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Welsh Ministers yesterday confirmed the appointment of David Jones as the first Ofcom Board Member for Wales.

The Welsh Government yesterday confirmed the appointment following consultation with the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

David Jones is currently a non-executive director of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, which is one of Wales’ largest, covering five separate local authority areas. The Health Board is currently building a new 470 bed hospital. David is Chair of the Information Governance Committee. David is also non-executive director of the Welsh Revenue Authority, the body responsible for collecting and managing Welsh taxes on behalf of the Welsh Government and is a member of the board of Qualifications Wales.

David Jones yesterday said:

“I am privileged to have the opportunity to take on this new role at an important time for Ofcom. Making sure that people across Wales have the broadcasting services they need, and that consumers have access to good quality communications services, especially in the most rural areas, here in Wales and across the UK, is vital. I look forward to contributing to Ofcom’s continuing discussion.”

Terry Burns, Ofcom Chairman, yesterday said:

“I am delighted David Jones has been confirmed as the first Ofcom board member for Wales. His appointment will strengthen the Board’s ability to represent the voices of people from across the UK, as we work to ensure everyone gets the most from their communications services.”

Sharon White, Ofcom Chief Executive, yesterday said:

“David’s wide range of experience, including his work on digital communications and cybersecurity, will prove hugely valuable to Ofcom. I’m looking forward to working together to improve communications for people and businesses, wherever they live and work.”

Lord Elis-Thomas AM, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, yesterday said:

“This is an important appointment and I wish David every success. Broadcasting in Wales is going through a welcome period of renewal that must deliver comprehensive services, in Welsh and English, which properly reflect a nation with its own language, culture and political institutions. Ofcom has a key role to play in ensuring this happens. A strong voice for Wales on its Board is a great step forward.”

Lee Waters AM, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, yesterday said:

“I congratulate David on this key appointment. Ofcom has a vital role in improving access to fast broadband and reliable mobile coverage in Wales. I am pleased that through David Wales will have a strong voice on the Ofcom Board that will ensure that the connectivity needs of Wales will be represented.”

Notes to Editors

• Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries. We have responsibilities across television, radio, video on demand, telecoms, wireless communications and postal services. News releases and other resources for journalists can be found on the Ofcom website.
• As noted in the Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Government, Welsh Government and the Office of Communications, section 1 of the Office of Communications Act 2002, as amended by section 68 of the Wales Act 2017, provides that Welsh Ministers have the power to appoint a member of the Ofcom Board.
• The St David’s Day Agreement made clear this should be a person who can represent the interests of Wales. Prior to the appointment, the Welsh Government consulted the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport so that the Secretary of State can ensure that the Board will function effectively as a whole.  The appointee will have the same UK-wide responsibilities as other non-executive members of Ofcom.
• As Ofcom is a UK-wide public body, the appointment is made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.
• Remuneration for this role is £42,519 for two days a week. The term of appointment will last for four years.