New Prior for Wales appointment confirmed
His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, in his capacity as Grand Prior of the Order of St. John, has appointed Sir Paul Williams OBE, KStJ, DL as Prior for Wales with effect from St. John’s Day, 24 June, 2017.
This appointment follows the end of the triennium appointment of the current Prior for Wales of Mr Dan Clayton Jones, OBE, KStJ, DL,TD who has held the office of Prior for the last six years.
Commenting on the announcement Sir Paul said “It is a great honour and privilege to be confirmed as the next Prior for Wales. I am acutely aware of the substantial responsibilities which are attached to the role across Wales and indeed internationally.
Within Wales we are the leading first aid charity, teaching lifesaving and lifelong skills to our badgers and cadets, our adult volunteers providing care at events and support in the community from their Divisions. Every day we transport hundreds of people to and from hospital. We train people in the workplace how to respond should anyone suddenly fall ill, or suffer accidental injury. All this and more requires meticulous organisation and would not be possible without the unselfish dedication of our volunteers and the professionalism of our staff.
It is with great humility that I accept the position as Prior and following my Investiture in June, to serve St. John Cymru Wales and look forward to meeting as many of our volunteers and supporters throughout Wales in the coming months. I will do my upmost to fulfil the obligations of the role and to work tirelessly to make the Charity even stronger as we enter our centenary year and celebrations in 2018”.
Sir Paul Williams, OBE, KStJ, DL
Sir Paul is a non-executive Director of Natural Resources Wales and Chair of the People and Remuneration Committee, and an Associate of Harvey Nash, an international recruitment consultancy. He is a member of the Bevan Commission and Chair of the Public Transport Users Advisory Panel. He is a Trustee and Board Member of the Royal Voluntary Service and Chair of the Investment Committee. He is also a Trustee and Chair of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and Trustee for the Masonic Charitable Foundation. In 2017 he was appointed Prior of the Priory for Wales of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, which is Wales’ leading first aid charity.
Sir Paul's distinguished career in the National Health Service spanned forty five years. He was the Chief Executive Officer of three NHS Trusts and President of the Institute of Healthcare Management. His final job was Director General for Health and Social Services, Welsh Assembly Government and CEO, NHS Wales. He is a Companion of the Chartered Institute of Management, a Companion of the Institute of Health Care Management and a Visiting Professor at the University of South Wales. Sir Paul holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies, an Honorary Doctorate from the University of South Wales and an Honorary Fellowship from Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Sir Paul was High Sheriff of South Glamorgan in 2007/8 and appointed a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan in 2010. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2000 for services to the NHS in Wales. He was appointed a Knight Bachelor in the Queen's 2011 Birthday Honours and a Knight of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Jerusalem of St. John in 2016.
