Kirsty Williams CBE joins Cardiff and Vale University Health Board as new Chair
Kirsty Williams CBE joins Cardiff and Vale University Health Board as new Chair
Kirsty Williams CBE has taken up her role as Chair of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board today, following her appointment by the Health Secretary in July.
Kirsty brings a wealth of experience in government and healthcare, having held a variety of leadership roles throughout her career. She succeeds Professor Charles (Jan) Janczewski, who retired on 30 September after serving as Chair since 2020.
Kirsty was a Member of the Senedd from 1999 to 2021, leading the Welsh Liberal Democrats from 2008 to 2016, and later serving as Minister for Education from 2016 to 2021. In recognition of her public and political service, Kirsty was awarded a CBE in 2013. She was also made an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Nursing in 2016 for her support of the Nurse Staffing Level Act.
In 2022, she became Vice Chair of Powys Teaching Health Board, a position she held until her recent appointment. In addition to her new role, Kirsty serves as a Commissioner for the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and holds leadership roles in education and transport committees.
Chief Executive Suzanne Rankin said: “On behalf of the Board and colleagues across the Health Board, we are delighted to welcome Kirsty as Chair of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Kirsty’s depth of leadership experience will be invaluable as we continue the collaborative work to deliver our strategy, Shaping our Future Wellbeing, address our challenges and continuously improve the quality of care, treatment and outcomes for the communities we serve.
“I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to build upon the foundational work achieved thus far towards excellence in all that we do.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Jan for his extraordinary leadership during his time as Chair. He has provided wise counsel, kindness and immense dedication, and we are extremely grateful for his service to the team and our community.”
Speaking about her appointment, Kirsty said: “I am excited to be joining Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. I would like to add my own thanks to Jan for his dedication to the organisation. I have already had the pleasure of visiting a number of services and the commitment and passion of our staff to deliver excellent care has shone through.
“I look forward to working with the members of the Board to deliver on our mission of “Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together” to provide a health service that is a source of pride and enjoys public confidence.”