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Ex-politician becomes health board chair

Saturday, 4 October 2025 at 05:56

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

CAVUHB

A former Senedd minister has taken up her new role as the chair of the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

Kirsty Williams takes over from Charles (Jan) Janczewski, after serving as vice chair of the Powys Teaching Health Board for the last three years.

In June, the ex-Welsh Liberal Democrats' leader was named as the preferred candidate for the role of CAVUHB's new chair by health secretary Jeremy Miles.

But her appointment comes after the Welsh Government stepped up intervention measures over concerns about the health board's growing financial deficit, along with its performance and workplace culture.

Targeted intervention for the entire health board stands at Level 4, just one level below special measures.

An independent investigation is also underway into the Hafan-y-Coed mental health unit at Llandough Hospital, following criticism from inspectors in two separate reports over the past 12 months.

Mrs Williams said: "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."

In 2021, Kirsty Williams quit politics when she stood down from her Brecon and Radnorshire seat at the last Senedd elections.

She had served in the Welsh Government as education minister for five years, including the height of the Covid pandemic.

And last year, she was appointed as one of four independent commissioners at the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Authority, following a damning report into sexism and misogyny.

CAVUHB chief executive Suzanne Rankin said: "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."

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