Name: Dr David Clubb
Role: Chair of National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW)
Languages: Welsh and English

For more information or to arrange an interview with David, please contact the NICW team at Equinox on: nicw@equinoxcommunications.co.uk or 02920 764100.

Areas of expertise for interview or discussion

• The role of NICW, its mission and how it acts as an advisory body to Welsh Government.
• How to build Wales’ resilience against the effects of climate change, through infrastructure adaptations/mitigation.
• Renewable energy, including issues of community and local ownership
• Welsh infrastructure — with an emphasis on community and nature-based solutions which align and uphold the values of The Future Generations Act.
• Sustainable development principles, strategy and actions; how Wales has implemented the Sustainable Development Goals via the Future Generations Act
• STEM advocacy — addressing the skills gap; promoting gender equality; investing in local communities and resource to build a future-ready workforce.
• Open digital solutions and open source software — including ethical alternatives to mainstream social media platforms, e.g., Mastodon
• Governance and its role in improving the institutions of Wales
• Welsh language policy — how to play an active role in the uptake of the Welsh language.
• Key reports/publications:
  • ‘Building Resilience to Flooding in Wales 2050’;
  • ‘Preparing Wales for Renewable Energy 2050’
  • Why Wales should embrace Free and Open Source Software

Quote from Dr David Clubb, NICW Chair, about its latest report ‘Building Resilience to Flooding in Wales 2050’:

“We know that the public sector cannot protect every property. This knowledge should liberate us from the expectation that the state will ‘do it all’. Instead, we should expect public bodies to enable more action from us as citizens, households, communities and business owners.

“I believe that the Future Generations Act is a framework that can accelerate exactly this type of collaboration, improving outcomes and saving public expenditure in the long term.

“Wales’ challenges will only be solved by radical measures, implemented pragmatically, efficiently, and with sensitivity and understanding for those who will be hit hardest by climate change impacts.”

Further information:

Dr David Clubb is Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NCIW) — an independent, non-statutory, advisory body to Welsh Ministers. 

Established in 2018, NICW conducts studies into Wales’ most pressing infrastructure challenges and makes strategic recommendations to the Welsh Government — for the benefit of future generations. As Chair, David is responsible for the governance and overall performance of the Commission, shaping policy to meet future challenges, including climate change and sustainability. 

As part of his mission to improve the visibility and level of debate on governance in Wales, he has created Boards Wales as a free public resource for people interested in board issues.

Having qualified as a Chartered Physicist, David has two decades of experience working in the energy and environment sectors. This includes participating in the Global Infrastructure Hub; the Zero Carbon Wales 2035 Challenge Group; and the Investment Delivery Forum — to name but a few. David was previously Head of Digital at Renewable UK, and Director at Renewable UK Cymru.

His experience has led him to his current role as founding Partner of Afallen — an SME aimed at supporting the Welsh economy by assisting organisations in implementing a Future Generations approach.

As part of this, David is committed towards leading discussion and action around STEM skills in Wales and sat on the Welsh Government Equity in STEM Board for seven years — specifically delivering for those who are under-represented within education or the workforce. He leads classes on issues of data privacy and the benefits of open source software in his local primary school.

Name: Dr Jenifer Baxter
Role: Deputy Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW)

Areas of expertise for interview or discussion

• The role of NICW and how it challenges Welsh Government to deliver recommendations that will not only enhance Welsh infrastructure but will deliver a better future for Wales.  
• Wales as an advanced skills destination for business and investment nationally and globally.
• Business growth and innovation for Welsh organisations covering automotive, aerospace, net zero, digital and meditech industries.
• Energy system development and infrastructure — with specific expertise in co-generation and hydrogen production and use.
• The deployment of renewable electricity across Wales and recommendations to Welsh Government on how to accelerate this.
• The delivery of infrastructure to support Wales’ net zero goals and future generations.
• Key reports: ‘Preparing Wales for Renewable Energy 2050’

Contact:

For more information or to arrange an interview with Jenifer, please contact the NICW team at Equinox on: nicw@equinoxcommunications.co.uk or 02920 764100.

Quote from NICW Deputy Chair, Dr Jenifer Baxter, about NICW’s report on ‘Preparing Wales for a Renewable Energy 2050’:

“The nature and climate emergencies have become increasingly apparent, with unusual weather patterns, changes in food availability, polluted water courses and increased air pollution, all reducing the well-being of today’s generations with little to no consideration of those who will come after us. 

