Heledd Fychan

Region: South Wales Central

Portfolio: Education, Welsh language and Culture; Business Manager

Heledd was raised in Anglesey, where she attended Ysgol Gynradd y Talwrn and Ysgol David Hughes. She studied History and Politics at Trinity College, Dublin, and was elected as Education Sabbatical Officer at the Trinity College Students’ Union, and then as Education Sabbatical Officer for the Union of Students in Ireland. She holds a Master’s degree in Medieval History from Bangor University. Heledd lives in Pontypridd with her husband, their son and Nel the Beagle.

Prior to being elected, Heledd worked for 12 years at Amgueddfa Cymru, serving as Head of Policy and Public Affairs, and leading on governance, strategy, internal communications, international relations and stakeholder engagement. She served on the board of the Museums Association, and chaired both its Ethics Committee and its Nations Committee.

In 2017, Heledd was elected to represent the Pontypridd Town ward on Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, as well as Pontypridd Town Council. She remains a member of Pontypridd Town Council, having been re-elected in 2022. She is also a school Governor at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Evan James.

Heledd's main interests are culture, history and heritage; ensuring action on the climate emergency, especially for communities at risk of flooding; eradicating child poverty and securing an education system that works for every young person in Wales; and ensuring that everyone has the right to learn and use the Welsh language. Heledd is also passionate about women’s health, and is campaigning for the Welsh Government to introduce legislation to ensure easy access to free menstrual products to eradicate period poverty and ensure period dignity.