Our Trustees
Groundwork Wales Board of Trustees come from across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Selected for their wealth of skills and commitment to sustainable development, they support us to run as a business and a charity.
Chair: Prof. John Hunt PhD FRGS
John is a Pan-Wales leader in environmental, heritage, and social justice sectors. He is Deputy Chair and safeguarding lead of Size of Wales, Welsh Affairs Officer for Disability Labour(UK), and holds ministerial appointments as trustee of the National Museum of Wales ( EDI Champion), and on the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority. He’s recognised for driving inclusion, tackling climate change, and strengthening community engagement. As Co-Chair of Torfaen Access Forum and Disability Officer for Torfaen CLP, he has advanced inclusive access across Torfaen National Parks and NHS Wales.
A geologist and climate scientist, John was a caver, fell runner, and expedition leader until a stroke at 42 brought life-changing disabilities. He now runs Wales’ highest live weather station with Blaenavon Green Team and serves as a community councillor. Known as “the punk professor,” he’s also a poet and folk-musician, linking culture, science, and community action with over 20 years of science-outreach experience having authored multiple internationally published climate science research papers and governmental policy briefings on climate change. Amongst John’s many passions in life is encouraging enthusiasms in others.
Phil Fiander
Phil previously held a senior post at the Welsh Council for Voluntary Organisations where he had worked since 1998, and has a background in the training field.
Phil is extremely experienced across sectors, equally comfortable with small voluntary organisations and Welsh Government Ministers, and has a strong record in innovation and development of new programmes of work. Phil is very experienced in third sector Governance, Leadership and Management.
Phil lives in the South Wales Valleys, and is an allotment holder, also enjoying live music.
Cllr Shane Williams (nominated member, Caerphilly Borough Council)
Shane Williams is a councillor with Caerphilly County Borough Council, and is its nominated representative on the Board of Groundwork Wales.
He studied for his degree in Birmingham, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Government, and went on to work in the House of Commons.
As a councillor he sits on both the Environment and Sustainability Scrutiny committee and the Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny committee.
In his spare time, Shane enjoys most sports, is a keen cyclist and regularly plays badminton.
Steffan Edwards
Steffan Edwards joined WJEC in 2022 as Executive Director: Commercial Development and is responsible for delivering WJEC’s commercial strategy across Wales, England and Northern Ireland. Since graduating from the University of Wales Swansea with a law degree, Steffan has held various Director roles within high growth vocational training companies. Steffan will be using this experience to create a portfolio of qualifications to meet the widening needs of WJEC learners and centres. Originally from the Swansea Valley, Steffan is a fluent Welsh speaker.
Samantha Hawkins
Samantha Hawkins is an experienced Chief Finance Officer with extensive experience across both Government and the rail industry. Samantha currently is the Chief Finance Officer at the Welsh Government owned Global Centre of Rail Excellence (a ~£350m economic development project located in Neath Port Talbot & Powys), having previously held the Chief Finance Officer role at Transport for Wales Rail Services and Arriva Trains Wales, both £400m annual revenue public service businesses.
As a trustee, Samantha is committed to supporting the strategic vision and long-term sustainability of Groundwork Wales. With a passion for shaping strategies that support long-term social and environmental impact, she brings 15 years of leadership and financial and corporate governance experience to the board.
Outside of work, Samantha loves running and is a committed gym-goer and values quality time spent with her family – ideally outdoors!
Michele Hunt
Michele is a passionate environmentalist whose love for the outdoors and nature as a child has led to a lifelong career in the environmental voluntary sector in Wales.
Originally from Dartmoor in Devon, Michele moved to Wales in 1993 to undertake a BA (Hons) in Environment and Social Values at the then University of Glamorgan. Upon graduating Michele undertook a placement through Groundwork focusing on energy saving and ISO14001 status with a company in Bridgend, providing a springboard to further develop her skills and confidence in the green sector.
Whilst working in a training role within the hospitality industry, Michele continued to diversify her knowledge through a range of volunteering roles including Friends of the Earth Cymru and British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, before becoming Assembly Information Officer for Wales Wildlife and Countryside Link (now Wales Environment Link).
Now with over 20 years’ experience of fundraising, advocacy and leadership, Michele is currently Head of Funding Development for RSPB Cymru.
A busy mum of two, Michele lives in the Vale of Glamorgan and enjoys connecting with nature, running, tennis and watching crime drama if she gets a spare moment.