Cambrian has appointed a new Strategic Advisory Board which will assist in the development of the Cambrian Village Trust, Cambrian United, and Cambrian Lakeside. The Cambrian enterprises are based in Clydach Vale, Rhondda Cynon Taff.
As announced recently, the board will be chaired by Professor Leighton Andrews from Cardiff Business School, a former Welsh Government MInister and Assembly Member for the Rhondda. New members of the Board announced today are:
Rob Osborne
National Correspondent, ITV Wales. Presenter, Wales this Week. Award-winning broadcaster and event host. Trustee, John Schofield Trust. From Clydach Vale.
Jonathan Morgan
Principal, Coleg y Cymoedd. Former professional Footballer with Cardiff City Football Club.
Catherine Howell
Head of Natural Capital Developments, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons National Park). Former Vice-President, Barclays Investment Bank and Assistant Vice-President, Deutsche Bank. Regional Director of Enterprise and Supply chain development activities in Africa. Subsequently worked for UN Peacebuilding Support Office and International Red Cross in innovative finance and partnerships.
Mark Norris
Councillor for Clydach Vale, RCT Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing.
Buffy Williams MS
Senedd Member for the Rhondda, founder of Canolfan Pentre.
Bethan Darwin–
Solicitor and Partner at Thompson Darwin. Immediate Past Chair, Institute of Welsh Affairs. Advisory Board, Cardiff Business School. Member, Women’s Angels Wales. Runs Superwoman networking group. Board Member, Group Ed. Published three novels. From Clydach Vale.
Keith Jenkins
Former Co-Ordinator, Clydach Vale Communities First from 2002-2913; subsequently a Consultant Governor for Central South Education Consortium for schools with Governing Body issues, formerly with RCT Education Department including as Governor Support Officer. A founder Director of the Cambrian Village Trust project. Voluntary Legal Secretary for Cwmclydach Development Trust from 2003 until August 2018. Over 50 years involvement in Clydach Vale Boys and Girls Club and former player and committee member of Cambrian football club for 45 years. Governor of local primary schools. Secretary of the Judges Hall Trust which supports groups and individuals in Mid Rhondda.
Karen Phillips
Ex Principal Coleg y Cymoedd. Member, Medr Quality Board; founder Leighan’s List; Trustee, Tafflab. Fellow, Chartered Institute of Personnel Development. Previously chief executive of commercial law firm, and previously board member of CBI Wales, National Dance Company of Wales and Careers Wales. From Clydach Vale.
Former Future Generations Commissioner for Wales Sophie Howehas also agreed to be a Strategic Advisor to the Board.
Welcoming the appointments, Board Chair Leighton Andrews said ‘It’s gratifying that we have been able to appoint such a powerful Advisory Board with individuals of considerable professional stature and expertise. I am delighted that a number of the new members have immediate familial links to Clydach Vale, where the Cambrian activities are located. They want to give back to the communities where they grew up. This is an Advisory Board which spans expertise in education, the environment, community development, regeneration, human resources, football, the law, corporate and start-up finance, and gender equality. ‘
Luke Davies, chair of Cambrian United said “The establishment of the Cambrian Strategic Advisory Board marks an exciting new chapter for Cambrian United and our wider Cambrian Village Trust family. We’re proud to be working alongside such a talented and diverse group of individuals who share our vision for creating real, lasting change here in Rhondda Cynon Taff. Our goal and ambition are to become the beacon sporting club for RCT, and the introduction of such an experienced Advisory Board will be instrumental in helping us achieve that. Their insight and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow our football club, strengthen our community programmes, and create new opportunities for local people to thrive both on and off the pitch.”
Phil Williams, Operations Director of Cambrian Village Trust said “Cambrian as one group are so fortunate to attract the vast skills and experience this advisory group holds and I look forward to seeing firsthand how the group can impact on the delivery of our wider strategy for both the Club and CVT. Cambrian has achieved so much over the last 25 years but still has much to do hopefully for the next 25 years, supporting the wider Community by developing skills / training, Education, Sport, Health and Wellbeing and much more. Cambrian has many ambitious goals for the future, and I am sure with the momentum currently building we can all achieve great things over the next few years that will only build on the already excellent name Cambrian has built over the last 25 years.
