New Chief Executive Appointed for Leading Welsh Awarding Body

Agored Cymru, the leading Welsh awarding body, is delighted to announce that Kevern Kerswell has been appointed the new Chief Executive.

Kevern who is currently the Assistant Director for Quality, Standards and Regulations at Agored Cymru will take up his new post at the beginning of March 2017.

Kevern will be taking over from Anne Lewis who will be retiring in March.  Anne who has been at the helm of Agored Cymru for the past three years joined Agored Cymru in 2001. She has held a number of posts in quality assurance and business development has been instrumental in the growth and development of the awarding body.

Announcing Kevern’s appointment John Graystone, Executive Chair, Agored Cymru said:

“I very much welcome Kevern Kerswell’s appointment as the new Chief Executive of Agored Cymru. Kevern brings a huge wealth of experience and knowledge of adult and community learning to this post.

“The Agored Cymru Board was impressed with Kevern’s passion for raising standards and tackling disadvantage. These fit in closely with the overall purpose of Agored Cymru and its commitment to open access.

“The education and skills landscape in Wales poses many challenges and opportunities for awarding organisations. Kevern’s business drive and enthusiasm harnessed to the expertise and challenge of the Board and the enthusiasm of staff will ensure a positive future for Agored Cymru. I look forward to working with Kevern.”

Kevern has held a variety of senior posts within the education sector, including a senior manager post at Coleg Cambria, and has played a leadership role across three Local Authority Community Learning partnerships, and led the Wrexham ACL partnership through transformational change.

Speaking about his appointment Kevern said: “Agored Cymru works with many organisations to tackle disadvantage, raise skills, build aspirations and improve employability across Wales.

“I feel extremely privileged be taking the lead and to be working with a brilliant team, driving our organisation forward to achieve even more for learners in Wales.

“The education and training sector faces continual challenges and Agored Cymru is uniquely well placed to extend opportunities for learners across a wide range of curriculum.  I look forward to building on our already excellent partnerships to deliver the very best opportunities for learners.”