Isle of Anglesey County Council has confirmed the appointment of Arwel Wyn Owen as its new Head of Adult Services.

Arwel will take up his new role with the authority in September, and is committed to promoting the voice of service users and simplifying services.

Born in Llanfachraeth but now living in Bangor, Arwel was educated at Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern and the University College of North Wales, Bangor.

After graduating he embarked on his career as research officer with Gwynedd Council before moving to Gwynedd Countryside Council. Following the local government reorganisation in 1996, he returned to Gwynedd Council as Policy Officer within the Social Services Department.

He is a familiar face at Anglesey Council where he spent seven years working as a Senior Development Officer within the Social Services Department, before moving to the Housing Department at Gwynedd Council.

Over the past two years, he has worked as Assistant Head within Adult Services responsible for the Internal Provision Unit.

Following his appointment, Arwel Wyn Owen said, “The coronavirus pandemic has confirmed the crucial contribution of care services in terms of supporting people through challenging periods.”

“Over the coming years, we will have to take advantage of the opportunity to restore, transform and modernise our response to people’s needs by remembering to firmly emphasise what’s important to service users. I look forward to working with other departments and external partners to produce progressive results together and to maximize the use of community resources.”

Anglesey Council Leader and Social Services portfolio holder, Councillor Llinos Medi, added, “I welcome Arwel’s appointment to this extremely important role and I look forward to working together. With an ageing population on the island, there are a number of challenges ahead – we must ensure that older adults can continue to live independently within their communities, stay active and safeguard their wellbeing.”

Ends 23.6.21