Written Statement: Appointment of Chair to the Qualifications Wales Board

Qualifications Wales was established under the Qualifications Wales Act 2015 and, as the independent regulator for non-degree level qualifications in Wales, is responsible for ensuring that qualifications, and the Welsh qualification system, are effective for meeting the reasonable needs of our learners; and for promoting public confidence in the Welsh qualification system.

The Chair and Board undertake an important role which includes: 

• Setting the strategic direction for Qualifications Wales.
• Monitoring the delivery of the organisation’s business strategy, plans and performance objectives.
• Steering and influencing the overall work of the organisation.

I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Paul Bevan to take up the role as the new Chair of the Qualifications Wales Board on 1^st October 2025 when the tenure of the current Chair, David Jones OBE, expires.

Paul has a strong background in education, with an outstanding record of leadership, organisational transformation and development at Board level, working in both the Higher and Further Education sectors. He has led significant programmes of change at Manchester Metropolitan University and transformed an Executive Directorate at Grwp Llandrillo Menai.

Paul is a volunteer on several boards including for Aberystwyth University, Citizens Advice Flintshire, and is currently Chair of the Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) Cymru. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank David Jones OBE DL, current Chair of Qualifications Wales, for the significant contributions he has made during his service since 2019. 

This statement is being issued during recess 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.

Notes

This appointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments

All appointments are made on merit, and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared) to be made public. The preferred candidate has not declared any political activity.