Amanda Ariss became Chief Executive of the Equality and Diversity Forum, the network of national equality and human rights organisations, in September 2008. As EDF’s Chief Executive, Amanda is a member of the Government Equality Office Senior Stakeholder Group on the Equality Bill, the National Institute for Health Programme Advisory Board, and of Advisory Group for the Public Services Trust’s Equality and Cohesion project. She also contributed to one of the working committees that supported Professor Sir Michael Marmot’s Review of Health Inequalities.

Until October 2007, Amanda was Head of Policy and Research at the Equal Opportunities Commission where she was closely involved in the creation of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and led the launch of the gender equality duty. During her time with the EOC she also led their work on the gender pay gap, work life balance, pensions and women’s participation in public life. After leaving the EOC, Amanda took nine months off to travel. Before joining the EOC Amanda was an Associate Director of the Audit Commission and worked in local government for 11 years.

In a private capacity she is a Trustee of the YWCA and of Brook London. She holds degrees in English and Politics.