Universities Wales response to appointment of Chair and Deputy Chair of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research

“We welcome today’s announcement that Professor Dame Julie Lydon and Professor David Sweeney have been appointed as Chair and Deputy Chair, respectively, of the Board for the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (CTER).  

“Professor Lydon’s experience across post-16 education, and in business, make her uniquely placed to navigate the challenges and opportunities of Wales’ tertiary education system to ensure the best outcomes for learners, institutions and the nation. 

 “Professor Sweeney joins the Commission having previously been the founding Executive Chair of Research England within UKRI. 

“In this role, Professor Sweeney has demonstrated a strong commitment to research and innovation and a deep understanding of the crucial role they play in our society, experience which will be a valuable addition to the work of the Commission. 

“Professor Lydon and Professor Sweeney have the experience and expertise to deliver on the Welsh Government’s vision for a joined-up post-16 education sector in Wales, and we look forward to working with them both, and the wider Commission, to ensure that our system continues to work for the people and places of Wales.” 

ENDS 

Notes to editor 

1. Professor Lydon previously served as Chair of Universities Wales, stepping down in August 2021. During her time as Chair she played a major role in Wales’ society and economy, steering the Welsh higher education sector through reform and pandemic, as well as making a huge contribution to higher education in the wider UK through work with the CBI and UUK on skills provision.  
2. Universities Wales represents the interests of universities in Wales and is a National Council of Universities UK. Universities Wales’ membership encompasses the Vice Chancellors of all the universities in Wales, and the Director of the Open University in Wales. Our mission is to support a university education system which transforms lives through the work Welsh universities do with the people and places of Wales and the wider world. www.uniswales.ac.uk 

Media contact 

Jodi Cox 

Communications and Campaigns Officer 

Press@uniswales.ac.uk 
07788 270407