Our Structure
The faces behind the National Council of Women
National Council of Women GB is a charity headed by National President, Elsie Leadley. She is supported by two Vice Presidents and a Management Committee of Trustees who are elected from our membership. The Management Committee are responsible for consulting with, and making decisions on behalf of, the members.
We have an administrative office, ably run by our Administrative Secretary.
President and Management Committee Trustees
Elsie Leadley
Elsie had a secretarial career in media and facility management. This is Elsie’s second term as President of NCW.
Gillian Weston
Gillian has worked with charities for 29 years, particularly on data and system analysis. Recently, she has used that knowledge to update NCW’s systems and enhance reporting.
Penny Bennett
Penny has a particular interest in the NCWY group. Her previous experience as a headteacher gives her special insight into this area of NCW’s work.
Jilly Rogers
Jilly was formerly Director of a consultancy specialising in health
care education.
Jan Leventhall
Jan had a career in television production and 16+ education. Following early retirement, her main interests surround women in the media and arts.
Gail Bishop
Gail brings her extensive experience at the Bank of England to the work of NCW and compiles our monthly parliamentary report.
Wendy North
Wendy is a retired academic who continues with her research and keeps a close eye on the NCW Articles and Handbook.
Sheila Rosewell
Sheila began working for NCWGB
in 2007.Before this, she had 27 years’ administrative experience
in the NHS.
“My 40 years of membership have enabled me to meet friendly people with similar interests to my own. I have learnt much about a wide variety of topics from the knowledgeable speakers and debates at NCW conferences and meetings. It is satisfying to belong to a group working towards a fairer world for everyone, especially girls and women.”
Penny Eckley, former Management Committee member
We are also delighted to have two senior members with special responsibilities:
Gwenda Kibble,
Honorary Vice President and Network 18-25 coordinator.
Gwenda was previously President of NCW and has a particular interest in developing the skills and expertise of our younger members.
Barbara Maddison,
Honorary Vice President.
Barbara has long championed the NCW’s work with schools to engage with young women and girls and develop the vibrant NCYW work.
Branch membership
Our membership is predominantly individual members plus two active branches in Darlington and Nottingham. Individual members are welcome to join one of the branches and take part in regular meetings and discussions.
We also have a number of associated member organisations which share our aims and support our work.
“I joined NCYW in sixth form as a co-leader of my school’s FemSoc. Since joining, I’ve been involved in the Annual Conference and the cross-school seminars. After leaving school I joined NCW 18-25 and participated in the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women which has definitely been the highlight of my experience so far!”
Anna, 19
Become a member
Join a network of people who care about the lives of all women.
NCW in action
Our latest resolutions tackle overseas poverty, climate change, and innovation.
