Written Statement: Appointment of Chair to the Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee for Wales

Following a rigorous and competitive public appointments process, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Roisin Willmott as Chair of the Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee for a three-year term commencing 1 February 2026.

The process was conducted in line with the Governance Code for Public Appointments, and I am incredibly grateful to all candidates who applied and contributed their valuable time and experience throughout the process.

The role of Chair is a high-profile and influential position, central to driving forward solutions and strengthening resilience and adaptation measures to make Wales more flood-resistant in the future. The Committee, established in 2017 under Section 81(1) of the Environment Act 2016, advises Welsh Ministers on all matters relating to flood and coastal erosion risk management in Wales. Its work includes raising awareness, improving preparedness, and building community resilience, while providing strategic guidance on long-term priorities and best practice.

Roisin brings exceptional expertise and leadership to this role. A Chartered Town Planner, she has held senior positions in local government, most recently with Cardiff Council, where she explored approaches to embedding zero-carbon and climate adaptation into everyday practice. Previously, Roisin served as Director at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), leading policy and member services in Wales and Northern Ireland, and as Director for Planning Aid England. Her career also spans roles in further education and economic and planning consultancy across the UK and Europe. Roisin holds a Master’s degree in Planning from Oxford Brookes University and a PhD from Cardiff University. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to planning in Wales, she was awarded an OBE in 2017 and is a Fellow of the RTPI.

My sincere thanks also go to the outgoing Chair, Martin Buckle, who has served with distinction for seven years. During his tenure, Martin built strong working relationships with Committee members and a wide range of stakeholders. His dedication and focus on delivering tangible improvements reflect his commitment to advancing flood and coastal erosion risk management in line with Ministerial priorities. I am deeply grateful for the knowledge and expertise he brought to support Welsh Ministers and for his significant contribution to strengthening Wales’ resilience.

I look forward to working with Roisin and the Committee as we continue to build a safer, more resilient Wales for the future.