Speakers 2026
Rhian Edwards
Executive Director for Policy and Investment, Medr
Rhian Edwards is the Executive Director for Policy and Investment at Medr. She oversees Medr’s learner experience, employability, skills and research, and investment and monitoring directorates. Rhian was directly involved in the establishment of Medr and has worked at Medr since its establishment.
Before joining Medr, Rhian was the Deputy Director for the Further Education and Apprenticeship Division at the Welsh Government. The division was responsible for a range of policy, planning, funding, quality assurance and monitoring functions for further education, work-based learning, adult learning and school sixth forms.
Prior to joining the Welsh Government, Rhian worked in the private and voluntary sectors, with her most recent role as Commercial Director for Cwmpas. Rhian graduated from Cardiff University in 2003 and went on to do an MBA with the University of South Wales.
Darren Howells
Chief Executive Officer, Agored Cymru
Darren joined Agored Cymru in 2019 as Deputy Chief Executive and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2020.
Darren is responsible for setting Agored Cymru’s strategic direction across all nations and promoting the organisation’s mission in enabling individuals achieve the skills and qualifications they need to maximise their potential, enrich their lives and to contribute to their communities and a strong economy
Prior to joining Agored Cymru Darren held senior commercial roles within the Awarding Sector and international FMCG brands. He is also a Governor at Gower College Swansea.
Dr Lowri Morgans
Senior Manager for Further Education and Apprenticeships, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol
Dr Lowri Morgans has worked for institutions in the tertiary sector in Wales over the last decade. Since Lowri joined the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol in 2017, she has led on a number of projects, but more recently Lowri was appointed as Senior Manager to lead and implement the post-16 strategy to increase the bilingual and Welsh-medium provision within the sector which reflects the Coleg’s new responsibilities.
Patrick Craven
Public Affairs, Partnership & Engagement Director, City & Guilds UK
Patrick has over 30 years’ experience across accreditation, assessment design and educational technology. His career spans roles with MESU/NCET, BECTa, Apple, RSA and Cambridge Assessment. At City & Guilds, he leads Strategic Partnerships, Stakeholder Policy and Research, focusing on how policy and technology shape skills and assessment. He serves on multiple national advisory groups and boards, championing evidence based, fit for purpose learning and assessment solutions.
Jo Kiernan
Director, Cavendish Cymru
Jo spent nearly two decades as a journalist and political editor at ITV Wales and BBC. She later served as a Special Adviser to two First Ministers of Wales, Rhodri Morgan and Carwyn Jones. Now a Director with Cavendish Cymru, Jo advises clients on strategic communications, government relations and campaign delivery. She is also a co-host of the political podcast Senedd Sources.