“NICW takes a long view of delivering new infrastructure for the benefit of the people of Wales. 

This view of 30-80 years into the future means that the recommendations and actions we make today are intended to build a solid foundation for a clean, nature positive future where we can live healthy and prosperous lives. 

“In this report we make recommendations that are designed to accelerate the deployment of renewable electricity across Wales. These recommendations may be appear complex and some tricky to deliver, however we are now facing time in our history where if we do not make a concerted effort to change how we deliver new infrastructure then our ambitions for net zero and the well-being of future generations will be in jeopardy.”

Further information:

Dr Jenifer Baxter is the Deputy Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW) — an independent, non-statutory, advisory body to Welsh Ministers. 

Established in 2018, NICW conducts studies into Wales’ most pressing infrastructure challenges and makes strategic recommendations to the Welsh Government — for the benefit of future generations. As Deputy Chair, Jenifer shares responsibility for the governance and overall performance of the Commission, shaping policy to meet future challenges, including climate change and sustainability.  

Alongside this, Jenifer is also CEO of Industry Wales — a public body which supports Welsh industry and acts as an umbrella organisation for key sector forums in Wales; representing automotive, aerospace, new technology, net zero and med-tech.

Here, Jenifer uses her expertise in energy system development and infrastructure — including co-generation and hydrogen production and use, industrial capabilities and clusters and the successful diffusion and commercialisation of new and emerging technologies and infrastructure — to champion Wales as an advanced skills destination for business and investment nationally and globally.

Name: Steve Brooks

Role: Commissioner – National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW)

Areas of expertise for interview or discussion

• The radical work of NICW and how it’s shaping policy to address climate change and economic growth in Wales.
• Transport, housing and urban planning — and how public bodies and infrastructure providers can better manage existing assets against future climate risks.
• Policy, government relations and strategy consulting for organisations looking to achieve social and environmental change.
• How organisations can incorporate sustainability into their business practices.
• The economic, social and environmental impact of flooding and climate change on Wales’ communities — and how Welsh Government should engage them moving forward.
• The importance of Wales contributing to global responsibility by aligning its infrastructure, policies, and practices with international climate goals.
• Upcoming reports: Climate Communications — expected Autumn 2025.

Contact:

For more information or to arrange an interview with Steve, please contact the NICW team at Equinox on: nicw@equinoxcommunications.co.uk or 02920 764100.

Quote from NICW Commissioner, Steve Brooks, about NICW’s upcoming report on ‘Climate Communications’:

“In winter, rainfall is expected to increase by approximately 6% by 2050 from a 1981-2000 baseline. Conversely, summer rainfall is expected to decrease by approximately 15% by 2050 and by between 18% to 26% by 2080.

“Wales’ coastal communities are at risk and it’s clear that existing defences will not sufficiently manage increasing sea levels, the impact of coastal erosion, and climate change.

“Our report hopes to deliver strategic recommendations to Welsh Government on how we can improve our infrastructure whilst engaging with communities to listen to voices that we don’t normally hear.”

Further information:

Steve Brooks is a Commissioner of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW) — an independent, non-statutory, advisory body to Welsh Ministers. 

Established in 2018, NICW conducts studies into Wales’ most pressing infrastructure challenges and makes strategic recommendations to the Welsh Government — for the benefit of future generations. 

Steve is currently delivering NICW’s next report ‘Climate Communications’ — due in Autumn 2025 which will outline recommendations to Welsh Government on how public bodies and infrastructure providers can better manage existing assets against future climate risks. As part of this research, NICW will be engaging with communities to explore the question of how we can adapt and thrive in a changing climate in 2050 — while working to understand what climate projections current infrastructure providers are using to inform their plans. 

Steve is an independent consultant, coach and facilitator, working with public and third sector organisations on policy, communications, strategy and organisational change. Before founding Steve Brooks Consulting in 2021, Steve held senior leadership roles in organisations including Oxfam, the Sustainable Development Commission and the transport charity Sustrans. He is currently a non-executive director of Trivallis Housing Association and a trustee of Living Streets. 

