Active in local sport, Hedges has been a football referee and coach, and was secretary of Morriston town for several years.

Originally a research scientist for British Steel Corporation at Port Talbot, Hedges has spent the last 27 years[when?]

He was also Vice-Chair of the Council's Scrutiny Committee and the Welsh Local Government Association spokesperson on both social services and information.

His political interests include education, health, local government, sports provision and social deprivation.

[6] He is also Chair of the Cross Party Group (CPG) on Rented Housing and Leasehold Properties and the CPG on Older People & Ageing as well as a member of the CPGs on Autism, Beer & The Pub, Co-operatives & Mutuals, Cancer, Deaf Issues and PCS Union.