About Us

Aled Jones-Griffith has worked in the further education sector for more than fifteen years: he was an Assistant Principal at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor before being appointed as Principal for Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor in 2018 and then Chief Executive Officer in 2024.

Previous to his career in further education, Aled held a number of managerial posts in a variety of sectors, including the role of Chief Executive of the Nant Gwrtheyrn National Language Centre for four years. He also served as a member of the BBC Audience Council for Wales over two terms. During this period he was privileged to deliver a lecture to the Smithsonian Society in Washington DC on the History of the Welsh Language.

Aled graduated from Bangor University with an honours degree in Environmental Studies, and has since been awarded Post Graduate Certificates in Countryside Management and Community Development.

An avid sports enthusiast, Aled has held various roles in his local football club over the years and he takes great pleasure in seeing young people achieving their potential and goals in all aspects of their lives. He makes it his priority to ensure that they have every possible opportunity and support to achieve success.

Siôn initially graduated from Bangor University in 2001 with a first-class honours degree in electronic engineering before progressing to complete his PhD in the chaotic dynamics of semiconductor lasers.

Having briefly worked as a physics teacher on Ynys Môn, Siôn went on to lead a number of STEM departments at a sixth form college in North Lincolnshire before becoming executive director of quality and innovation with an FE college group based in North East Lincolnshire.

Siôn returned to Wales in 2016, joining Estyn as an HMI working across the post-16 sectors of further education, adult learning in the community, work-based learning, and learning in the justice sector. During his time with Estyn Siôn had responsibility as one of the sector leads for post-16 education and training, led Estyn’s thematic review of post-16 partnerships across Wales, and held various other lead roles including jointly leading Estyn’s annual report. In 2021-2022 Siôn worked directly for the Welsh Government as part of a 12-month secondment to manage and coordinate the recovery of post-16 education and training across Wales in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Siôn became Principal of Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor in August 2024.

Paul Flanagan, a leader with extensive experience and a strong commitment to excellence in education, takes on the role of Principal of Coleg Llandrillo. Since his appointment in August 2024, Paul has been a driving force behind numerous strategic initiatives within Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, particularly in enhancing learner outcomes, promoting a culture of inclusivity, and fostering innovation across the college’s curriculum and services.

With a rich background in further education and higher education in a further education setting, Paul has successfully led various curriculum departments and held senior leadership positions. In these positions, he consistently focused on improving teaching and learning outcomes. His leadership has been pivotal in introducing evidence-based teaching innovations and developing robust partnerships with local employers, universities, and community organisations.

A champion of professional development and a strong advocate for the Welsh language and culture, Paul is dedicated to creating a dynamic, student-centred learning environment that prioritises academic excellence and personal growth.

Paul graduated in education from the University of South Wales and has been awarded two Post-Graduate Diplomas in Education. Paul has had successful leadership careers in social care and business before working in further education. He is deeply committed to fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture among staff and students alike, ensuring that Coleg Llandrillo continues to thrive and meet the evolving needs of its learners and the wider community.

Sharon Bowker studied languages and sciences before qualifying as a chartered management accountant (CIMA) and has worked for large manufacturing companies such as BASF and Tetra Pak, before moving into the education sector in 2005.

Sharon has held several senior roles in both FE and the Academy sectors in England, with responsibility for support services areas including estates, catering, marketing, HR, finance, IT, admin and funding, and has experience of college mergers and managing multi-site capital developments.

Sharon joined the Grŵp in 2022 as Executive Director for Corporate Services.

James Nelson is an ex-student from Coleg Llandrillo, where he studied a National Diploma in Business Studies, after which he progressed to Manchester Polytechnic and graduated with a degree in Business & Finance.

Following graduation, James was successfully appointed as a Lecturer in IT, where he achieved MCSE, CCNA accreditation and developed innovative Microsoft and Cisco Academy programmes in Higher Education.

James then became the Quality Manager at Coleg Llandrillo, followed by promotion to the Director of Quality and Curriculum, where he led on the implementation of Grŵp quality, planning and staff development processes in the merger with Coleg Meirion Dwyfor.

James is a QAA Higher Education Review (HER) Peer Reviewer and led Grŵp Llandrillo Menai through its HER review in 2016, which resulted in a commended judgement for enhancement and 6 examples of good practice.

In 2017, James was appointed Executive Director Academic Services with Grŵp responsibility for Skills, Quality & Performance, Curriculum Planning, Learning Support, Marketing, Learner Services and Libraries.

In 2017, James led the institution as Nominee through the successful FE Inspection, which resulted in 8 Excellent judgements 7 Good judgements, and two case studies of "sector leading practice." James is an Estyn Peer Inspector and has undertaken a number of Inspections of FE Colleges and Work Based Learning Training providers.

Having graduated in Geography then gaining an MSc in environmental impact assessment at the University of Wales Aberystwyth Gwenllian began her career in the UK oil and gas industry, a change of career focus eventually led her back to North Wales.

She has held leadership roles in the sphere of economic and regional development and operated at the interface between industry and government in sectors including energy, steel, water and environment. Before joining GLLM Gwenllian was the Director of Wales and Government Engagement for Ofwat and prior to this was Chief Regional Officer for the Welsh Government in north Wales. Gwenllian has been a champion of partnership and collaborative working at both regional and national levels throughout her career.

In her role as Executive Director - Commercial Development Gwenllian’s focus is on leveraging Busnes@LlandrilloMenai's expertise and reputation to address the opportunities and challenges faced by the north Wales economy. She is committed to fostering innovation and supporting businesses in key sectors to thrive and succeed, while also championing the organisation's mission to empower individuals and businesses to realise their full potential.

As Executive Director, she is dedicated to building upon the foundation of success established by Busnes@LlandrilloMenai and driving forward its mission to support economic growth and prosperity in North Wales.