WORK STRAND

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Strategic Aims

To effectively strengthen existing partnership base whilst focusing on under-represented groups.
To ensure that work supports WNC's core remit, by actively promoting the work of the WNC and its activities to raise its profile and to communicate its views to others.
To develop and actively engage wide-ranging, diverse, and representative stakeholders.

Our Vision

A world where all women can express their needs and priorities and where Government listens and acts so that the needs of all women are at the heart of Government policy.
A world in which every human being is respected and is able to achieve their potential, living free from harm and discrimination.

Our Mission

Support, advise and encourage the women's sector to enable all women's voices to be heard effectively;
Act as a conduit for all those voices, in order to both advise and to hold Government to account;
Promote women's equality;
Ensure the views and experiences of as many women as possible are represented to Government to promote women's equality and change;
Ensure that where possible, women's opinions are communicated to Government so that they can be taken into account when laws are made and policies decided;
As far as possible, seek the views of and empower, socially excluded and marginalised women; and
Disseminate messages from Government across the women's equality sector.

Unique Selling Point

The WNC is the only independent advisory body established to provide a bridge between women's organisations and the UK Government. It provides a route for women's organisations to communicate effectively to Government, but also provides an easier way for Government to disseminate messages to and consult with women's organisations.

Stakeholders

Individual women;
Individual partners;
Partner organisations;
Individual women's organisations;
Ministers for Women;
Other organisations that represent women
Organisations with a core commitment to women's equality; and
GEO and OGD officials

