The members come from a variety of professional backgrounds.

Committee members

Image of Najma Hashmi

Najma Hashmi

Partnerships and Networks Change Maker Support, Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales

Najma Hashi works on implementing an international agreement with Welsh Government and managing the Alumni Network of the Future Generations Leadership Academy. Najma has a degree in International Relations and a postgraduate degree in Culture, Diaspora and Ethnicity; and is passionate about sustainable development and equality initiatives. Najma is part of Race Alliance Wales’ Steering Group and board member for Ffair Jobs CIC.

Image of Professor Paul van Gardingen

Professor Paul van Gardingen FRSA

Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC) for Global Engagement, Bangor University

Paul is the academic lead for the Bangor’s globally focused education, research and strategic partnerships and has responsibility for the University’s Global Engagement Strategy. Before joining Bangor University his previous role was as Special Advisor to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Dundee, where he holds the title of Honorary Professor of International Development.

Smiling man with short grey hair, glasses, black suit and blue shirt

Rob Humphreys

Wales Advisory Committee Chair / British Council Trustee and Chair, Higher Education Funding Council for Wales

Rob Humphreys is an education professional with a strong belief in the transformational aspects of adult education. He has strong connections across education, academia, cultural institutions, sport and government in Wales. Until November 2017 Rob was director for Wales at The Open University; a position he held for 10 years. Prior to the Open University, Rob was Director for Wales of the National Institute for Adult Continuing Education.

Image of Susana Galván

Susana Galván Hernández

Executive Director, Taith

Susana is responsible for the strategy, delivery and overall performance of Taith, working with senior staff from Welsh Government and the target sectors to promote the interests and values of the programme across Wales and internationally. Susana comes to Taith from the British Council, where she has held a number of managerial and leadership positions in different countries in East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and the UK.

Image of Zenny Saunders

Zenny Saunders

Deputy Director of Post Compulsory Education and Training Reform, Welsh Government

Zenny began her career in the Department for Working Pensions before joining the Welsh Government in 2001 where she has held a variety of posts in areas relating to local government, education, employability and skills, and legislation. Zenny also worked for the UK Government on secondment for 5 years supporting the Secretary of State for Wales in delivering the devolution settlement.