Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
I am pleased to announce I have appointed Dr Hushneara Begum, Adam Taylor and Dr Rebecca Colley-Jones as new Board Members of Natural Resources Wales.
Dr Hushneara Begum, Adam Taylor and Dr Rebecca Colley-Jones bring a diverse wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board as Natural Resources Wales continues to work to address the nature, climate and pollution challenges we all face.
Natural Resources Wales’ Board has accountability for ensuring Natural Resources Wales exercises its legislative functions appropriately and effectively. It is also responsible to Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ Ministers for the ways in which it delivers against the Ministerial remit letter.
The terms of these appointments for each Board member are from 1 April 2025 to 31 October 2029.
Profiles
Dr Hushneara Begum
Dr Hushneara Begum is a leading sustainability subject matter expert with a particular focus on Sustainable Procurement, Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Low Carbon, Net Zero and Scope 3. Dr Begum offers a wealth of knowledge and experience at the forefront of governmental, industrial and societal change.
Adam Taylor
Adam Taylor has worked in various charity roles over his career and in 2019 became the youngest Wildlife Trust CEO. In 2022, Adam achieved an MBA with Distinction from Warwick Business School related to introducing business best practices to the UK environmental sector. Adam has led projects, including England’s first Pine Marten reintroduction, securing stronger Sites of Special Scientific Interest protections in Planning Policy Wales guidance and acquiring and managing thousands of acres of nature reserves, farms, and greenspaces.
Dr Rebecca Colley-Jones
Dr Rebecca Colley-Jones is as an environmental leader specialising in sustainability, circular economy and resource management. Dr Colley-Jones holds a PhD focused on circular economy business models in the Electrical and Electronic Equipment sector, giving her extensive expertise in advancing resource efficient strategies. A fluent Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ speaker, Dr Colley-Jones is passionate about environmental stewardship and ensuring a sustainable legacy for future generations through nature-based solutions and strategic leadership.
Members of Natural Resources Wales’ Board are remunerated at £350 per day for a maximum of 36 days per year. Additional remunerated days may be available to Members who also Chair Board sub-committees.
All appointments were made on merit following an open, competitive process.
This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.