WORK STRAND	OBJECTIVES	ACTIVITY		LEAD OFFICIAL	RESOURCES	SUCCESS INDICATORS	PROGRESS
Violence Against Women
Violence Against Women Work Group	Quarterly and ad hoc meetings to bring together experts from across the field to present a cohesive and consistent voice on VAW to Government		Four meetings per year Sub groups to feed back to main group on sector specific issues.	Eleri Butler	Cost: £3696 Staff Resources	Maintaining and improving communications and understanding between the VAW sector and Government VAW meetings for 2 April, 16 July, 1 October plus one further, take place.
		Following consultation with group members, respond to Government consultations			Eleri Butler	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	Increased consultation but Government with VAW sector Consistency of lobbying voice from sector to Government
		Regular liaison between WNC and Government officials.		GEO to attend all VAW meetings to receive feedback and give update on Government work Regular attendance by Government officials other than GEO to give updates and	Eleri Butler	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	Improved relationships between VAW sector and GEO and increased communication Forced Marriage Unit Official, and expert on MARACs attends April 2008 meeting. VAW Chair continues ongoing correspondence OGDs, including planned letters to Home Office and Minster for Women
Sexual Violence Policy Monitoring Sub Group	To monitor and evaluate Government policy and other action around sexual violence.		Monitor the implementation of the Sexual Offences Act 2003; to monitor how sexual violence is addressed through government policy delivery mechanisms; to monitor the Home Office Violent Crime Action Plan	Eleri Butler	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	Good understanding of current acts laws, the way they affect service provision and funding and be engaged and consult with government on proposed amendments and changes. Group monitors HO Violent Crime Action Plan throughout 2008/9 as part of SVPM work plan
	To provide a cohesive voice to Government on issues concerning sexual violence.		WNC will invite Government officials to speak at the group and gain feedback from the group. The WNC will facilitate interim meetings and email contact and	Eleri Butler	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	The group takes all possible opportunities resource permitting, to engage and consult with government on issues concerning sexual violence. The group provides a cohesive voice in all its documents, outlining concerns and strategies
	To engage Government officials in the work of the sub group		The WNC will invite Government officials to the group; arrange meetings between relevant partners and Government and provide briefings where necessary using information from sub group partners.	Eleri Butler	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	The group meets Government officials either through attendance at the SVPM sub group or through official attendance at the VAW group. The group contributes information and expertise to WNC briefings. Group continues to meet with Government officials concerning the crisis in the Rape Crisis Group launches Q&A on prostitution in April 2008. GLA talks to SV Group about Trafficking and 2012 Olympics (April meeting).
	To promote and raise awareness around sexual violence in schools and education		The group will attend relevant events to raise awareness of the problems with sexual violence; the group will engage with organisations promoting awareness and education	Eleri Butler	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	The group engages other organisations not part of the sub group in awareness raising, for example the EHRC, the EDF and other equalities organisations as well as statutory bodies.
Domestic Violence Policy Monitoring Sub Group	To monitor and evaluate Government policy and other action around domestic violence.		To group will monitor the Home Office Violent Crime Action Plan, monitor and engage on sources of funding and provision for domestic violence and monitor, campaign and engage on issues concerning BME women facing domestic violence as well as those with no recourse to public funds	Eleri Butler	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	No recourse, is a standing agenda item at meetings. The group regularly discusses the Home Office Violent Crime Action Plan at meetings.
	Engage Government Departments on issues concerning DV		The Group will meet with Government officials to ensure two-way communication and to keep central Government abreast of activities. The group will write and meet with Government officials external to the meeting. The group will provide information for briefings to ministers and other Government officials	Eleri Butler	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	The group takes all possible opportunities, resource permitting to engage and consult with government on issues concerning domestic violence.
	Ensure a cohesive voice on issues concerning domestic violence			Eleri Butler	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	The group provides a cohesive voice in all its documents, outlining concerns and strategies through above consultations and by discussing and circulating responses and correspondence. Official from National Policing Improvement Agency talks to SV Group about sexual offence monitoring (April meeting).
	Campaign for and monitor public awareness of domestic violence through education system and media			Eleri Butler	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	No recourse to public funds as standing agenda item at meetings.
Migration and Asylum Working Group
