Representation on Regional/National Policy-making Bodies

Through either its chief executive, Dr Mohammed Ali OBE, or its Deputy Chief Executive, Adeeba Malik MBE, QED-UK is represented on many regional or national policy-making bodies.

Ethic Minority Business Forum — Chair

The Ethnic Minority Business Forum was established in 2000 by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as an independent, strategic advisory body to represent the views of ethnic minority business communities. It advises Government on policies and practices as they relate to ethnic minority business across England.

Advisory Board on Naturalisation and Integration — Member

The Advisory Board on Naturalisation and Integration is an independent board established by the Home Office to advise and report on the processes of initial and final assessment of understanding of language and civic structures as required by the Nationality, Immigration & Asylum Act 2002 for those seeking to become British citizens. The Board advises on ways in which existing language and citizenship education resources and support services might be developed, and on future development of study programmes.

Ethnic Minority Advisory Group — Member

The Ethnic Minority Advisory Group has been set up to provide support to the Ethnic Minority Employment Task Force and comprises representatives from education, voluntary and community groups, training providers, faith groups and employers. The two broad objectives of the Group are to ensure the support of stakeholders including representatives from the voluntary sector and employers, many of whom are potential delivery partners and to ensure that the findings of the Strategy Unit report and the work of the EMAG are properly publicised and receive an appropriate level of media coverage.

National Clinical Assessment Authority Equality and Diversity Forum — Member

The National Clinical Assessment Authority supports the NHS by providing an advisory and assessment service which can respond to any performance concerns that are raised. The Equality and Diversity Forum is a sub-group that ensures equality and diversity issues are fully covered in the NCAA's remit.

Women and Work Commission — Member

The Women and Work Commission was set up by the Prime Minister in 2004 to carry out an independent review of the gender pay gap and other issues affecting women's employment. The Commission published its report, Shaping a Fairer Future, in February 2006. The report proposed a range of practical ideas on how to close the gender pay and opportunities gap.

The Waterways Trust — Member

The Waterways Trust works with others to improve Britain's canals and rivers so that they are cared for and enjoyed by people from all walks of life. It strives to realise the social, economic, educational and environmental benefits of Britain's waterways through waterway regeneration, conservation, recreation, community, arts and education projects.

BBC Northern Forum — Member

The BBC's Northern Forum has been established to develop relationships with future partners and to help maximise across the North of England the impact of the BBC's proposal to move some BBC areas to a new media centre in Salford.

National Consumer Council Advisory Group — Member

For 30 years the National Consumer Council has been achieving a better deal for consumers by researching consumer need, outlining the best result, and lobbying decision-makers with practical solutions.

Advisory Groups on Faiths — Member

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations established Advisory Groups on Faiths to encourage Government agencies, nationally, regionally and locally, to engage in partnership with faith-based organisations, and to work for social cohesion across faith communities. QED is a member of NCVO.

Bradford University School of Management Advisory Board — Member

Bradford University School of Management (formerly Bradford Management Centre) is one of Europe’s oldest university business schools, founded in 1963, and has an international reputation in management education, training and research.

Yorkshire Institute of Directors Board — Diversity Officer

The Institute of Directors supports, represents and sets standards for company directors. It also explores issues which are of most concern to business, drawing substantially on members' experience and representing the interests of the business community to all levels of government.

Other bodies on which QED-UK has recently been represented

• British Waterways
• Yorkshire Forward (Regional Development Agency)
• Prescription Pricing Authority
• National Clinical Assessment Authority
• Bradford University Council
• West Yorkshire Learning & Skilss Council
• Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO)