Welsh Government appoints new environmental protection assessor

A long-serving environmental and rural lawyer has been appointed as the interim environmental protection assessor for Wales.

Dr Nerys Llewelyn Jones will start in the new role on March 1

The temporary position was created following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.

The appointment will be for two years during which time the Welsh Government will develop a permanent environmental governance oversight body, allowing for a period of transition from the interim to the new arrangements.

Dr Llewelyn Jones will consider issues raised by the public on the functioning of environmental law in Wales, and provide the Minister with advice and recommendations. Her role will complement the roles of Wales’ existing regulatory bodies.

Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, announced Dr Llewelyn Jones’ appointment today (Wednesday, February 24).

Dr Llewelyn Jones serves as a managing partner of her own rural law practice, Agri Advisor. She is also a Landowner Panel Member of the Agricultural Land Tribunal for Wales and Vice Chair of the Agricultural Law Association, with extensive experience across Wales’ agricultural and environmental sectors.

She also farms sheep at her home in Carmarthenshire, where she lives with her husband and two young sons.

Dr Llewelyn Jones said: “I am delighted to be appointed to this role and look forward to considering issues in relation to the functioning of environmental law in Wales.”

The Minister said: “I am pleased Dr Llewelyn Jones will be joining us at a time where her expertise and experience will contribute to our understanding as we develop the permanent oversight body for Wales.

“I wish her well in this role.”