Terms of reference

Education and Welsh Language with direct strategic advice from serving headteachers on education policy and reform in Wales.

The Group acts as a trusted forum through which the Cabinet Minister and Welsh Government officials can:

• test emerging policy proposals at an early stage of development
• receive constructive challenge and professional insight from school leaders
• identify implementation opportunities, risks and unintended consequences
• understand the practical implications of policy decisions for schools, learners and the workforce
• inform the development of coherent, deliverable and evidence-informed policy

The Group is advisory and has no decision-making powers.

The Group will focus on the Cabinet Minister's priorities for education, alongside emerging issues of strategic importance to education in Wales.

The Group may be asked to consider:

• emerging policy proposals and reforms
• implementation and delivery challenges
• strategic planning and programme development
• stakeholder engagement approaches
• emerging issues, trends and risks affecting schools and learners
• opportunities to improve outcomes, equity and wellbeing across the education system

Priority areas for discussion will be agreed annually and may be revised during the year to reflect Ministerial priorities.

The Group will consist of experienced serving headteachers from a range of maintained schools across Wales, including primary, secondary, special and Welsh-medium settings.

Membership will seek to provide a balance of perspectives from different sectors, geographical areas and school contexts. Members are not public appointments.

Members appointed in June 2025 for an initial one-year term have had their membership extended until June 2027. A further extension may be agreed by Welsh Government if considered appropriate.

Welsh Government reserves the right to replace members or fill vacancies to maintain the effective operation of the Group.

Members are expected to:

• attend and actively contribute to meetings
• provide strategic advice and professional challenge based on their experience as school leaders
• consider issues from a national perspective and in the interests of learners across Wales
• use their professional networks to gather and reflect wider sector views where appropriate
• identify practical implications, opportunities and risks associated with policy proposals
• review and comment on papers, proposals and reports as requested
• maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information
• declare any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest

Members are not expected to act as formal representatives of their local authority or their partnership, union or professional association.

The Group will operate as a strategic advisory forum.

Welsh Government officials will provide papers and discussion materials in advance of meetings wherever possible.

The Group's advice will inform policy development, although responsibility for policy decisions will remain with Welsh Ministers.

Officials will provide feedback, where appropriate, on how advice from the Group has influenced policy development and decision-making.

The Group will normally meet once every half term. Meetings may be held in person, virtually, or through a combination of both.

The Cabinet Minister will normally attend at least one meeting each term to discuss ministerial priorities and receive advice directly from members.

Meetings will be chaired by the Cabinet Minister, or by a nominated Welsh Government official when the Cabinet Minister is not in attendance.

Meeting dates will be shared in advance of each academic year wherever possible.

The Education Directorate will provide secretariat support to the Group, including:

• arranging meetings
• preparing agendas and papers
• recording actions and key discussion points
• coordinating communication between members and officials

The Group will operate in a manner that balances transparency with the need for candid discussion.

Welsh Government may publish summaries of key themes and issues discussed by the group, subject to confidentiality requirements.

Advice provided by the Group will not be binding on Ministers.

The effectiveness of the Group and these terms of reference will be reviewed annually.

The Cabinet Minister may amend these terms of reference following consultation with members.

Members must maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information shared through the Group.

Information designated as confidential must not be shared outside the Group without prior agreement from Welsh Government.

Payment will be made at a rate of £300 per day to the members’ schools. Travel and Subsistence will be paid to members who attend meetings and also travel to support the role of the Education Improvement Team.

• Bethan Moore: Crownbridge Special School, Torfaen
• Betsan Llwyd, Ysgol Cwm Banwy, Powys
• Cat Place: Jubilee Park Primary School, Newport
• Catryn Lawrence, Ysgol Penrhyncoch and Ysgol Penllwyn, Ceredigion
• Christopher Parry: Lewis School Pengam, Caerphilly
• Damien Beech: Goetre Primary School, Merthyr Tydfil
• Hugo Hutchison: Monmouth Comprehensive School, Monmouthshire
• Janet Hayward: Cadoxton Primary School, Vale of Glamorgan
• Jeremy Evans: Heronsbridge Special School, Bridgend
• Julian Kennedy: Olchfa School, Swansea
• Nicola Williams: Libanus Primary School, Caerphilly
• Olwen Corben, Ysgol Glanrafon, Flintshire
• Paul Keane: Federation of Blenheim Road Community & Coed Eva Primary Schools, Torfaen
• Richard Owen: Aberdare Community School, Rhondda Cynon Taf
• Ryan Davies: Brynteg School, Bridgend
• Trystan Edwards: Ysgol Garth Olwg, Rhondda Cynon Taf
• Ty Golding: Holton Primary School, Vale of Glamorgan