Adelaide Anderson

Anderson was born in Melbourne, Australia to a Scottish family, but was raised in London.

She was a lecturer for the Women's Co-operative Guild and was offering private tuition when, in 1892, she joined the staff of the Royal Commission on Labour as a clerk.

She was appointed Her Majesty's Principal Lady Inspector of Factories in 1897, dealing with issues of health and safety, working hours and conditions.

In 1923–1924 she became a member of the Commission on Child Labour under the auspices of the Municipal Council of the International Settlement of Shanghai.

In 1931 she served on a mission for the International Labour Office to Nanking, regarding a factory inspectorate for China.