Hefin David

Hefin was born in what used to be called Caerphilly Miners Hospital. He grew up in the village of Penpedairheol, which is close to Bargoed. He was educated at Heolddu Comprehensive School. Between 1995 and 1997 he completed his undergraduate degree at Cardiff University in Politics and Economics. He also completed his Masters in European Policy at Cardiff University between 1998 and 1999. In addition to this, he completed his PGCE at the University of Wales, Newport (now the University of South Wales) in 2002 and his PHD in small business employment issues in 2013 at the University of Gloucestershire. He was a senior lecturer in business management at the University of Wales, Newport between 2002 and 2008. He lectured HR Development and Practice at Cardiff Metropolitan University between 2008 and 2016.[2] He has also lectured in Germany, Greece, India and China.[1]

Hefin was elected to Caerphilly County Bourgh Council in a by-election in March 2007 as a representative for the ward of St Cattwg in which he served until he stood down before the local council elections in 2017. He was the chair of the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee between 2012 and 2016. During his time as chair the committee considered a number of issues in the public interest, such alleviating the effects of the bedroom tax and reducing the use of Bed and Breakfast accommodation as emergency housing.[1] He also helped to secure a £400,000 lottery grant from the National Lottery to demolish and re-build Tir-Y-Berth village hall.[3]  

He was elected as a Senedd Member (MS) in 2016 to replace Jeff Cuthbert, who became Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner. In 2016 he won 35.35% of the vote before increasing his share to 45.96% in 2021.[4] He currently sits on the committee for Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs and the committee for Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations. He is also currently the chair for the Cross Party Group on Universities and, with Rhun ap Iorwerth, the co-chair for the Cross Party Group on Long-Covid.[1]

From his election he has campaigned for freeholders who have estate management charges imposed on their properties. He has called on the Welsh Government to cap estate management charges in Wales and has campaigned for stronger laws to control 'fleecehold'.[5]  

In 2022, he called on Welsh Government to improve support services for people with neurodevelopmental diagnoses such as autism, ADHD and Tourette's.[6]  

He was commissioned by the Welsh Government to produce a piece of research that examined the experience of professionals supporting learners in the transition from education to employment. The report was published in June 2023 and is entitled 'Transitions to employment: A report for the Welsh Government'.[7] Jeremy Miles, the Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, said that the report produced by Hefin David "will extend our evidence base as we continue to develop our education and skills policy in the future."[8]

Hefin's partner is Vikki Howells, Member of the Senedd (MS) for Cynon Valley. He also has two children. One of his children has additional learning needs.[9]

He is a governor for two schools, Heolddu Comprehensive School and Trinity Fields School and resource centre.[10] As well as this, he is also a friend and supporter of the Caerphilly Miners Centre for the community.