	Maintain and improve relations with Government providing a cohesive voice on migration and asylum issues to Government		Develop strategic workplan for coming year, looking at trafficking for forced labour as a priority issue, gender impact assessment of PBS as it is rolled out Follow up on MfW priorities in relation to refugee and asylum-seeking women and women with insecure immigration status	Shelly Dowrich	Cost: £3,320 Staff Resources	Workplan developed, and appropriate priorities included. Specific work on MfW priorities in relation to refugee and asylum-seeking women and women with insecure immigration status, actioned.
		Maintain and improve relations with BIA officials				Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	BIA to use M&A group as sounding board and take every opportunity to consult
Outreach and Communications Strategy
	1) To continue to identify under-represented groups and to ensure ongoing accuracy of partner database	Regularly update database to identify and gaps; maintain partner's categories; and cross-reference with WORGS document.		Mutanser Ashraf	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	Partnership database is frequently updated; gaps in partnership base clearly identified; and `Women's Organisations in the United Kingdom' directory maintained and available on website.
		2) To maintain and build relationships with under-represented groups.	Maintain partners contacts to nurture and build trust; improve communications; maintain website and newsletter; keep partners Updated on WNC's partnership principles and other important documents.		Mutanser Ashraf	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	Positive feedback from partners and stakeholders on new website and Newsletter received; and similar for any specific feedback consultations that may be run.
		3) To work with information gained above to target under-represented regions (e.g. North East, South West) and sectors of the community (e.g. younger women, women with disabilities, minority women and transgender women) to encourage them to become partners.	Holding events for identified groups in targeted regions; monitor and evaluate info on new partners; aim to hold 2 targeted events in England.		Mutanser Ashraf	Cost: At least £4,800 for 2 events - then £2,400 for each further event Staff Resources	Under-represented groups identified and events run to engage and support them; 2 events are organised and take place in England - Update: One event being planned with Equality South West in Taunton on 30 April 2008.
		4) To ensure outreach activities are conducted in Wales, Scotland and N. Ireland and Partners in each, feel their concerns are being heard and shared.	Will hold one event in each devolved Nation every year; will monitor involvement of partners from devolved nations; consider producing Newsletter for each Nation; to arrange annual meetings with Women/Equality Ministers in devolved Nations; and ensure fairer representation on Working Groups.		Mutanser Ashraf	Cost: £11,100 Staff Resources	One event held in each of the Nations during the year; meetings held with Women/ Equality Ministers in Nations; noticeable improved representation on working groups, by partners in devolved regions.
		5) To engage Commissioners in partnership activities throughout the year.	Support Commissioners to organise events on their areas/expertise; Commissioners to agree 10 new Partners; Commissioners to work with cross-party political representatives; and keep Directorate up to date.		Mutanser Ashraf	Cost: £4,800 for 2 events (repeat of 3) above) Staff Resources	Greater diversity and number of women attending events; increase in number of WNC partners, especially from under-represented groups; Commissioners recruit 10 new partners; evidence of events arranged or meetings attended, involving mix of Parliamentarians; Commissioners regularly update Directorate.
		1) Raise profile and promoting the work of the WNC by providing partners and others, with accessible and useful information on areas of interest, such as Government Consultations etc., to obtain views and contributions, to feed into government policy.	Complete development of new website; fine-tune revamped Newsletter, ensuring produced regularly; attend more partners' events; ensure links between WNC and partners' websites; attend EDF meetings; maintain WNC publications and make available in different languages and braiile; Commissioners use Parliamentary links; respond to articles in press; provide internship opportunities.		Mutanser Ashraf	Cost: £5,000 Staff Resources	New website successfully launched; improvements to Newsletter; strong links with a wider range of partners; increased visits to website; increased knowledge across equality sector; more information provided to Directorate by Commissioners, on activity; documents produced to demand.
	2) To develop and maintain a new, modern, interactive website, to be fully functional by Spring 2008.	Continue creating new Website; ensure content is relevant and useful; partners' section developed; obtain feedback from partners and others.		Mutanser Ashraf	Cost: Non allocated Staff Resources	Website is launched; checks made on content and appearance; partners' feedback sought and any action taken; six-month report on success and reaction so far.
	3) To continue to manage Ministerial meetings of the 6 O Group of women's organisations.	Regular meeting dates agreed; Chair briefed in advance of meetings; consideration given on expand group to include under-represented groups.		Mutanser Ashraf	Cost: £500 Staff Resources	Meeting dates agreed and meetings take place; briefing with Chair takes place; pre-Ministerial meeting arranged with 6 O members; agree approach to involving more diverse representatives - Update: proposals on creating a similar group of BME representatives is being worked on.
