About Us
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai was established in 2012 as a result of mergers between Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor. It employs 2,000 staff and delivers courses to around 21,000 students, including over 1,500 higher education students, across Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire and Gwynedd.
The Grŵp aims to support the economy of North Wales by equipping local people with the skills and qualifications needed to ensure the competitiveness and success of the region. The Grŵp's wide range of courses, high quality learning experiences, first-class facilities and talented staff all contribute towards the achievement of these goals.
Additional opportunities to study locally for degrees and professional qualifications enable more young people and mature learners to achieve their potential. A University Centre at the Rhos-on-Sea Campus provides fabulous facilities for the Grŵp's Higher Education students.
Strategic Plan
Our plan builds on the Grŵp’s success to date by incorporating the learning from the challenges of the pandemic, providing a strong focus on environmental issues and truly promoting innovation. We are committed to being the leading Further Education provider in Wales and beyond.
Our mission of 'Improving People's Futures' captures what we are about as a further education organisation. Although delivering successful qualifications is essential to us, we also make a significant impact on social cohesion and economic development. We aim to be at the heart of our communities and to be the skills engine that drives the success of North Wales.
Aled Jones-Griffith, Chief Executive Officer
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.
Dr Sion Peters-Flynn, Principal of Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor
Information to follow.
Paul Flanagan, Principal of Coleg Llandrillo
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Sharon Bowker, Executive Director - Corporate Services
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, Executive Director - Academic 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.
Gwenllian Roberts, Executive Director - Commercial Development
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.