Taylor
Gwawr Taylor is the University Secretary and Director of Welsh Language at Aberystwyth University. She leads on university governance, institutional compliance with legal and statutory duties, particularly with respect to information governance, health, safety and the environment, student visa compliance, Welsh language compliance, including the translation unit, and the learn Welsh provision.
Gwawr was previously Company Secretary to Merthyr Tydfil College and Tydfil Training Consortium and has led Welsh-medium provision development in the higher education and further education sectors. She is also a member of the National Eisteddfod’s Council and is a local authority governor at Ysgol Gynradd Dyffryn Cledlyn in Ceredigion.
Register of interests
Current employment | University Secretary and Director of Welsh Language, Aberystwyth University |
---|---|
Previous employment | Assistant University Secretary, University of South Wales |
Ownership/part-ownership of business(es) | n/a |
Consultancy or contract work | n/a |
Membership of school/college governing bodies | Local Authority Governor, Ysgol Dyffryn Cledlyn |
Membership of trade union | n/a |
Membership of other public bodies | n/a |
Gifts and hospitality | n/a |
Other declarations | n/a |
Bethan Thomas
Bethan Thomas is a graduate of Swansea University and BPP Law School. She is an Equality and Human Rights leader with over 12 years of successful experience within the Trade Union and Charity sectors in Wales.
Bethan undertook voluntary board positions within local women’s aid charities and Welsh Women’s Aid before becoming a Trade Union Official for the University and College Union. She is currently a Regional Manager for UNISON Cymru/Wales leading on Social Partnership, Policy and Equality. A Welsh speaker, Bethan has two primary school aged children who are educated through the medium of Welsh.
Register of interests
Current employment | UNISON Cymru/Wales |
---|---|
Previous employment | University and College Union |
Ownership/part-ownership of business(es) | n/a |
Consultancy or contract work | n/a |
Membership of school/college governing bodies | n/a |
Membership of trade union | UNITE (2012-present) PCS (2008-2010) |
Membership of other public bodies | Member of Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with advanced paralegal status Member of the Employment Lawyers Association Appointed as a Justice of the Peace in 2008 |
Gifts and hospitality | n/a |
Other declarations | n/a |
Sue Walker
Sue started her teaching career in London working for the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA). After moving back to Wales, she worked in schools in the Bridgend area before taking up a headship post in Swansea and was on one of the initial cohorts for the National Professional Qualification for Headship. A move into the advisory service took Sue back to the old mid-Glamorgan area where she stayed until moving into Rhondda Cynon Taff as a school improvement officer in 2011. In 2017, she took up her current role as Director of Education for Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.
Register of interests
Current employment | Director of Education, Merthyr Tydfil CBC |
---|---|
Previous employment | Head of School Improvement, RCTCBC |
Ownership/part-ownership of business(es) | n/a |
Consultancy or contract work | n/a |
Membership of school/college governing bodies | Board of Governors/Directors for The College, Merthyr Tydfil |
Membership of trade union | Prospect (2007-present) NAHT (1991-2007) NUT (1985-1991) |
Membership of other public bodies | n/a |
Gifts and hospitality | n/a |
Other declarations | n/a |
David Williams
David Williams has been involved in youth work since the age of 17 as a volunteer, and is currently managing Torfaen Youth Service. He is responsible for overseeing the leadership team who manage the day-to-day delivery of service whilst setting the strategic direction.
David is a member of the Youth Work Strategy Implementation Board, working towards the implementation of the new Youth Work Strategy for Wales. David is a trustee on two charities, Life Trust Cardiff, and Bridge the Gap for black, Asian and minority ethnic communities who are actively involved in providing a range of support services within the local community.
Register of interests
Current employment | Torfaen Council Borough Council |
---|---|
Previous employment | Newport County Borough Council |
Ownership/part-ownership of business(es) | n/a |
Consultancy or contract work | n/a |
Membership of school/college governing bodies | n/a |
Membership of trade union | n/a |
Membership of other public bodies | Registered charity trustee for the Hub Torfaen |
Gifts and hospitality | n/a |
Other declarations | n/a |
Geraint Williams
Born and residing in Merthyr Tydfil, Geraint Williams is Principal of St David’s Catholic College, Cardiff. He was previously a science teacher and senior leader with responsibility for governance, safeguarding, wellbeing and pastoral care at the college.
He has worked in both secondary and further education settings during his career. Having graduated with a degree in chemistry at Cardiff University, Geraint went on to complete his PGCE and subsequent MA in Education at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Geraint is President and Assistant Secretary of the Cardiff district of the National Education Union, having formerly been a workplace representative for seven years.
Register of interests
Current employment | St David's Catholic College, Cardiff |
---|---|
Previous employment | n/a |
Ownership/part-ownership of business(es) | n/a |
Consultancy or contract work | Examiner and moderator, WJEC |
Membership of school/college governing bodies | n/a |
Membership of trade union | National Education Union, Lay Officer - Cardiff district |
Membership of other public bodies | Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry |
Gifts and hospitality | n/a |
Other declarations | n/a |