Members of Higher Education Wales meet regularly throughout the academic year as the HEW Committee to discuss issues relating to higher education in Wales and decide on common positions and actions. The Committee receives reports from sector networks and associations and is the organ through which certain collective agreements are made (such as with the Quality Assurance Agency). The Committee agrees the strategic priorities for the work of the HEW Directorate.

HEW's constitution falls within the scope of the Articles of Association of Universities UK. The Chair of HEW is an ex offico Vice President of UUK, a Trustee of UUK, and a member of the UUK Board and its Executive Committee.

The Chair of Higher Education Wales is currently Professor John Hughes, the Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University. The Chair of HEW is normally elected for a term of two years. The Chair of HEW is the principal spokesperson for Vice-Chancellors in Wales. The Chair represents the university sector at key meetings and conferences.

The Vice-Chair of HEW is Dr Peter Noyes, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales, Newport. The Vice-Chair of HEW is elected for a two year term and exercises the functions of the Chair in his absence, or with his authority.