Estyn Appoints Three New Non-Executive Directors to Strengthen Strategic Leadership

Estyn, the education and training inspectorate for Wales, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gareth Morgans, John Cappock, and Ravi Pawar as independent non-executive directors to its board. Their skills and experience will complement those of existing board members Maria Rimmer and David Jones as they work collaboratively to guide Estyn’s strategic vision to improve the quality of education and training across Wales.

The new board members were selected from varied professional backgrounds to bring a broad and diverse perspective to Estyn’s strategy board. Their insights will provide valuable advice and constructive challenge as the organisation builds on the successful implementation of its new inspection model and its ongoing evolution as it strives to strengthen the education system in Wales.

Owen Evans, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Gareth, John and Ravi to Estyn’s board. They bring an impressive combination of skills and experiences which will enrich our approach and ensure that our work reflects a wide range of viewpoints. Their guidance will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our approach and deliver on our commitment to improving outcomes for learners across Wales.”

Working closely with Estyn’s executive team, the new non-executive directors will help shape the organisation’s long-term strategy, ensuring that Estyn remains responsive, forward-looking, and impactful in its oversight of education and training provision.

to improve the quality of education and training, and outcomes for all learners in Wales.

“I would like to express my thanks to both Charlotte Williams and Emyr Roberts, our outgoing non-executive directors who have completed their term and supported us through an exciting period of development during which we developed and implemented our new  inspection model across most of the sectors we inspect.”

Gareth was a Headteacher at two Carmarthenshire primary schools and has held senior leadership roles within Carmarthenshire Education Authority including Director of Education and Children’s Services. As Chair of the Association of Directors of Education Wales during the Covid-19 pandemic, he guided collaboration across Wales and contributed to key Welsh Government groups. Gareth is an experienced Estyn peer inspector and an advocate for Additional Learning Needs reform and children’s rights.

John Cappock is a Chartered Accountant who brings a wealth of educational leadership experience having spent the bulk of his career working in senior roles in the Higher Education sector. He is an Independent Non-Executive Member and Chair of Audit for the BNSSG NHS Integrated Care Board. He is also Deputy Board Chair and Chair of Audit Committee at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. John also serves as an independent member of the Audit and Risk Committee of the General Optical Council.

Ravi Pawar is an experienced educational leader with over 33 years in secondary education. A former President of ASCL Cymru, he has a deep understanding of school improvement, educational policy, governance, and workforce development within the Welsh education system. He has contributed extensively to national education reform through advisory, inspection, and governance roles. He is currently a Board Member at Qualifications Wales and is the Chair of Parthian Books Ltd. He is an experienced Estyn peer inspector and recently served as a mentor to aspiring leaders through Estyn’s Ethnic Minority Leadership Programme.