	4) To work to develop a new, modern `logo' for the WNC.	Views obtained from Commissioners and Directorate; design companies approached for ideas; resource implication considered.		Mutanser Ashraf	Cost: Non-allocated Staff Resources	Plan drafted on approach for producing a new WNC design; views sought and received and resource implications examined; and new WNC logo design produced and published.
		5) To consider how the WNC may most effectively have a soft re-launch.	Views sought from the Board on approach; and plan and timeline produced for re-launch.		Mutanser Ashraf	Cost: £2,000 Staff Resources	Board and GEO consulted; agree a set of announcements to make; re-launch takes place; greater awareness of and contact with, WNC throughout the year.
	6) To represent views of WNC Partners to government.	Partners' views forwarded GEO officials; particular `hot topics' fed back to GEO; possible online consultations carried out on specific issues; e-list of Parliamentarians produced; to `piggyback' more events or partners and key stakeholders.		Mutanser Ashraf	Cost: £7,000 Potentially considerableStaff Resources	Feedback from partners passed to GEO, including `hot topics'; specific consultations carried out; Parliamentary e-list created; increased attendance at partners' and others' events.
	7) All Partners Conference to be held every other year with defined objectives and diverse representation. Outcome of Conference to be clear, i.e. Report to be fed into Government Equalities Office and Ministers for Women.	Consideration to holding Partners' Conference this year or next and outside London; and plan produced.		Mutanser Ashraf	Cost: £25,000 Considerablestaff Resources	Decision taken on when and where Partners' Conference takes place; bids for funding made to contacts; detailed project plan produced; successful Partners' Conference takes place.
		8) A standard set material for delegate packs to be prepared for use at WNC events	Documents identified and printed for inclusion in packs; folders and other stationary, available.		Mutanser Ashraf	Cost: £5,000 Staff Resources	Documents prepared; sufficient stationary is available; packs produced and are available for use..
		1) To nurture long term relationships with Partners.	Aim to attend partners' main events; analyse and use information from partnership application forms; facilitate exchange of advice and information between partners; Continue co-ordinating meetings of 6 O Group with Ministers.		Mutanser Ashraf	Cost: £2,500 Staff Resources	Greater attendance at partners' main events; stronger engagement with partners; better information sharing and communications between partners.
		2) Provide appropriate information for stakeholders and promote links and awareness of the diversity of partners.	Ensure partners include a link to WNC website from their own website; WORGS maintained and on website and hard copies available.		Mutanser Ashraf	Cost: £1,500 Staff Resources	Email all partners to request website links are made; carry out spot-check on leading partners' websites to check WNC link included; WORGS Directory maintained and available on website and in hard copy.
International Strategy
	1. Bring together the views of women from around the UK on international human rights issues, and to contribute to government policy	To disseminate e-updates for the *European and International Network*; to update website regularly; to work to the Commission leading on international; To develop and follow a work plan for engagement and Commonwealth		Shelly Dowrich	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	Regular e-updates are disseminated; website is up-to-date; WNC engaged with issues at EU and Commonwealth level; e-network continues to share information electronically.
		2. Build capacity to actively engage with regional and international instruments	CEDAW - To finalise CEDAW Shadow report and submit by 14 April 2008; WNC will attend CEDAW examination in July 2008; and CEDAW report to be disseminated to partners		Shelly Dowrich	Cost: £6,000 Staff Resources	CEDAW report is finalised and submitted to UN by April 2008 deadline; WNC attends CEDAW examination and partners are aware and engaged with CEDAW process.
			CSW - WNC to provide link between the UK Government delegation and UK NGOs at CSW 53; to facilitate a pre-CSW meeting; to submit a statement and hold side event on the relevant theme; to host post-CSW event; to produce ECOSOC report.		Shelly Dowrich	Cost: £6,200 Staff Resources	WNC holds pre- and post meetings; attends CSW 53, submits written statement and holds side event; partners are engaged with the CSW process with increased access for those not previously engaged in process. ECOSOC report produced and forwarded to UN by May 08 deadline.
			1325 Attending quarterly meetings of the APG, funding permitting, developing a database of UK organisations/ individuals working on 1325, to explore feasibility of repeating the IWIP (Iraqi Women's Internship Programme)		Shelly Dowrich	Cost: None allocated (IWIP to be decided) Staff Resources	Increased WNC involvement in 1325 activity; attends all APPG meetings; good contacts made with NGOs working on 1325; and clarity and decision on possibility of a repeat of the IWIP.
			BPfA Beijing platform for Action Actively engaging in relevant BpfA activities including on-line consultations as and when required		Shelly Dowrich and Commissioner lead	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources
		3. Build effective sustainable relationships with relevant government players	Facilitate regular meetings between Ministers, officials and e-Network members on HR issues; and WNC represented at relevant APPGs' and other appropriate events.		Shelly Dowrich	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	Contact facilitated between key NGOs and Government; meetings of APPGs attended.
