Lynne Neagle, Cabinet Secretary for Education
Following an open and competitive process, and in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, I am pleased to announce that I have selected Paul Bevan as my preferred candidate to take up the role as the new Chair of the Qualifications Wales Board when the tenure of the current Chair, David Jones OBE, expires in December 2025.
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 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.
This appointment is subject to pre-appointment scrutiny by the Senedd which will take place on 3 July 2025. Following the pre-appointment hearing, I will make my final decision on the appointment and update members accordingly.
As the independent regulator for non-degree level qualifications in Wales, Qualifications 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.
Notes
This appointment will be 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.