The STUC has welcomed the announcement of new appointments which will strengthen the role of the National Women’s Commission, the official national body working on women’s equality in the United Kingdom.

Following on from the announcement on Monday 8th September by Harriet Harman MP, Minister for Women and Equality, on the appointments to the strengthened Women's National Commission, Grahame Smith General Secretary STUC said:

"We are delighted to see that recognition has been given to a wide range of women's experiences in these appointments.

"In particular we welcome the appointment of Ann Henderson, an Assistant Secretary at the STUC, and Sarah Veale, Head of Equalities at the TUC.

"Both Ann and Sarah have a strong track record of campaigning for equality, working with women across the wider labour movement. We are very confident that the Women's National Commission will benefit from their input"

Agnes Tolmie, Chairperson of the Scottish Women's Convention and member of the STUC Women's Committee, said:

"Devolution has brought new challenges for women, both at Holyrood and at Westminster. It is crucial to bring the voices and experiences of women in Scotland to shape policy at every level.

"Ann Henderson is well known in the women's movement and labour movement in Scotland, and her appointment is very welcome. We look forward to taking work forward together with women's organisations across Scotland"

• For further information please contact Ann Henderson at STUC: Tel 0141 337 8136 / 07875 208 167

Notes for editors

• The Women's National Commission is the official national body working on women’s equality in the United Kingdom. The Commission has an important offical remit within the equality machinery in the UK and works closely with its parners to ensure progress on gender equality is monitored and noted at the top of Government. It has an independent voice, bringing the informed voice of women to government, particulalry women who may not represented by mainstream organisations.

• The Government Equalities Office (GEO) is a new self-standing Department, whose mission is to put equality at the heart of Government. The GEO is responsible for the Government’s overall strategy on equality, (including a new Equality Bill and Public Service Agreement) as well as leading on women’s issues across Government, and sponsoring the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Women’s National Commission. The GEO reports to the Ministers for Women and Equality, Harriet Harman and Barbara Follett.