About Us

Established in 1969, the Women's National Commission is the official and independent advisory body giving the views of women to the government of the United Kingdom. It is an umbrella organisation representing women and women's organisations in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to ensure women's views are taken into account by the government and are heard in public debate.

The WNC is based within the newly established Government Equalities Office (Link to GEO website), which supports the Ministers for Women and Equality.

The WNC is an advisory Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB), meaning it is fully funded by government but able to comment freely on government policy. In its unique role, the WNC liaises with, and is consulted by, the Government Equalities Office as well as other government departments.

Baroness Anita Gale, speaking at an event in Cardiff last year, outlined the role and structure of the WNC. A copy of the transcript can be downloaded here (Word 101Kb).

Report on the WNC Review

Early last year, following the appointment of our Chair, Baroness Prosser as Deputy Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which also corresponded with several WNC Commissioners ending their terms of office, Ministers decided the time was right to conduct a light touch review of the Women’s National Commission.

The Review took place over several months in the spring, and was chaired by Rita Donaghy (Chair of ACAS) with support from Women and Equality Unit officials. Reviews of this nature are normal practice and in line with Chapter 9 of the Cabinet Office guidance "Public Bodies: A Guide for Departments". The review involved input from WNC Commissioners past and present, WNC staff, a wide range of stakeholders, partners, and Government officials to consider various aspects and activities of the WNC.

The full report on the review can be accessed here WNC Light Touch Review Report (Pdf 374Kb).

The WNC Commissioners

To ensure the advice provided by the WNC is independent of government views, the work of the Commission is overseen by a Chair and Board of Commissioners. These women represent differing aspects of the women's lobby and come from diverse regions within the UK.

Tasked to develop the WNC's strategic direction and oversee the work programme, the Commissioners provide the Chair with advice in their own areas of expertise, and work with the Directorate and WNC partner organisations to progress priority issues.

Commissioners are selected through the Nolan procedure, which is designed to ensure open and fair competition for public appointments. Baroness Joyce Gould is the Chair of the WNC, and Commissioners are Baroness Anita Gale, Ranjana Bell, Liz Kelly, Bronagh Hinds and Sabin Malik. Find out more about WNC Commissioners.

WNC Directorate

The work of the Chair and Commissioners is supported by a Directorate consisting of a small team of civil servants, led by Susan Green. Find out more about the Directorate.

Partners of the WNC

The WNC now has around 500 partners, made up of a range of organisations and individual experts. These represent a diverse range of women's interests, from grassroots and community groups to large national and umbrella organisations. Find out more about becoming a partner (organisation or individual) of the WNC.