Public Affairs

Sue Bentley

Vice Chair and Trustee and Sub Committee Chair

Public Affairs: Campaigning for a Better Society

Public Affairs encompasses the campaigns led by WI members on issues that impact our society. All our campaigns are democratically chosen through our Resolutions system, where individual members propose and vote on key topics.

As the UK’s largest women’s organization, the WI has a powerful voice. Our members use their collective strength to lobby MPs, raise public awareness, and influence policy change. Since our first resolution on October 24th, 1918—calling for sanitary and convenient housing—WI resolutions have driven change on a broad range of social issues, from education and environmental concerns to current campaigns on dental health, climate change, and ADHD in women.

Meet Our Public Affairs Team

Our dedicated committee members bring expertise and passion to key areas:

🔹 Resolutions Officer – Jill Kitchen
Jill supports the Resolutions process by organising talks, meetings, and visits to help members understand the issues up for debate. She also collects, counts, and submits votes, and guides and supports members who wish to propose their own resolutions.

🔹 Science Officer – Dr. Karen Glendining
Karen’s passion for science drives engaging educational events, talks, and visits. True to WI tradition, she often incorporates a delightful lunch or afternoon tea into these outings.

🔹 Lead Climate Ambassador – Evelyn Glarvey
Evelyn leads Cheshire’s committed team of Climate Ambassadors, offering training and resources to help WI members take action on climate change. Their annual Green Dot Day provides representatives with ideas to bring back to their WIs. The team also represents CFWI at major events like the Manchester Green Summit. Learn more at fightclimatechange.org.uk.

A Team with Purpose

Our committee members champion a variety of causes:

• Professor Carrie de Silva – A semi-retired academic lawyer and historian with a passion for women’s history, providing educational talks and events on both legal topics and history.
• Viv Gee – A lifelong supporter of older adults, ensuring WI events promote quality of life and wellbeing.
• Zeta Emmett – A strong voice for social campaigns, leading initiatives and lobbying on many issues including clean water, environmental issues and gender rights.

At the helm is Sue Bentley MBE, our Chair, a WI member for over 20 years and a firm believer in the positive change our organisation can achieve.

Together, we are a force for good—raising awareness, shaping policy, and making a difference in communities across Cheshire and beyond.

Events

‘Sal Est Vita’ (Salt is Life) Lion Salt Works Tour & Lunch: Wednesday 16th September 2026 10.30am-2.30pm: Marston, Northwich CW9 6ES: Apply by Tuesday 4th August 2026

Celebrate World Rivers Day Sunday 27th September 2026: Litter Pick Along the Bridgewater Canal: 11am Norton Priory Car Park