Name: Aleena Khan

Role: Commissioner – National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW)

Languages Spoken: (multilingual — Welsh, English, Urdu/Hindi, and Punjabi)

Areas of expertise for interview or discussion

• The role of NICW and how it aims to tackle Wales’ biggest infrastructure challenges with bold, long-term recommendations. 
• Broader environmental, cultural and social issues in Wales, from the perspective of the youngest member of the Commission.
• Welsh infrastructure — with an emphasis on community and sustainability which align and uphold the values of The Future Generations (Wales) Act. 
• How to future-proof Wales against the growing effects of climate change through the adoption of renewable energy — and the impact/opportunities this presents for Welsh communities.
• Recommendations to overcome the long-term challenges of renewable energy infrastructure in Wales, with the aim of increasing the rate of deployment and supporting 2050 net zero targets.
• Key reports/publications — Preparing Wales for a Renewable Energy 2050.

Contact:

For more information or to arrange an interview with Aleena, please contact the NICW team at Equinox on: nicw@equinoxcommunications.co.uk or 02920 764100.

Quote from Aleena Khan, NICW Commissioner, about NICW’s first report ‘Preparing Wales for a Renewable Energy 2050’:

“As a young person, I am conscious of the level of uncertainty that lies ahead of me and future generations because of the Climate Crisis. We are presently experiencing and witnessing the consequences of human activity – which is frightening.

“It is an honour to be working alongside the research teams, Commissioners and communities in Wales; all of whom share a collective vision to ensure that future generations have the same quality of life as we do now, not a planet to fix.”

Further information:

Aleena Khan is a Commissioner of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW) — an independent, non-statutory, advisory body to Welsh Ministers. 

Established in 2018, NICW conducts studies into Wales’ most pressing infrastructure challenges and makes strategic recommendations to the Welsh Government — for the benefit of future generations. 

Aleena was a lead commissioner on NICW’s first report, ‘Preparing Wales for a Renewable Energy 2050’, published in 2023, which delivered 11 strategic recommendations for Welsh Ministers to future-proof Wales against the growing challenges of climate change, through the adoption of renewable energy. 

Having graduated from Cardiff University with an MSc in transport planning, Aleena works full-time as a transport planner for Atkins Réalis — working in the transportation infrastructure field within the UK and Ireland. Her experience within the sector has seen her support on the New Draft London Plan examinations and directly contribute towards the Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy 2 examinations to secure funding for Crossrail 1 and 2.

Aleena’s impressive background has seen her receive both regional [Wales] and National Constructing Excellence ‘G4C Future Leader Award 2024’ award, whilst also being recognised by Cardiff University’s 30ish Awards [30 under 30 alumni 2023]. Through these awards, Aleena has received special recognition for her environmental activism — championing environmental, cultural and social issues through the medium of Welsh, English, Urdu/Hindi and Punjabi.

Name: Eluned Parrott

Role: Commissioner – National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW)

Areas of expertise for interview or discussion

• The role of NICW and its role in delivering recommendations to enhance Welsh infrastructure whilst delivering a better future for generations to come.
• How to reduce Wales’ vulnerability to severe floods and coastal erosion — drawing on NICW’s nature-based recommendations to Welsh Government in 2024.
• The gaps in Wales’ existing planning policy for climate change resilience — with a particular focus on infrastructure adaptations/mitigations.
• Public sector policy and strategy development across sustainability, transport and energy, education and skills. 
• Eluned is an actually autistic and mental health ambassador — able to speak on both topics, with a focus on how Wales can build a more fair and sustainable future for the next generation.
• Key reports/publications — ‘Building Resilience to Flooding in Wales 2050’.

Contact:

For more information or to arrange an interview with Eluned, please contact the NICW team at Equinox on: nicw@equinoxcommunications.co.uk or 02920 764100.

Quote from Eluned Parrott, NICW Commissioner, about NICW’s latest report ‘Building Resilience to Flooding in Wales 2050’:

“It has become increasingly clear, whilst conducting this research, that we cannot “concrete” our way out of the risks we face. We must adopt more holistic solutions, restoring the natural environment’s ability to store water higher in river catchments, and empowering local communities to take action.

“There must be a shared sense of purpose and urgency if we are to be ready for the challenges that climate change will bring. There is no time to be lost.”

Further information:

Eluned Parrott is a Commissioner of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW) — an independent, non-statutory, advisory body to Welsh Ministers. 

Established in 2018, NICW conducts studies into Wales’ most pressing infrastructure challenges and makes strategic recommendations to the Welsh Government — for the benefit of future generations. 

Eluned has recently led on NICW’s latest report ‘Building Resilience to Flooding in Wales 2050’ — which outlines 17 recommendations for Welsh Ministers to future-proof Wales against the growing risks of flooding over the next 25+ years. These recommendations emphasise natural solutions — placing nature and community integration at the forefront.

