Learning and Work Institute today announced the appointment of Michelle Matheron as Director for Wales.

Michelle will lead our work in Wales and be an important part of the organisation’s senior leadership team. Michelle is currently Assistant Director, External Affairs at The Open University in Wales and has over twenty years experience of working in policy, public affairs and communications across the HE and voluntary sectors in Wales.

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute, said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Michelle to Learning and Work Institute. She brings great expertise in lifelong learning and will help to shape our work across learning, skills and employment. Michelle joins at a vital time, with Senedd elections next year and with learning and work being golden threads across so many of the big challenges. I look forward to working with Michelle to continue to grow the impact of our work in Wales.”

Michelle Matheron said:

“It is a huge privilege to be joining the team at Learning and Work Institute. I have worked alongside the organisation for a number of years  and am excited to get the chance to lead their work in Wales at a time when lifelong learning, skills and access to employment could not be more important.”

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Learning and Work Institute is proud to have been accredited as a Living Pension Employer

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21 October 2025

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Employment support in Wales is changing, with the UK Labour Government committing to the devolution of all non-Jobcentre Plus employment support programmes. Learning and Work Institute (L&W) analysis indicates an estimated £47 million will be provided through devolution to deliver additional employment support in Wales. This is a key moment for Welsh Government to design and deliver employment support tailored to the needs of communities across the country.

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