WNC at Forty - 1969 to 2009

WNC at Forty - 1969 to 2009

Introduction

The Women's National Commission was formed in 1969, which means that in 2009 it will have been operating for forty years. The first meeting was on 24^th October 1969.

The draft governance document, which will determine how WNC operates, commits the Board to hold an all-partners conference every other year.

The Board has previously expressed its wish to hold an all-partners conference before the end of the 2008 calendar year.

Proposal

It is assumed that the Board will want to arrange an inclusive event to celebrate the anniversary. One that is open to all Partners to attend.

Planning and implementing an all-partners conference takes a large amount of staff time and financial resources. It is unlikely that WNC could justify holding, in effect, two all-partners conferences within 12 months or less.

It is proposed that the Board agree that no conference is arranged for the year to April 2009, however plans are drawn up well in advance for a well publicised, combined conference and celebration of WNC, to take place after April 2009, which will also be in a new financial year and so not require inclusion in this years business plan.

Speaking invitations could be made this year to significant individuals and to the bodies that have played a leading role in WNC during it's history, for instance;

Lady Thatcher, as a previous government co-chair of WNC
Surviving staff from the Wilson administration, who set up WNC
Ex-Chairs and Commissioners, together with previous staff
Representatives from the bodies holding membership in 1969, including The Mother's Union, National Union of Teachers, Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS), etc.

It is suggested that the Board allocate a lead Commissioner to co-ordinate this work and to consider what would best mark the anniverary, although this may best be left until the new intake of Commissioners are recruited.

Leon Bond

Business Manager

WNC/08/1/19