New chairman appointed for Regional and Skills Partnership

A Carmarthenshire business leader has been appointed as the new chairman of the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership (RLSP) for South West Wales.

Edward Morgan, Training Manager at Castell Howell Foods, takes over from Huw Mathias, who has been chair since 2019.

Covering Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea, the RLSP works to bridge the gap between education, skills and regeneration to help create a strong and vibrant economy.

Mr Morgan has a wealth of experience in managing people and projects for Castell Howell Foods for over 13 years. He has also been heavily involved in the work of the RLSP for some time, having also served as chair of its food and land management cluster group.

Mr Morgan said: “It’s a privilege to be appointed chair of the RLSP. I recognise the important role of the board in uniting the eight industry cluster groups, training providers and associated stakeholders. Thank you as well to Huw Mathias, the previous chair, for his diligence and hard work during his term, and also thanks to the wider RLSP team for their continued stewardship.

“As the lead organisation of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s skills and talent programme, the aims of the RLSP in promoting the economic and social well-being of the region have gained additional significance, and we look forward to help develop skills across all sectors”.

“I would encourage all businesses to join with the RLSP in ensuring that we have a real opportunity to develop the key skills that the region needs for the future.”

Sue Husband OBE, Business in the Community (BITC) Cymru Director, has been appointed as the RLSP’s vice chair.

Ms Husband said: “I am so pleased to be joining the RLSP as vice chair. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have been involved with the skills agenda and have seen, first-hand, the positive impact that learning and skills can have on an individual, on businesses, and in communities.

“To have the opportunity to contribute to this important area of work, across Wales, is a privilege and a challenge that I am really looking forward to.”

Jane Lewis, RLSP Manager, said: “As a primarily employer-led organisation, we’re delighted to welcome Edward and Sue as our new and vice chair.

“We would also, however, like to thank our outgoing chair, Huw Mathias, for his hard work and commitment. During his time as chair, Huw has overseen several key strategic skills initiatives for South West and Mid Wales, and has been instrumental in strengthening the relationship between employers and skills and education providers in the region.”

Visit www.rlp.org.uk for more information about the RLSP.