The WI (National Federation of Women's Institutes)

21/08/2026

A little something lovely for book lovers and flower fans...

After the incredible response to the WI Diary 2027, we've expanded the collection with two delightful accessories featuring artwork by WI member Paula Milner, aka The Crafty Lass

✨ Genuine leather bookmark
🌼 Leather daisy keyring

Beautifully crafted and inspired by nature, they're perfect as a treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift for a fellow WI member.

Shop the collection today.

20/08/2026

We are currently recruiting for a Head of Innovation to lead our Innovation team.

£62,151 (London)
£53,459 (Outer London)
Hybrid, with one day a week at our London, Oxfordshire or Wales office

Leading innovation across the organisation, you will be responsible for developing and delivering a strategy to grow our movement, to increase our membership and reach whilst ensuring we continue to reflect the needs and aspirations of women. You will oversee research into women’s evolving needs and preferences, whilst testing approaches with new external audiences to maximise our relevance, diversity and inclusivity.
At the same time, you will actively embed innovation into strategy and decision-making in all areas, constantly find new ways to reach underrepresented women and build a wealth of data to support your recommendations. You will lead transformation across the organisation by championing change, creativity and a forward-thinking strategy that ensures the continued growth for the WI.

How to apply:
For further information about this Head of Innovation role, please download the recruitment pack which includes the job description and person specification: https://www.thewi.org.uk/jobs/head-of-innovation

Closing date:
Thursday 3 September 2026

Interview dates:
First round (virtual): 11 September 2026
Second round (in-person): 15 September 2026

19/08/2026

📖✨ Something to Look Forward To...

The WI Diary 2027 has already become an instant bestseller, with members getting organised and planning ahead for next year!

Featuring an exclusive new cover design by WI member and refreshed with colour-coded pages throughout, it's a stylish update to the trusted diary WI members know and love.

Haven't seen it yet? Now's the perfect time to discover what everyone's talking about.

🎁 Doing a bulk order? Use code WIDIARY27 to receive 20% off orders of 20 or more diaries.

Shop now and get ahead for 2027!

19/08/2026

We welcome the Prime Minister's commitment to offer all rough sleepers housing over Christmas. WI members are calling for action to support homeless women through our new campaign, launching soon.

Vulnerable women are often invisible in official figures because they rarely sleep rough. Many spend nights walking, sofa surfing, or remaining with abusive partners rather than sleeping on the streets. The first step must be to count everyone experiencing homelessness.

We are encouraging WI members to write to their local council and urge them to participate in the Rough Sleeping Women's Census. Find out more about the census at Women’s Rough Sleeping Census - Solace Womens Aid and you can contact the Public Affairs team for a letter you can send to your local council.

Contact us at [email protected]

Photo - Solace Women's Aid

Crisis Action

19/08/2026

Register for Restart a Heart Live

The annual public awareness live-stream event Restart a Heart Live is back on 1 October 2026. It aims to offer CPR familiarisation to as many people as possible by live streaming sessions to living rooms, classrooms and workplaces. Delivered by Resuscitation Council UK, Save a Life Cymru and other partners, the goal is to train one million people across the UK by 2027.

To join the event, register your interest at www.restartaheart.live so that you can receive email updates and reminders of the event and also the live link on 1 October. You can register as an individual, family or community group. A timetable of events will be available closer to the time.

Earlier this year, NFWI-Wales and Save a Life Cymru launched a CPR video for members. The video is available to watch here: https://www.thewi.org.uk/wi-in-wales/campaigns/bystanders-can-be-lifesavers

Please help us share the video widely.

Achub Bywyd Cymru / Save a Life Cymru

18/08/2026

Only 2 weeks left to submit your resolution!

This is your chance to highlight an issue you are concerned about and put forward your ideas about what you would like to see the WI campaign on from next year.

You can find the submission form, and all the information you need about the resolution process here: https://mywi.thewi.org.uk/public-affairs-and-campaigns/news-and-actions/submit-a-resolution-make-a-change-202627

The deadline for submissions to be sent to your federation is 1 September. Get in touch with us if you need more info - [email protected]

18/08/2026

"I saw a really loving, supportive and nurturing group, and I wanted to be part of that."

Discover the inspiring story of the mighty women of EXEtraordinary WI, part of Devon Federation, in the latest issue of The WI Magazine.

Read more on page 37, available in print and online via My WI.

Not a member? Click the link to find your nearest WI and discover a welcoming community - https://www.thewi.org.uk/join-and-support-us



Photo: Emma Stoner

14/08/2026

We’re proud to have co-signed this open letter calling on Andy Burnham to speak clearly and decisively about the climate crisis. As communities across the UK experience extreme heat, drought and wildfires, leadership means naming the challenge and accelerating the solutions.

This aligns closely with our work across the environmental sector and through the Climate Ambassadors programme, where we support the next generation to understand climate challenges and become part of creating a more sustainable future.
Women have a long history of giving nature a voice, from grassroots environmental action to global movements for climate justice. We know that when people are empowered to lead, educate and advocate, positive change follows.

That's why we're standing with organisations across the country in calling for honest conversations, bold action and a future where both people and nature can thrive.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/14/green-groups-urge-andy-burnham-to-break-silence-on-climate-crisis

More than 50 organisations say PM urgently needs to show leadership and prepare British people for scale of change needed as UK struggles through another heatwave

14/08/2026

🎨 Need a little creative inspiration?

Whether you're filling a sketchbook with new ideas or picking up a paintbrush for a relaxing afternoon, there's nothing quite like making time for creativity.

From art books and stationery to creative resources designed to inspire your next project, the WI Shop has plenty to help you explore your artistic side and try something new.

So find a quiet moment, clear a space on the table and let your imagination take over.

Browse our creative collection here - https://shop.thewi.org.uk/collections/craft

12/08/2026

Slow down, savour the season, and discover the joy of nature's sweetest treasures with our August Book of the Month: Fruit Harvesting by Sara Bir.

This charmingly illustrated pocket guide celebrates the simple pleasure of fruit foraging, teaching readers where, when, and how to harvest fruit throughout the year. From gathering etiquette and seasonal tips to creative ways to use your haul, Fruit Harvesting is packed with practical advice and inspiring projects.

Learn how to turn your findings into delicious syrups, fruit leather, or even homemade ink, or simply enjoy berries fresh from the branch on a sunny day. 🌿

A gentle reminder that the best things in life can't be rushed, this delightful guide encourages us to appreciate nature's bounty at its peak.