‘Y Gymru a Fydd? Culture, Social Justice and the Wales that will Be’

Baroness Kay Andrews

Deputy Speaker for the House of Lords and Aberystwyth University alumna and Honorary Fellow, Baroness Kay Andrews will deliver a public lecture at Aberystwyth University’s Old College on Friday 6th March at 6.15pm.

The title of Baroness Andrews’ lecture will be ‘Y Gymru a Fydd? Culture, Social Justice and the Wales that will Be’.

In 2013, shortly after stepping down as Chair of English Heritage, Baroness Andrews was invited by the Welsh Government to consider ways of bringing together culture and heritage in Wales so that they could play a larger role in reducing poverty and promoting social justice.

The work culminated with the publication of ‘Culture and Poverty - Harnessing the power of the arts, culture and heritage to promote social justice in Wales’ in November 2014 – see http://gov.wales/topics/cultureandsport/tackling-poverty-through-culture/?lang=en

In her lecture, Baroness Andrews will reflect on the values that she drew on in writing the report and what she hopes it will achieve.

Elizabeth (Kay) Andrews OBE, Baroness Andrews of Southover, was Chair of English Heritage between 2009 and 2013.

Prior to this she was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government (2005-2009), and Government Whip on Education and Health (2003-2005).   

Before being raised to the Peerage in 2000, Baroness Andrews was a Fellow of the Science Policy Research Unit at Sussex University (1968 to 1970), Parliamentary Clerk in the House of Commons from 1970 to 1985, and Policy Adviser to Neil Kinnock as Leader of the Opposition from 1985 to 1992.

From 1992 until 2002, Baroness Andrews was the Founder and Director of Education Extra, the national charity for out of school learning and activities. She received the OBE in 1998 for her work in education and was presented as Fellow of Aberystwyth University in July 2014.

She has written books and articles on the history and organisation of science and technology policy, on poverty and social policy, and on education.

Professor April McMahon, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University said: “Baroness Andrews is an immensely distinguished alumna and a great friend of Aberystwyth University. It is a particular pleasure to be welcoming her back to Aber and I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to hear such an excellent speaker, in a venue that fits so beautifully with the themes of her influential report.”

Louise Jagger, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Aberystwyth University said:  “Aberystwyth University is honoured to welcome Baroness Andrews to deliver this key note lecture at the Old College as the site of the first publically funded University in Wales and as part of the ‘New Life for Old College’ project. 

“It is a matter of considerable pride amongst our family of students, staff,  supporters and our wider local community that Old College has become such an iconic symbol of scholarship, heritage and  culture in Wales and has made such a significant contribution to social inclusion and social mobility from the outset with crucial support from the local community, miners and their families putting pennies in church and chapel collection plates because they wanted there to be a University in Wales and for Wales.

“As well as being one of the first institutions to admit female students, we have continued to lead initiatives to widen access and participation in higher education in Wales.”

A complimentary drinks reception will be held from 5.30pm with the lecture commencing at 6.15pm in the Old Hall, Old College, Aberystwyth. 

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