*Closes 11th December*

This is an exciting time to join the Equality and Human Rights Commission. We are seeking a strong, strategic leader who will continue to develop the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and set the Commission’s overall direction to reflect its crucial role as an independent equality body and National Human Rights Institution.
The Equality Act 2006 sets out the role of the Chair as follows:
  • preside over meetings of the Board; and
  • undertake functions set out in his/her terms of appointment and those assigned to him/her by the Board.

The roles and responsibilities of the Chair are set out in the Commission’s Governance Manual.

The Chair has responsibility for ensuring the Board operates effectively, makes collegiate and inclusive decisions, and provides effective strategic leadership on matters such as:
  • formulating the Board’s strategy for discharging its statutory duties and delivering its functions, including consulting on its Strategic plan;
  • leading the Board and, in partnership with the Chief Executive, setting the overall direction, policy and plans for the Commission;
  • encouraging high standards of propriety and promoting the efficient and effective use of resources throughout the organisation;
  • representing the views of the Board to the general public;
  • building and maintaining positive and effective working relationships with Ministers, Parliamentarians and other Senior Stakeholders, both nationally and internationally;
  • representing the Commission as a visible national champion for equality and human rights;
  • supporting Commissioners, including the Chief Executive, in undertaking their roles, including agreeing objectives, and undertaking annual appraisals; and
  • establishing a relationship of trust with the Chief Executive, informing him/her of key developments in a timely manner and seeking advice and support as appropriate.

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) – Chair

Time commitment x 2 day(s) per week

Remuneration x £500 per day

Length of term x 4 years

  • Working in partnership with the Chief Executive, and other members of the Board, the Chair will have responsibility for:
    • strategic leadership of the Board in setting the overall direction, policy and plans for the Commission
    • encouraging high standards of propriety and supporting the Chief Executive to promote the efficient and effective use of staff and other resources in the context of financial constraints; representing the EHRC in discussions with Ministers and forging strong relations with Whitehall, Parliament, and various strategic partners, domestically and internationally;
    • supporting Commissioners, including the Chief Executive, in undertaking their roles, including agreeing objectives and undertaking annual appraisals;
    • raising the external profile of the EHRC; including through high-profile enforcement involving inquiries and investigations;
    • articulating a clear vision of how the EHRC can support fair and effective enforcement of the equality law in Great Britain, and working collaboratively with the Office for Equality and Opportunity to maximise the EHRC’s impact.
  • In addition, as a member of the Board, the Chair shares corporate responsibility for:
    • agreeing the Commission’s strategic plan, business plan and priorities and ensuring delivery of its business plan;
    • ensuring that the Commission has proper internal controls, systems and processes in place to safeguard the use of public funds and manage risk; and
    • promoting and protecting the EHRC’s position, values, mission, vision, integrity, image and reputation.
  • Whilst the Chair has overall responsibility for the performance of the Board, all members of the Board have an important individual and collective role in working with the Chair, the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team to evolve the strategic direction of the body, to ensure delivery goals, and to ensure that it fulfils the governance, financial management, and efficiency standards required of it as a public body.

Organisation description

The EHRC is Britain’s independent equality and human rights regulator and has been awarded an ‘A’ status as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) by the United Nations. Its role is to help make Britain fairer and it achieves this by safeguarding and enforcing the laws that protect people’s rights to fairness, dignity and respect.
As a statutory non-departmental public body established by the Equality Act 2006, the Commission operates independently. It has a unique role enforcing anti-discrimination law and helping individuals who are bringing claims of discrimination, harassment or victimisation under the Act. It aims to be a centre of excellence for evidence, analysis and equality and human rights law and an essential point of contact for policy makers, public bodies and business.
The EHRC uses its unique powers to challenge discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and protect human rights.
For further information about the Commission, please visit its website at www.equalityhumanrights.com.

Board composition

The Board currently comprises 11 Members. Members of the Board are listed below and biographical information for each Board Member can be found on the EHRC’s website.
  • Baroness Falkner (Chair)
  • Dr Lesley Sawers OBE (Scotland Commissioner and Deputy Chair)
  • John Kirkpatrick (Chief Executive)
  • Jessica Butcher
  • David Goodhart
  • Keith Richards
  • Su-Mei Thompson
  • Akua Reindorf KC
  • Kunle Olulode
  • Joanne Cash
  • Alasdair Henderson
  • Keith Richards
The Board has a strategic oversight role. It does not directly manage the Commission’s operations, but delegates that role to the CEO and the Commission’s staff. It holds the CEO and the staff to account by monitoring performance against the Commission’s strategic priorities and ensuring that resources are being used to good effect.
Further information on the EHRC and its activities, including its most recent annual report, can be found on the EHRC’s website.

Regulation of appointment

This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website 

Person specification

Essential criteria

  • A credible understanding of and demonstrable commitment to equality and human rights;
  • The ability to lead and manage a major high-profile organisation, including chairing the board, providing effective challenge and support to the Executive;
  • An ability to exercise impartial and independent judgements that are capable of justification under close scrutiny;
  • Outstanding relationship building and communication skills, with the ability to command respect, build networks quickly and work with and through others to achieve objectives

Desirable criteria

  • An understanding of the political landscape in Great Britain;
  • A commitment to managing and developing the Commission with a diverse membership that represents often competing priorities;
  • The ability to interpret financial information to provide effective challenge on the regularity and propriety of the EHRC’s spend and business activities;
  • The ability to operate effectively and comfortably as an ambassador for the organisation.

How to Apply

In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.

Once you are logged into your account, click on ‘apply for this role’ and follow the on-screen instructions. To apply, all candidates are required to provide:

  • a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • a supporting statement
  • equality information
  • information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.

You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.