The Minister for Culture, Sport and the Welsh Language, Jenny Randerson, today (Tuesday 29 October) announced the reappointment of Rhodri Williams to the Chair of the Welsh Language Board for a second full term.

Mr Williams’ new term of office will run for three years from 1 May 2003 to 30 April 2006.

Jenny Randerson said: “I’m delighted that Rhodri Williams has accepted my invitation to stay on for a further term. He has provided the Welsh Language Board with firm and robust leadership, while remaining sensitive to the varying circumstances of different language communities across Wales. I have been particularly grateful for his substantial contribution to the review of Welsh language policy which has been undertaken over the last 18 months.”

“I hope that this early announcement that Mr Williams will be staying on will help the Board’s long term planning, and provide continuity and stability at a time of great opportunity for the language. His experience will help the Board to deliver the exciting language policies which the Welsh Assembly Government and the Culture
Committee have been building up over the last 18 months; and to oversee the major investment – of an additional £16 million over the next 3 years – which the Assembly Government is making in the language.”

Notes for editors:

1. The Welsh Language Board is an Assembly Sponsored Public Body established under the Welsh Language Act 1993, to promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language.
2. Rhodri Williams was appointed temporary Chair of the Welsh Language Board from March 1999 by the then Secretary of State. He was appointed to his first full term from 1 May 2000, following an open competition for the post.
3. Mr Williams is a director of Avanti Media Group, the television and new media production business based at The Pop Factory in Porth in the Rhondda. In the past he has worked as a journalist for Rebecca magazine and HTV’s Current Affairs department and was one of the founders of Agenda Television now based in Llanelli.
4. He is 45 years old, and married with 3 children. He was brought up in Merthyr, Rhondda and Cardiff. Mr Williams was educated at Llandovery College, Rhydfelen Comprehensive School, Pontypridd and the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth where he graduated in Philosophy.
5. Previous Public Service appointments have included membership of the West Glamorgan Drugs Prevention Team, the Board of Visitors of HM Prison, Cardiff, and the Governing Body of Cymer Welsh Comprehensive School.
6. Mr Williams holds no other ministerial appointments. He is a member of the Labour Party.
7. The chairperson of the Welsh Language Board receives £26,477 a year, based on a time commitment of two days per week.