New President of the National Library of Wales appointed

Huw Lewis, Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, has announced the appointment of Sir Deian Hopkin as the President of the National Library of Wales.

His term of appointment will commence on 1 December 2011 and will last for four years. 

Huw Lewis, Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage said: "I am pleased to appoint Sir Deian Hopkin as President of the National Library of Wales. Sir Deian brings a wealth of experience to the post, ranging from membership of the Court and Council of the National Library to leading a major educational institution.  I'm sure that his skills and experience will prove invaluable in the development of the important work of one of our national institutions."

Sir Deian Hopkin said: “It is a considerable honour as President to be able to contribute to the work of the National Library, one of our most important institutions, and to join my fellow Trustees and staff to ensure the continued success of this great institution.   As a long-term user and having served on its Council, I’m very much aware of the vital role the Library plays in the cultural and intellectual life of Wales. I am particularly enthusiastic, moreover, about its future prospects in the evolving digital world as it has so much to offer the people of Wales and the rest of the world. I look forward very much to help to lead the Library in the years ahead.“
 
Andrew Green, the Librarian of the National Library of Wales, said: “The staff of the National Library are delighted with the appointment of Sir Deian Hopkin as our new President. We look forward to working closely with him in his new role in taking the Library forward and promoting its services, for the benefit of Wales and its people.”

Sir Deian Hopkin’s appointment follows Lord Wigley of Caernarfon’s decision not to seek reappointment for a second term.

For more information, please contact Non Jones on 029 2089 8490 or Kate James on 029 20 89 8169

Biography
Sir Deian Hopkin: 
Deian Hopkin was Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of London South Bank University until his retirement in 2009 after 42 years in higher education. Born in Llanelli, and educated at Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant and Llandovery College, he graduated in History in Aberystwyth University where he taught for 24 years culminating as Head of the History Department; he was also a long-time member of the Open University in Wales.  A historian of the Welsh labour movement, he has specialised in the use of digital technologies in the humanities. He was a member of the National Library of Wales Council and the BBC General Advisory Council and has been a regular broadcaster and columnist.  Having been active in national education policy for many years, including the Learning and Skills Council, he currently serves on a number of bodies including the Council of Essex University, the Council of City and Guilds, the Council for Assisting Refugee Academics and the advisory board of Times Higher Education and is a patron or trustee of a number of charities including the Institute of Historical Research.  He holds no other Ministerial public appointments.

Notes:
Under the 2006 Royal Charter of The National Library of Wales, Welsh Ministers have the power to appoint the President to the Board of Trustees of the National Library of Wales. The Board has 15 Trustees comprised of 8 Trustees appointed by the Welsh Government and 7 by the Library.  

The position of President demands a time commitment of approximately 90 days per year on Library business.  Seven Board meetings are held annually at venues around Wales chaired by the President, and the President will attend other events and meetings on behalf of the Library. All reasonable expenses incurred on Library business are reimbursed.  The position is not currently remunerated.

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for the political activity of appointees (if any declared) to be published. Sir Deian Hopkin declared no political activity.

The National Library of Wales was established in 1907 by Royal Charter. Its key purpose is to collect, preserve and give access to all kinds and forms of recorded knowledge, especially relating to Wales and the Welsh and other Celtic peoples, for the benefit of the public including those engaged in research and learning. It derives its core grant in aid funding from the Welsh Government as a Welsh Government Sponsored Body. The National Library of Wales is a registered charity and subject to Charity Law. The Library employs around 300 staff and expends annually a budget of around £11 million.

These appointments have been made in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.