Author: Rhys Gregory

Multiply is a new UK Government programme to help transform the lives of adults across the UK, by improving their functional numeracy skills through free personal tutoring, digital training, and flexible courses. The aim of Multiply is for local areas invest in meaningful participation that boosts people’s ability to use maths in their daily life, at home and work – and enable adults to achieve formal qualifications that can open doors for them (such as career progression, or progression to further study). Adults who need to improve their numeracy (up to and including Level 2/SCQF Level 5) will be able…

A significant update has been issued on a series of actions the Welsh Government is taking to tackle building safety issues. The update is part of Welsh Government’s cooperation agreement with Plaid Cymru that promises to ‘significantly reform the current system of building safety’ in Wales. Climate Change Minister Julie James described it as an ‘ambitious programme’ that would make residents feel ‘safe and secure in their homes’. The Minister gave the update in the Senedd this afternoon and confirmed that major developers had agreed to sign a legally binding Pact that commits them to carry out fire safety works…

A new chair has been appointed to Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan has announced. Former Assembly Member Jonathan Morgan has been selected by the Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan as the preferred candidate following an open and fair competition. He will take up the role from 1 April 2023 for four years, subject to the relevant pre-appointment checks. Mr Morgan has extensive experience working in the housing and social care sector. He has been an independent member on the Board of Health Education and Improvement Wales, since January 2022.…

Climate Change Minister Julie James has said new powers to tackle air and noise pollution will lead to a cleaner, healthier and greener Wales. The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Bill was introduced to the Senedd on Monday 20 March, giving the Welsh Government greater ability to tackle air and noise pollution. The new Bill is part of a package of measures to improve the quality of the air environment in Wales. It will give powers to Welsh Government to introduce new long-term targets for air quality under a national framework taking account of the latest scientific knowledge including…

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden has announced the appointment of Maggie Russell as the new Chair of the Council of the Arts Council of Wales. Maggie Russell has over thirty-five years of experience as an arts professional, has occupied several senior roles at BBC Wales and been a constant advocate for the arts in Wales for over four decades. As Chair of Arts Council of Wales, Maggie Russell will be accountable to the Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport and is responsible for ensuring the Council’s policies and actions support the Welsh Government’s wider strategic policies. Announcing…

US fried chicken restaurant Popeyes® is opening the doors to its first restaurant in Cardiff on Thursday. This will be the chain’s 14th UK restaurant in less than two years and they have plans to open even more this year. The restaurant will officially open its doors in Cardiff at 11am Thursday 23rd March. Popeyes can be found on Saint John Street, next to the city’s iconic castle. Fried chicken fans are advised to come along early, as queues for the famed chicken-restaurant are expected from the early hours. Early queuers will even have the chance to win a year’s…

Cardiff Council has published its Workforce Strategy for the next five years which details its commitment to employing ‘the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time and at the right cost’. The strategy, which is closely linked to the Council’s ‘Stronger, Fairer, Greener’ approach to how it delivers services to its residents and communities, covers the period from 2023-2027 and includes a host of initiatives and innovations intended to: Establish a more diverse workforce reflecting the diversity of Cardiff’s communities Identify innovative mechanisms for recruiting and retaining staff in areas of national shortage…

Easter is just around the corner, so if you’re looking ahead to the brighter, warmer days of spring, there is plenty of fun to be had in gardens across Wales with National Trust Cymru’s adventure-packed Easter trails. Keep your little explorers entertained throughout the Easter holidays with a range of different trails that celebrate nature, history, and beauty. Wherever you choose to visit for an Easter adventure, every trail ends with a chocolate egg. North Wales Bodnant Garden, Conwy Little explorers can join the Easter adventure trail at Bodnant Garden from 7-10 April. Make your way along the trail to…

“We are a government committed to our rivers.” Those were the words of First Minister Mark Drakeford as he confirmed details of a new action plan agreed at the latest River Pollution Summit. The summit, held in Cardiff on Wednesday, March 8, brought together senior representatives from regulators, water companies, developers, local government, farming unions, academia and environmental sectors. The aim was to develop a ‘strategic, joined-up approach to tackling phosphorus pollution’ and after a few hours, all organisations agreed to implement a new action plan. First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “We said we would bring people together and we…

Newport’s oldest independent school marks the appointment of its first-ever female Head. Pontypool-born Lisa Pritchard, 51, begins her headship this April at Rougemont School which is ranked top 5 in the country.  Mrs Pritchard will become the first-ever female head in the school’s 100-year history. Rougemont was founded in 1924 and has been led by seven Headmasters during its 100-years.  Today, the school ushers in a new era with Lisa Pritchard taking the helm. “I am honoured to be appointed Head of Rougemont and moreover, becoming the school’s first-ever female head is a true privilege.  As leaders in the community…