As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Eluned has more than 20 years’ experience in Marketing, Policy and Public Affairs and is now Head of Wales for the Institute of Physics. 

During her career, she has advised on policy development across tourism, the arts and education sector, whilst working as Shadow Minister for Economy, Science and Transport — helping to influence key Welsh Government strategies and decisions.

In her role as an actually-autistic and mental health ambassador, Eluned leads high-profile campaigns on mental health and educational inclusion — to build a fairer, more sustainable world for the next generation. 

Name: Dr Eurgain Powell
Role: Commissioner – National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW)
Languages: Welsh and English

Areas of expertise for interview or discussion

• The role of NICW, its objectives and its responsibilities as an advisory body shaping the future of Welsh infrastructure.
• How to strengthen Wales’ resilience against the effects of climate change, through infrastructure adaptations/mitigation.
• The Commission’s recommendations for Welsh Government to increase resilience to flooding in Wales.
• Public sector policy development across transport, procurement and decarbonisation.
• Sustainability, climate change and biodiversity solutions within Public Health Wales and its partners across the health system.
• Welsh infrastructure — with an emphasis on community and nature-based solutions, which align and uphold the values of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act.
• Key reports/publications — ‘Building Resilience to Flooding in Wales 2050’

Contact:

For more information or to arrange an interview with Eurgain, please contact the NICW team at Equinox on: nicw@equinoxcommunications.co.uk or 02920 764100.

Quote from Dr Eurgain Powell, NICW Commissioner about NICW’s latest report ‘Building Resilience to Flooding in Wales 2050’:

“Our climate is getting warmer and wetter. In July the Met Office State of the UK Climate report highlighted that Wales has seen a 24% increase in rainfall (compared to the 1961-1990 average), and the UK experienced 7 named storms during 2023-24. But the UK Committee on Climate Change has warned repeatedly that the UK and Wales is not prepared for these impacts.

“Our work has shown that we need a different approach – one that works with people and nature. It’s critical that we come together, to help everyone understand the changes that are going to happen, and how we can work collectively to build more resilient communities.”

Further information:

Dr Eurgain Powell is a Commissioner of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW) — an independent, non-statutory, advisory body to Welsh Ministers. 

Established in 2018, NICW conducts studies into Wales’ most pressing infrastructure challenges and makes strategic recommendations to the Welsh Government — for the benefit of future generations.

Eurgain has recently led on NICW’s latest report ‘Building Resilience to Flooding in Wales 2050’ — which outlines 17 recommendations for Welsh Ministers to future-proof Wales against the growing risks of flooding over the next 25+ years. These recommendations emphasise natural solutions — placing nature and community integration at the forefront.

Currently a Sustainable Development Programme Manager for Public Health Wales, Eurgain has 20 years of experience working in the field of sustainable development and climate change within the public sector in Wales.

Over that time, she has advised on policy development across transport, decarbonisation, procurement and housing whilst working for the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and the Climate Change Commission for Wales — helping to influence key Welsh Government strategies and decisions.

She was recently a member of the Wales Net Zero 2035 Advisory group chaired by Jane Davidson, publishing their reports and advice in September 2024 on how Wales could get to net zero in energy, food, heating and transport in the next decade: Wales Net Zero 2035

Name: Nick Tune
Role: Commissioner – National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW)

Areas of expertise for interview or discussion

• NICW and how it aims to shape and secure Wales’ economic and environmental future through supporting and challenging the nation’s infrastructure decision makers.
• Digital transformation — specifically within infrastructure organisations and the delivery of sustainable construction/operations.
• Holistic and accessible approaches to energy savings and carbon reduction through technology including energy simulation and Data Twin.
• Critical actions Welsh Government needs to take to deliver its net zero goals.
• The deployment of renewable energy in Wales and the pace it needs to operate to address the climate emergency.
• Key reports: ‘Preparing Wales for Renewable Energy 2050’

Contact:

For more information or to arrange an interview with Nick, please contact the NICW team at Equinox on: nicw@equinoxcommunications.co.uk or 02920 764100.

Quote from NICW Commissioner, Nick Tune, about NICW’s report on ‘Preparing Wales for a Renewable Energy 2050’:

“We are in a climate crisis, and as the UN Secretary General stated in March 2023, ‘We must do everything, everywhere, all at once’. However, the deployment of renewable energy in Wales is currently not moving at the pace required to address the climate emergency and subsequently the needs of the people of Wales. 

