Christine Chapman AM,
Assembly Member for Cynon Valley.
As the Assembly Member for Cynon Valley it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to my Assembly website. I hope that you will find it useful and informative. The Internet is becoming an increasingly common method of communication, and it provides a greater opportunity to interact with people and for them to engage in the future of our communities.
The National Assembly for Wales was established by the Government of Wales Act 1998 and followed the Welsh people’s vote in favour of the devolving of power from Westminster. Except in areas where responsibility remains with Westminster such as Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Taxation, decisions are now made by people who are accountable to the people of Wales and Welsh citizens are able to closely scrutinise the decision makers. From 2007, the Assembly will have enhanced legislative powers increasing its ability to drive forward the policy agenda in Wales.
It is my hope that this website will provide more in-depth information on my work for the people of Cynon Valley both in the National Assembly and in the towns and communities of the Valley. As your local Assembly Member, I am keen to listen and engage with constituents on any matter that concerns you. To find out how to contact me please visit the "Enquiries" page.
Sincerely,
About Chris Chapman AM
Chris Chapman was born in Porth, Rhondda in 1956. She was educated at Porth County Girls' School, University of Wales Aberystwyth (BA Hons), South Bank Polytechnic (Diploma in Careers Guidance), University of Wales Cardiff (MScEcon) and University of Swansea (PGCE). In June 2001, she gained her MPhil at University of Wales Cardiff.
Chris' professional career has been in the field of education: as a Careers Adviser, Compact Manager with Mid Glamorgan Education Business Partnership, Secondary School Teacher, co-ordinator with Torfaen Education Business Partnership and non-executive Director of Mid Glamorgan Careers Ltd. She is also a member of the Institute of Careers Guidance.
Prior to her election as Labour Assembly Member for Cynon Valley, Chris was a councillor in Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council representing Ynysybwl and Coed y Cwm.
Between 2000 and 2004, Chris Chaired the Objective One Programme Monitoring Committee. Since January 2005, she has served as the Deputy Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, and Finance, Local Government and Public Services. As well as sitting on the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee and the South Wales Central Regional Committee, Chris is Secretary of the Labour UNISON Group and Chair of the Assembly’s Women and Democracy Group.
A strong advocate of lifelong learning, Chris is particularly interested in economic development, equal opportunities and community regeneration. She is also a supporter of the “Children Are Unbeatable Alliance” (CAU) Campaign. Other interests include women’s history.