Bryn Davies is the principal of The College, Ystrad Mynach


Finalist: Public Sector

Bryn Davies is the principal at The College, Ystrad Mynach, which offers a complex range of qualifications to meet the varied needs of the population. Bryn has made significant differences to the people of Caerphilly County and Rhymney Valley by opening a large number of community centres in local areas, a college at Rhymney and outreach college centres at Blackwood, Bargoed, Abertridwr and Caerphilly. These projects have enabled the College to increase staff and offer wider employment, as well as enabling communities, often previously overlooked, to participate in education. The College specialises in offering opportunities to the long term unemployed and pupils excluded from school enabling them to create a future for themselves. This has all been undertaken simultaneously to budget restraints and therefore communities have been served while the College has maintained a surplus.

Bryn’s strong leadership has ensured that staff shares the same vision. He has motivated them to change their direction and achieve the values and mission of the College, as well as networking with other organisations to gain their support for education in Caerphilly. He has improved the College’s profile amongst its communities, its County and throughout Wales by promoting every aspect of the College at every possible opportunity. Bryn has liaised with politicians to enhance learning opportunities. By ensuring all possible care, finance and encouragement is given to learners, he has put student and staff needs at the heart of the College and its communities.

Bryn always prioritises the needs of others within his role and his determination to succeed with all the College’s ventures is persistent and carried out with enormous patience. He is an exceptional contributor to the public sector.

Tell us something your colleagues don’t know about you?
I have written and produced three musicals

Who inspires you?
Students, staff and the chair of governors

What is your top leadership tip?
Find the opportunities for people to achieve success and have trust in what they do