Lesley Griffiths has today announced that Sir David Henshaw has been appointed as Interim Chair of Natural Resources Wales for 12 months, commencing on 1 November.
Sir David Henshaw is a past Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council and has held Chair roles in the NHS including the North West Strategic Health Authority and Alder Hey Foundation Trust Children’s Hospital leading the Board in the building of the new hospital. He has also been brought in to support a number of challenged NHS Hospital Trusts as an Interim Chair.
The process to recruit five new board members is currently underway, with new members also expected to commence in post on 1 November 2018.
The Interim Chair and new Board Members will join the five current members of the Board. A recruitment process for a new Chair will get underway in early 2019.
The Cabinet Secretary said:
“Natural Resources Wales is responsible for sustainably managing, maintaining and using Wales’ natural resources and I attach great importance to its role and the work of its board. I am pleased to announce Sir David has been appointed as Interim Chair. Sir David has a proven track record in providing strong Board level leadership and significant experience in helping organisations navigate transformation.
He, along with the new Board members currently being recruited, will join existing board members from 1 November. His immediate priorities will include supporting the organisation as it works to build more effective structures and ways of working, improving governance, building stronger relationships with stakeholders and overseeing the induction of new Board members when they are appointed in November.
“I would like to also take the opportunity to thank Acting Chair, Madeleine Havard, for all her hard work and leadership since taking on the role.”
Clare Pillman, NRW’s Chief Executive said:
“Sir David Henshaw’s track record speaks for itself and I look forward to working with him in shaping NRW’s next chapter and in addressing some of our immediate and longer-term priorities.”
Sir David Henshaw, NRW’s Interim Chair said:
“I am very pleased to have been asked by the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs to take on this role. I look forward to working with Clare, the Board and all the staff to progress NRW’s delivery of its objectives.”
Madeleine Havard, NRW’s Acting Chair said:
“Both NRW’s Board and staff will benefit greatly from Sir David Henshaw’s huge experience in public service. I am also sure Sir David will enjoy his new role, and get great satisfaction from working with the excellent NRW team, who do such an important job for the people and environment of Wales.”