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The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland requires a blend of expertise relevant to its work. An outstanding individual is sought to become a member of the board of the Commission, someone who understands the considerations that influence the environment in which it works and can command the confidence of all sides of the community in Northern Ireland, work constructively with others, think strategically and make clear and well informed judgements.

Role description

All Commissioners will be expected to:
  • ensure the Commission fulfils its functions in accordance with its statutory remit;
  • provide effective leadership for the staff of the Commission, define and develop the strategic direction and set challenging objectives;
  • support and assist the Chief Commissioner in developing policy and in providing strategic direction and in ensuring effective and efficient performance of the Commission’s statutory duties;
  • monitor the Commission’s performance to ensure that it fully meets its aims, objectives and performance targets; accept corporate responsibility for ensuring that the Commission complies with any statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public resources including acting in a way that promotes high standards of public finance, including the promotion of regularity, propriety and value for money;
  • assist the Chief Commissioner in ensuring that high standards of corporate governance are adhered to;
  • represent the Commission as required in public functions;
  • apply personal expertise in contributing to the work of the Commission as a whole;
  • ensure compliance with the Code of Practice for Board Members of Public Bodies;
  • appoint the Chief Executive and to ensure that his/her performance is regularly assessed against clear objectives and targets; and
  • attend Commission meetings regularly.

Organisation description

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is a non-departmental public body established by the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Its powers and duties derive from a number of statutes which have been enacted over the last decades, providing protection against discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, race, religion and political opinion, sex and sexual orientation. It also has responsibilities arising from the Northern Ireland Act 1998 in respect of the statutory equality and good relations duties which apply to public authorities.
The Commission is mandated in accordance with Article 2(1) of the Windsor Framework to oversee the UK Government’s commitment to rights and equality in Northern Ireland (NI) after UK Withdrawal from the EU.
The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is governed by a Board of Commissioners consisting of a Chief Commissioner, a Deputy Chief Commissioner and up to eighteen other Commissioners all appointed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The current Chief Commissioner is Geraldine McGahey OBE. In making appointments to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland shall as far as practicable ensure that the Commissioners, as a group, are representative of the community in Northern Ireland.
The Commissioners establish the overall strategic direction for the organisation, set the policy framework and oversee the delivery of the planned work. With the exception of the Chief Commissioner, all Commissioners are part time and are appointed for a term of up to three years.
Although appointments to the Board of Commissioners are made by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is sponsored by The Executive Office, which carries responsibilities for equality policy and legislation in the Northern Ireland Executive.
The Commission’s budget for 2022/23 was approximately £6m and it had around 80 staff delivering its annual work plan. The current Chief Executive is Amanda Logan. If you would like more information on the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland you can access its website here.

Department Sponsor

Regulation of appointment

Person specification

Essential criteria

Candidates for this role will need to demonstrate:
• that they understand the needs and interests of those affected by the Commission’s work on equality and good relations;
• that they can make a personal contribution to the strategic direction of the Commission and assist it in carrying out its functions;
• that they can build productive and respectful relationships with fellow Commissioners, colleagues and the communities which are impacted by the Commission’s work and decisions; and
• a reputation for personal integrity, professional conduct and credibility, with an exceptional sense of propriety.
For further information and to apply click HERE