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Policy Advisory Group

The Policy Advisory Group was set up in 2009 to advise the EPF Board and Secretariat on policy topics prioritised by EPF’s annual general meeting and issues which, because of their complex, controversial and/or highly political nature, require detailed and in-depth discussion.

The Policy Advisory Group has become an invaluable advisory body for the EPF Board and Secretariat. The group is composed of representatives designated by member organisations of EPF. Its deliberations are a complement and a support to EPF’s broader member consultation process.

In view of the increased and complex workload of members, the EPF Board decided in 2011 to clarify the Group’s role within the EPF policy-making process, and to strengthen the link with the general membership. The responsibility areas of its members could also be made more specific to enable member organisations to focus their input on areas of particular interest and widen participation further. A revised structure and process were developed, and a call for interest on policy topics circulated. The new process will be implemented in 2012.

The Policy Advisory Group at a glance:

 Who? Currently 15 members, nominated by EPF member organisations:

  • Gunta Anca, Latvian Umbrella Body For Disability Organization (SUSTENTO)
  • Ian Banks – European Men’s Health Forum (UK)
  • Ann Marie Borg – Malta Health Network (MHN)
  • Annette Dumas - Alzheimer Europe
  • Robert Johnstone – National Voices (UK)
  • Alastair Kent - European Genetic Alliances Network (EGAN)
  • Flaminia Macchia - Eurordis
  • Hanna Milczarek – Federation of Polish Patients (FPP)
  • Rod Mitchell – European Federation of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Associations
  • Maria Navarro – Spanish Patients’ Forum
  • Raluca Nica - GAMIAN Europe
  • Sophie Peresson – International Diabetes Federation Europe (IDF)
  • Becky Purvis - Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC)
  • Roberta Savli, European Federation of Allergy and Airways Disease Patients Associations (EFA)
  • Hildrun Sundseth, European Institute of Women’s Health

When? Created by the Annual General Meeting in 2009, they meet twice a year in Brussels.

Why? In response to growing demand on EPF – growing membership, increasing complexity of health policy at EU level.

What? It supports the policy work of the EPF Secretariat and Board and complements the EPF member consultation process.