Written - Coleg Ffederal Planning Board Membership

In July 2008 I issued a statement setting out recent developments in Welsh medium higher education, including the work of the Welsh medium Higher Education Network. I also announced the establishment of a time-limited Coleg Ffederal Planning Board, to be chaired by Professor Robin Williams.

Professor Williams has now chosen his panel of experts to assist him in exploring models for the Coleg Ffederal, and I am pleased to announce the membership.

Robin Williams                  Chair

Rhys Llwyd                       Welsh Language Society
Ieuan Wyn                        Campaign for a Welsh-Medium Federal College
Ben Gray                          NUS Wales and member of HE Review Group
Eurig Davies                     Ystalyfera Comprehensive School
Meri Huws                        Welsh Language Board
Elinor Gwynn                    Countryside Commission for Wales
David Blaney/Celia Hunt     HEFCW

Medwin Hughes                Principal, Trinity College, Carmarthen
Greg Walker                    HEW
Aled Jones                      Aberystwyth University
Hefin Jones                     Cardiff University
Colin Baker                      Bangor University
Huw Morris                     Swansea University
Llion Jones                      Canolfan Bedwyr, Bangor



The Planning Board’s task is to advise and inform the Chair in preparing his report. The report is intended to advise the Welsh Assembly Government on how the One Wales commitment to Welsh medium provision can be taken forward. The work of the Coleg Ffederal Planning Board will also be developed within the context of the wider Review of Higher Education, and my Department’s emerging Welsh Medium Education Strategy.

The Board will:

• take evidence from a wide range of models, including international practice in relation to bilingualism;
• explore ways of furthering the work of the Welsh Medium Higher Education Sector Group, building on existing developments and encouraging wider participation in the future;
• explore possible models for developing the Coleg Ffederal, working through, and with, all higher education institutions in Wales to increase Welsh medium provision.

The Coleg Ffederal Planning Board held its first meeting on 20th October and a further three meetings are planned between December 2008 and March 2009. Professor Williams will submit his independent report to me by June 2009.