THE WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICE will hold its next public Board meeting on Thursday, November 27, with members of the public invited to join online.

The bi-monthly meeting, which begins at 9:30am and will be streamed via Microsoft Teams, will include an update from the organisation’s new Chief Executive, Emma Wood, and a discussion on ongoing work to reduce patient harm across Wales.

Board members will also hear from Graduate Management Trainee Rusna Begum, who will speak about her experience working within the Trust.

Colin Dennis, Chair of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said the meetings were essential for maintaining accountability: “Our Board meetings play a vital role in ensuring transparency and openness in everything we do. They offer a valuable opportunity for people to stay informed about the progress we are making and the challenges we face, and they also give the public a direct route to put questions to our decision-makers.”

The meeting link will go live ten minutes before the start time. Questions for the Board can be submitted in advance by emailing [email protected] before Wednesday, November 26.

The agenda will be published on the Trust’s website in the days leading up to the meeting.

PLAID CYMRU has raised concerns over what it describes as a “recruitment crisis” in Welsh secondary schools, after new figures showed the Welsh Government fell significantly short of its Initial Teacher Education (ITE) target for 2024/25.

Only 335 trainee teachers successfully completed their qualification last year, against a target of 1,056, according to data highlighted during a Senedd scrutiny session on Wednesday (Nov 12).

Plaid Cymru’s education spokesperson, Cefin Campbell, challenged Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle on the figures, arguing that the current incentive system for new teachers is “fragmented” and failing to attract enough candidates to key subjects.

He said the Welsh Government currently offers up to £25,000 through three separate incentive schemes – covering priority subjects, Welsh-medium teaching, and support for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) candidates – but noted that no trainee last year qualified for all three combined schemes, suggesting the support system is too complex.

Mr Campbell said that, given persistently low recruitment numbers in subjects such as maths, sciences and Welsh, ministers should consider simplifying the system and increasing financial support for trainee teachers. Plaid Cymru has proposed a single combined incentive of up to £30,000 for priority subjects.

However, the Welsh Government defended its approach, stressing that a range of reforms are already under way. A spokesperson said ministers are working with universities and schools to strengthen teacher training pathways, increase support for Welsh-medium recruitment, and improve public awareness of teaching as a career.

The Welsh Government also pointed to wider UK-wide challenges in teacher recruitment and retention, with shortages affecting subjects such as physics, chemistry and design technology across England and Scotland as well as Wales.

Officials said the new ITE partnership model and additional investment in mentoring and school-based training will help increase numbers in the coming years.

Further updates are expected as the Education Department continues its long-term workforce planning review.

TRIBUTES have been paid to Cllr Darren Price following his decision to stand down as Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council.

Carmarthen MP Ann Davies said the outgoing leader had shown unwavering commitment to the county throughout his eight years in senior roles at County Hall. She said his approach had always been rooted in putting Carmarthenshire first, noting that he had earned respect across the political spectrum for his professionalism and calm leadership.

Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny, said Cllr Price had guided the authority through a period widely regarded as one of the most challenging for local government in recent memory. He described him as a thoughtful and steady leader who had built constructive relationships across Wales.

The Plaid Cymru group on the council has thanked Cllr Price for his service, acknowledging the significant contribution he made during his time at the helm.

The council released a statement saying: “Cllr Darren Price has resigned from his position as Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council for personal reasons.

Cllr Price will continue to sit as a Plaid Cymru councillor. A new Council Leader will be appointed at a Council meeting currently scheduled to be held on the 10 December 2025

Deputy Leader of the County Council, Cllr Linda Evans will exercise the functions of the Leader until the position is filled.”