First Minister’s preferred candidate for next Future Generations Commissioner named
The First Minister’s preferred candidate for new Future Generations Commissioner has been named.
A Welsh Government briefing uploaded to the Senedd website for a meeting of the Equality and Social Justice Committee due to take place at the Senedd next week lists Derek Walker as the “First Minister’s preferred candidate”.
Derek Walker is currently the CEO of Cwmpas (formerly known as the Wales Co-operative Centre), a development agency and co-operative working for economic and social change.
The document also notes that he was previously an agent for the Labour Party candidates in the Butetown ward during May’s local government elections. It notes however that he “has never taken a high profile in any campaign”.
The document adds that a total of 55 applications for the new role were received, with 10 candidates recommended for interview. The Assessment Advisory Panel considered there to be only five appointable candidates, with Derek Walker preferred by the First Minister.
‘Goals’
The next Commissioner will replace the incumbent Sophie Howe and will be appointed for a period of 7 years. They will be in the post between 2023 and 2030 on a salary of circa £95,000 a year.
The role was created following the passing of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act in 2015, to provide advice and support on sustainable development and be an advocate for future generations.
The Welsh Government’s own candidates information pack for the role says: “We are looking for candidates who can play a leading role in making Wales a sustainable and globally responsible nation by inspiring, supporting, and convening people and organisations together to deliver Wales’ national well-being goals.
“The next Future Generations Commissioner for Wales will provide the necessary leadership to guide and enable sustainable development in Wales over the period 2023-2030.
“This is an exciting time to support Wales in achieving its well-being goals and moving the country on to a more sustainable path.”
It notes that the appointment would be confirmed sometime this month, and the new job would start in February of next year.
Support our Nation today
For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.
Nothing changes. Jobs for the Boys.
I wonder how the Labour Party has dominated Welsh politics for so long?
Lack of a credible alternative initially. Then inertia
Try suspending this vacancy for 2 or 3 years. Do the same with some of the other “jobs for the boys and girls” that get created by the Bay regime for friends of the party. Divert funds back into mainstream areas of need like health, education and social care. That will go down well with people out in our communities who just don’t understand all the money spent on pet projects, ishoos and other stuff made up by wonks in the Bay bubble.
Another Labour placeman. The Labour Quangocracy builds.
Why hold an application process and a sift before interview if the First Minister has a preferred candidate. Oh yes, to make it appear an open and transparent process.
I wonder where we are on the world-wide corruption index? Alongside some 3rd world countries no doubt. Labour values – hot air. They’ve been like this for generations, long before devolution.
What kind of interview process is this? The employer is telling the world who the preferred candiate and the interview Panel most of whom are funded by Welsh Government. Who is going tell Mark Drakeford you cant employ Derek Walker?
I thought the post was supoosed to be arms lenght-to hold Government and other bodies to account. Why not just announce Derek has the post- Welcome Derek anf good luck. What credibility will you have!