Wrexham Glyndwr manager aims to “place Wales’s needs at the heart of everything” in new role

Wrexham Glyndwr University’s (WGU) Student Recruitment Manager has been elected as joint-Chair of HELOA Wales – the professional association of higher education staff.

Ben Kibble-Smith has been appointed joint-Chair, alongside Llinos Williams, Schools Liaison Officer at Bangor University – with Llinos chairing for the first 18 months and Ben in the role of vice-Chair, before he takes on the remaining 18 months of the term.

Speaking after being jointly elected, Ben says that among his top priorities as Chair will be championing the needs of Welsh students, as well as strengthening connections between higher education institutions across Wales.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been elected alongside Llinos – firstly, to have two joint-Chairs from North Wales is fantastic, not only does it mean we’re better connecting our institutions with others in the higher education sector but it also means that we will be able to further strengthen relationships with colleagues from across Wales.

“I believe serving as an elected member for HELOA Wales brings about some fantastic opportunities and I have a number of aims I want to achieve during my time in the role, including championing the needs of Welsh students, bringing about better connections between higher education institutions across Wales, as well as seeking high-quality training opportunities for colleagues from the HELOA network and wider.

“Ultimately, my overarching aim is to place Wales’s needs at the heart of everything that I do in this role – and I feel privileged to have the chance to do so.

“I’m looking forward to what the next few years hold and strengthening our wider network at WGU.”

In his role at WGU, Ben is responsible for outreach, school and college activity, events and widening participation in higher education.