Lawrence was born and raised in Cardiff and is married with four children. He joined the civil service in 1968 and had various roles within the Welsh Office. Following that appointment Lawrence headed the Welsh Office division of sponsored arms-length bodies including the Welsh Development Agency. He became head of the Cabinet Secretariat and First Minister's Department in 1998 and held that post until his retirement in 2010. Lawrence was awarded the Companion of the Bath in 2012. He has served as Chair of Sport Wales since February 2017. Lawrence has been a keen sportsman all his life, playing mainly cricket and football, and since his retirement long distance cycling has been his passion.
This role is remunerated at £218. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office's Governance Code on Public Appointments, the process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Government's Governance Code requires that any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years is declared. This is defined as holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation or candidature for election. Mr Conway has not declared any activity.
