New Head for Welsh FE Communications and Policy

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Sylvia Davies has been appointed as the new Head of Public Affairs for the association of Further Education colleges in Wales, fforwm.

Her role will include directing internal and external communications. She will also be responsible for policy developments for post-16 education and training in Wales.

A Big Influence in Welsh Policy

Having come from the environmental voluntary sector, Sylvia has had significant involvement in policy making. She has influenced the highest levels in the sustainable development and environmental fields with the Council for National Parks and through Wales Environmental Link. In addition she has advised on Welsh affairs and led on bilingual relations with the press and media.

Sylvia herself states that she is “delighted” at the opportunity to work in this new role. She believes further education colleges and institutions are “vital to developing”¦a vibrant economy and providing opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people”¦to reach their potential.”

Fforwm Looking to the Future?

This comes at a time when education spokespeople in Wales have become concerned regarding the future position of the Welsh economy and the effect upon this of the declining skills levels in certain key areas, such as languages. Fewer students than ever are electing to study languages, which the Liberal Democrats see as a sign of problems on the horizon for Wales in the global economy.

No doubt that Sylvia’s previous experience in Welsh policy and her media links will be of great benefit to the FE sector in Wales. Chief Executive of fforwm, John Graystone, is “extremely pleased” with the appointment and looking forward to working alongside her.

Angela Balakrishnan

Welcome the new appointment in the FE Blog

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