Leadership shouldn't be a part-time commitment

DYLAN JONES EVANS

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Leadership is not just about professional competence, but about knowing the communities you serve and the unique challenges they face

(DYLAN JONES EVANS)

RECENT Senedd committee report on the proposed appointment of the new chair of Natural Resources Wales reignited a debate that has been quietly brewing for years, namely should those chosen to lead the nation’s most important institutions not only live here, but also have a deep understanding of our country’s people, culture and governance?

In that case, the candidate was praised for their impressive track record and leadership credentials and yet concerns were raised about his lack of experience of working in Wales and their knowledge of the social and political context in which he would operate.

It’s a timely reminder that leadership here is not just about professional competence, but about knowing the communities you serve and the unique environment in which you are expected to deliver results.

‘As many have argued with me over the years, leadership in Wales should not be a part-time commitment and our institutions need people who are not only professionally capable but personally invested in the nation’s future.

Which raises a blunt question: if you are leading a major Welsh institution, is it really enough to just cross the border for meetings and then head home or does the role demand a far greater level of commitment?

Some will suggest that insisting on residency risks being parochial and the priority should be to choose the best person for the job regardless of where they live. But that argument ignores an important reality, namely that Wales has no shortage of world-class leaders of its own.