The Regional Learning and Skills Partnership (RLSP) for South West Wales has welcomed Samantha Toombs as its’ new chair. Samantha is a BT Business leader who oversees devolved, local government and higher education for the company across England and Wales. She is a transformational leader in tech with over 20 years’ leadership experience working for world leading digital transformation brands.
Covering Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea, the RLSP works to bridge the gap between education, skills and regeneration to help create a strong and vibrant economy. It aims to ensure that the skills provision is aligned with the economic priorities and opportunities of the region as well as tackling the new skills landscape that is happening within the energy, construction, manufacturing and digital sectors.
Samantha succeeds Edward Morgan, who has been the chair of the RLSP since 2021. Samantha was the first woman to chair the BT board in Wales and has served as an independent board member and advisor to the Minister for Economy in Wales. She is a champion of diversity and inclusion, and has supported various initiatives to empower women, minorities and the young in the tech sector.
Samantha Toombs said: “I am proud to call Aberavon in Port Talbot my home and I am delighted to be appointed as the new chair of the RLSP. I am passionate about the potential of South West Wales and I look forward to working with the RLSP ecosystem to unlock skills and talent within the region towards the drive for economic growth, recovery and creation of career opportunities for people. I would encourage all businesses to collaborate with the RLSP so that we can accelerate opportunities to develop the key skills that the region needs now and in the future.”
Edward, the outgoing chair, said: “It has been an honour to lead the RLSP for the past two years, and I am proud of what we have achieved together. I am confident that Sam will be a great chair, and will bring a new energy to the role. I wish her and the RLSP all the best for the future.