		4. Achieve and support diverse and representative network group to ensure that a broad spectrum of views on women's international human rights issues are incorporated into our work and are conveyed to government.	To network with partners with an international remit; to attend relevant events; to support NGO events; facilitate the capacity-building of existing NGOs and facilitate meetings between NGOs and Government officials.		Shelly Dowrich	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	Maintained and increased contact with other organisations working in international arena; their events are supported; communication between key stakeholders, facilitated.
	5. To provide women nationally and internationally currently undertaking studies, working in and have a keen interest in women's equality, the opportunity to intern at the WNC for an agreed period	To liaise with relevant internship organisations, so interns have interesting and varied experiences; encouraging participants to gain greater understanding of WNC, partners and our work; providing opportunities for shadowing and mentoring; and evaluate participant's experiences.		Shelly Dowrich	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	WNC hosts one to two interns over the year; following own internship programme; facilitates useful learning and experiences; and action taken on evaluation outcomes.
Board of Commissioners
	1) Service the proper functioning of the Board ensuring it is appropriate, accurate and effective.	Four meetings of the Board are planned and to take place on agreed dates; agenda and papers agreed by Director and Chair; minutes and actions from meetings recorded and followed up; Commissioners' work days for payment, agreed in advance and payment processed.		Leon Bond	Cost: £41,960 Staff Resources	Commissioners meetings take place in June 08, October 08, December 08 and March 09; new Commissioners are inducted to WNC and all necessary information is provided; accurate management and administration of payment of work days.
	2) Commissioners lead WNC work, and work in conjunction with Directorate.	Commissioners liaise regularly with Directorate; suggest possible future pieces of work; and work closely with Directorate.				Commissioners lead partner events; lead relevant debates in Parliament; take a lead role on outreach work; and update Directorate on their activity.
Honours
	1) To propose a list of suitable women for consideration for honours, twice per year.	Identify individuals for recommendation; produce supporting text on each; monitor which is successful and which not.		Shelly Dowrich	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	List of women nominated by twice-yearly deadlines; some nominations identified as successful.
Governance/ Sponsor Relations
	Governance	Business Plan for 2008-09 agreed with GEO and Ministers; budget for 2008-09 set with delegation letter; regular update meetings between WNC and GEO to take place; activity to produce Annual Report for 2007-08; preparations for 2009-10 Business plan underway.		Susan Green.	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	2008-09 Business Plan completed and agreed; WNC budget agreed and delegation letter received; 2007-08 Annual Report completed by end of June 08; regular update meetings take place; activity on 2009-10 Business Plan begins.
	Light Touch Review - To progress remaining activity on the recommendations from the LT Review.	Continue to monitor progress on actions; update MoU and other connected documents; provide updates to Director and Board; ensure realistic timeline in place for remaining activity.		Sue Green and Daniel Barrow	Cost: None allocated Staff Resources	Action on each recommendation progressed to completion where possible; Project Chart of activity maintained; progress monitored and Director and Board provided with regular updates.
Personnel/Staffing
	1) Staff are encouraged to identify their training and development needs and appropriate, available opportunities are agreed.	Training and development opportunities for staff identified; LM agrees appropriateness; and Director authorises expenditure.		Sue Green	Cost: £10,000 Staff Resources	Staff identify suitable training and development opportunities and are able to participate
	2) Arrangements are developed for Directorate Awayday.	Needs of the Directorate team are identified; developmental team Awayday is planned; and Awayday takes place.		Sue Green and Daniel Barrow	Cost: £4,000 Staff Resources	Team needs are considered and identified; and annual Awayday takes place.
	3) Staff Structure of Directorate evaluated and appropriate staffing levels identified.	Staffing levels decided on; staff informed as soon as possible; plan for recruitment agreed; temporary staff informed as soon as possible, on impact on them.		Sue Green and Daniel Barrow	Cost: Non-allocated Staff Resources	Appropriate staffing levels identified; activity takes place to better match workloads and staffing levels; all staff informed of changes as soon as possible.
Possible additional work areas
	1. Women in Public Life - Updating this to include step by step simple guide? How to be a Governor/councillor etc. 2. Work on the BME women's sector 3. International; Work on Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting and further work on Europe 4. M & A; Use the Listening to Muslim Women model and updated financial proposal to include increased costs plus all costs 5. IWIP in Afghanistan and Palestine 6. PR strategy and work - (recommendation in LTR) 7. Women in disability - work with Equality 2025? Similar work to MtG? 8. Work on White/Green papers? Equalities review? 9. Consultation project on widowhood in the UK

Total cost of Business Plan for 2008-09 is £135,880 (No permanent or temporary staffing costs are included)

WNC/08/1/07

BUSINESS PLAN 2008-09

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