“This report identifies critical actions that are required by the Welsh Government to deliver their target i.e. meeting 100% of its annual electricity demand from renewable sources by 2035 whilst delivering tangible benefits for the people  of Wales. 

“To deliver this, will require partnership between  the Welsh Government, The UK Government, Local Authorities, NRW, The National Grid, Businesses and local communities. With a system of systems approach to delivery. This is not easy, but it is critical for the Future Generations of Wales and I am sure it is a challenge the Welsh Government will meet.”

Further information:

Nick Tune is a Commissioner of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW) — an independent, non-statutory, advisory body to Welsh Ministers. 

Established in 2018, NICW conducts studies into Wales’ most pressing infrastructure challenges and makes strategic recommendations to the Welsh Government — for the benefit of future generations. 

Nick led on NICW’s first report, ‘Preparing Wales for a Renewable Energy 2050’, published in 2023, which delivered 11 strategic recommendations to Welsh Ministers — on how changes can be made to enhance renewable energy development in Wales while best meeting the needs of our communities. 

As a previous Technical and Technology Director for Atkins’ Global Engineering and Design Practice, Nick’s expertise lies in the digital transformation of infrastructure organisations and the delivery of sustainable construction/operations. He is currently Chief Executive of Optimise-AI — an organisation which harnesses the power of Digital Twin and AI to minimise energy and carbon emissions from buildings. 

Name: Name: Elspeth Jones (bilingual)
Role: Nature Guardian for National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW)

Areas of expertise for interview or discussion

• NICW’s Nature Guardian pilot programme and its associated aims and learnings over the next six months
• Nature as a stakeholder and the importance of embedding its voice into infrastructure planning
• Intersection of law, leadership and environmental actions and how these converge to address pressing ecological challenges
• How to integrate ecological thinking into the way we shape decisions, policies, and partnerships.

Contact:

For more information or to arrange an interview with Elspeth, please contact the NICW team at Equinox on: nicw@equinoxcommunications.co.uk or 02920 764100.

Quote from Elspeth Jones, NICW’s Nature Guardian, about its six month pilot programme:

“I’m honoured to join the NICW as its first Nature Guardian. This role offers a unique opportunity to make sure nature is part of the conversation in how how infrastructure decisions are made in Wales. 

“Over the next six months, I’ll be working with NICW as part of a public-facing pilot — asking ourselves what it means to listen to nature within a board setting and what is possible when we give nature a seat at the table.

“With one of six species of wildlife at risk of extinction, we’re exploring how ecological thinking can shape flood resilience, climate action and broader infrastructure planning —  not just as a check-box exercise, but as a guiding principle rooted in the land, language and heritage of our communities. I look forward to supporting this living lab, learning in public, and sharing insights that could inspire others to integrate stewardship into public life.”

Further information:

Elspeth Jones is the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales’ (NICW) Nature Guardian — a new role it is launching as part of a six-month pilot programme to explore how NICW can deepen its relationship with nature, land, and place.

Established in 2018, NICW is an independent, non-statutory, advisory body to Welsh Ministers. It conducts studies into Wales’ most pressing infrastructure challenges and makes strategic recommendations to the Welsh Government — for the benefit of future generations. 

NICW’s most recent report ‘Building Resilience to Flooding in Wales 2050’ emphasised the need for nature to be more tightly integrated into decision-making on flood preparedness — therefore, the Nature Guardian pilot project will act as a working experiment to listen, reflect, adapt, and reimagine how institutions like NICW can be more strongly guided by the natural world. 

As previous CEO of Size of Wales, and Deputy CEO at Client Earth, Elspeth now sits on the Board of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and is Chair of the FILE foundation. A former barrister turned climate leader, she has dedicated her career to systems-level change and now works at the intersection of law, leadership, and environmental action, offering strategic guidance and coaching through her own impact focused consultancy work.

Over the next six months, NICW will be learning in public; writing down its thoughts, questions, challenges, and feelings about the Nature Guardian concept as they arise — to be shared in a reflective report showing its ongoing commitment to adaptive leadership, and how roles rooted in care for nature can function within public life.

Recent updates from NICW: 

• Building Resilience to Flooding in Wales 2050
• Preparing Wales for Renewable Energy 2050 
• Climate Communications — coming Autumn 2025