We warmly welcome today’s announcement by Dawn Bowden MS, the Minister for Children and Social Care, appointing Katija Dew (Teej) as our new Chair.
Katija Dew will take up the role in July, replacing Mick Giannasi who’s retiring after seven years at the helm.
Katija Dew said: “I’m delighted to become the next Chair of Social Care Wales. Since joining the Board last April, I’ve been consistently impressed by the organisation’s commitment to supporting the social care, early years and childcare sector in Wales.
“My ambition is to ensure the organisation continues to be well governed and delivers clear, positive impact for people who use these services, carers and those working in the sector across Wales.
“Mick has set an exceptional standard in governance, and I’m determined to build on the strong legacy he leaves behind.”
Mick Giannasi said: “It will give me great pleasure to hand over the role of Chair of Social Care Wales to Teej in July.
“During her time as a Board member, and as the Chair of our Audit and Risk Committee, she has consistently impressed us all with her diligence, her rigorous approach to governance and the valuable insight she brings from her wide-ranging experience.
“I’m confident Teej will be an outstanding Chair and I know that she will have the full support of the Board as she leads Social Care Wales into its next chapter. I warmly congratulate her on her appointment.”
Sarah McCarty, our Chief Executive, said: “The Chair of Social Care Wales is an important role for our organisation, and we welcome the Minister’s announcement appointing Teej as our next Chair.
“Teej has already worked closely with us as a Board member, and we look forward to strengthening that relationship as she steps into this new position.
“I’d also like to recognise the outstanding contribution made by our current Chair, Mick Giannasi, over the past seven years.
“Mick has been a dedicated and supportive leader, championing a diverse Board and encouraging a wide range of perspectives that have helped shape and advance our work across the social care, early years and childcare sector.
“Please join me in welcoming Teej to her new role. I very much look forward to continuing our work together as we pursue our ambitions and strive to make a meaningful impact for the social care, early years and childcare sector in Wales.”
About Katija Dew
Katija is a highly experienced third and public sector leader with a rich portfolio of board roles, notably in health, care, financial inclusion and social justice. Previously an Independent Member of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, her particular interests lie in the wider determinants of health and the connectedness of the health and care sectors.
As a senior leader at British Red Cross and a trustee of prominent charities, she advocates for the third sector to be an intrinsic part of delivering public sector services. In her non-work life Katija is an unpaid carer. Being a part of the running and cycling community in South Wales is also important to her, particularly through parkrun, where she is an Event Director and encourages everyone to enjoy time outdoors, connecting with others and in nature.