WIREDGOV

Julie James, Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, has announced the re-appointment of Scott Waddington, chief executive, S.A. Brain & Company Ltd, as Wales Commissioner to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.

The appointment will run for a further three year term, from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2018. Mr Waddington was originally appointed to the post for a (renewable) three year term from 1st April 2012 to 31st March 2015.

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) is a publicly funded, industry-led organisation providing strategic leadership on skills and employment issues in the four home nations of the UK.

The Welsh Government is a co-sponsor of the UKCES. Its mission is to work with its partners to secure a greater commitment to invest in the skills of people to drive enterprise, jobs and growth.

The Deputy Minister said:

“I am delighted to re-appoint such a highly regarded employer as Scott Waddington to the important role of Wales Commissioner to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. This re-appointment will ensure that the Welsh skills agenda and Welsh employers’ needs are recognised across the UK.

“His reappointment will enable Scott to build on his first term of office to ensure the UKCES reflects Wales’ skills agenda. During the next three years he will be able to continue promoting the need for employer investment in skills

“Scott will also play a key role in championing the UKCES’ aim to raise employer ambition and investment in skills.”

The Wales Commissioner of the UKCES is remunerated by the Welsh Government at £282 per day for up to a maximum of 36 days work per annum. This will include duties associated with the appointee’s ex-officio membership of the Wales Employment and Skills Board. Commissioners are also reimbursed by the UKCES for reasonable travel and subsistence costs.  

This appointment was made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointment’s Code of Practice on Ministerial Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for the political activity of appointees (if any declared) to be published.  Scott Waddington has not carried out any political activities in the last five years, nor does he hold any other Ministerial public appointments.