Our Advisors

Care Forum Wales employs three full-time policy advisers. Melanie Minty is our senior policy adviser. 

Senior Policy Advisor: Melanie Minty

Tel: 07969 489290
Email: melanie@careforumwales.co.uk

Mel came to Care Forum Wales in 2012 following 24 years in the civil service, having joined the Office of the Public Guardian in London as a graduate entrant (BA Hons in History from Bristol University).

She transferred to Newport Passport Office in 2001 as Business Services Manager, with responsibility for customer service, telephone enquiries, public counter, internal communications and more. Mel’s time in the civil service provided her with considerable experience of policy and legislation and dealing with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Policy Advisor for North Wales and Powys: Thea Brain

Tel: 07955 270671
Email: thea@careforumwales.co.uk

Thea is our Policy Advisor for North Wales and Powys. She has been part of the team here at Care Forum Wales since June 2024, having come to us from Citizens Advice, where she worked as the Business Manager for Conwy.

Prior to this, Thea managed SMEs in the hospitality sector which she says ‘provided an invaluable education on running a business’ which she has been able to bring to her role with us. She has direct experience of local government, having successfully stood as a Town Councillor in two elections, and holds both an MA in International Development and a BA in History from St Hilda’s College, Oxford.

Policy Advisor: Casey French

Tel: 07955 270670
Email: casey@careforumwales.co.uk

Casey serves as our Policy Advisor for Cardiff and Vale, Swansea Bay and West Wales, bringing valuable experience in local government to Care Forum Wales since joining in June 2024.

Before stepping into her current role, Casey worked at Bridgend County Borough Council as a policy, performance, and public affairs officer. Her interest in policy grew during her studies at Swansea University, where she earned a BA in Politics and Social Policy. As part of her degree, she gained first hand experience through an internship in the parliamentary office of a Member of the Senedd, in Cardiff.