The First Minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones (pictured), has announced his intention to appoint Meri Huws as the first Welsh Language Commissioner.
The First Minister took account of the recommendations of the selection panel, which interviewed a strong field for the job.
Mr Jones said:
“I am delighted to announce Meri Huws as the first ever Welsh Language Commissioner. She brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this new role and will be an excellent champion for the Welsh language.
This important new post will be critical to delivering the Welsh Government’s vision of a thriving and vibrant Welsh language.”
Ms Huws, who is currently chair of the Welsh Language Board, said:
“I am delighted to have been appointed to this hugely important role. I look forward to working with the Welsh Government and organisations in Wales in developing the new system of standards.
“I will look to build on the good work that has been done by the Welsh Language Board and others to strengthen the Welsh language and ensure that it continues to thrive.”
The Minister for Education, Skills and Welsh Language, Leighton Andrews, said:
“I look forward to working with Ms Huws in the future. She can now have an early input into the important work that lies ahead and help us plan for the establishment of her office, for which preparations are already being made through discussions between the Welsh Government and the Welsh Language Board.”
The Welsh Language Commissioner will play a pivotal role in the development of a new regulatory system, based on standards, to ensure the delivery of Welsh language services to the public. The Commissioner will also advise the Welsh Government and others on language policy and will be able to conduct inquiries into a wide range of matters relating to the Welsh language.
Biography
- Born in Carmarthen, Meri Huws was educated at Ysgol Uwchradd Abergwaun in Fishguard, before reading Law and Politics at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and studying at Oxford University.
- After returning to Wales, she worked as a Social Worker in the Sgubor Goch area of Caernarfon and during this period was also Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (the Welsh Language Society) from 1981 to 1983.
- From Caernarfon, Meri Huws went to lecture at Coleg Normal in 1984, the University of Newport from 1989 to 1997 before moving to the Academic Office in Dublin City University until 1999. She then worked as Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Bangor University before being appointed as Pro vice Chancellor at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
- She has been Chair of the Welsh Language Board since 2004 and was a member of the Board between 1993 a 1997. Since August 2009, Meri Huws has held the post of Pro-Vice Chancellor [Innovation, Community and Skills] at the University of Trinity St David.
