Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Following the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee’s pre-appointment hearing on 11 June and its endorsement of Mr Nilesh (Neil) Sachdev as the preferred candidate, I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Mr Sachdev to take up the role as the new Chair of Natural Resources Wales’ Board. I am grateful to the Committee’s scrutiny of this appointment process.
The Chair is responsible for leading the Board in establishing the vision and strategic direction of Natural Resources Wales within the context of the Welsh Government’s strategic aims and the policies. The Chair, with the Board, will ensure that Natural Resources Wales’ activities are conducted efficiently and effectively and will promote high standards of public finance, upholding the principles of regularity, propriety and value for money.
Mr Sachdev brings with him a wealth of experience working in both public and private sectors, which I am confident will provide Natural Resources Wales with the necessary support and leadership to help shape the organisation to meet the very real challenges ahead, in line with the 2021-26 Programme for Government (and subsequent Governments). Subject to pre-appointment checks, Mr Sachdev will take up his role on 1 November 2025. The role is remunerated at £67,600 per annum plus reasonable expenses. The time commitment for the role is a minimum of 104 days per year.
This appointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, where all appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.
I should also like to thank Sir David Henshaw, current Chair of Natural Resources Wales, for the significant contributions he has made during his service since 2018.