WRC's Policy Forum is made up of around 20 women from voluntary and community organisations and has met three to four times a year since September 2003. The aims of the Policy Forum are to share information, network, support each other and help shape the work of the Policy Team and WRC generally.
Most Policy Forum members work or volunteer for grassroots organisations, so they are well placed to critique and shape government policy. They also identify policy issues that impact on women in London and the women’s voluntary and community sector and provide guidance and advice to WRC's Policy Team on developing proactive strategies for policy change and better outcomes for women’s organisations.
The Forum has designated seats to ensure a diverse cross-section of the women’s sector, including Black and Minority Ethnic organisations, disabled people’s organisations, lesbian, bisexual and transgender organisations and refugee organisations. For more information see the
Policy forum terms of reference.
The Policy Forum usually recruits new members annually in the summer, when we also conduct an annual evaluation of whether the Forum is meeting members’ needs.
“I would describe the Policy Forum as a friendly, efficient, hard working, diverse, and democratic environment where a group of women’s organisations can learn from each other and support each other through networking and advice.”“It’s been very beneficial to us as a service provider… it’s been really a good voice for women’s organisations. We can see the work we’ve done.” “A live facilitated ‘swap shop’ for women’s organisations and others interested in the advancement of women. I would note it for its cross-section of national organisations to local front line ones, that we meet in a relaxed and evenly paced environment to look at specific issues and action, and consider the local to national picture. Very useful and unique as far as I’m aware.”
For more information about the Policy Forum or to express an interest in being involved, contact Charlotte on 020 7324 3030 or
policy@wrc.org.uk.