About the appointment

Introduction from the Minister

Thank you for your interest in a position of Commissioner on the board of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
I am seeking an outstanding individual who can make a real contribution to the Commission’s ongoing work to promote equality and challenge discrimination and bring expertise and fresh thinking to some of the challenges in the coming months and years. These include, in particular, the operationalisation of the dedicated mechanism to oversee the commitment to no diminution of relevant rights in Northern Ireland, set out in Article 2 of the Windsor Framework.
The enclosed information will, I hope, answer many of the questions you may have about the role and work of the Commission. I will be looking to appoint an individual to this statutory appointment who can bring vision, influence and innovation to the role; someone who will work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders for the benefit of all the people of Northern Ireland.
I welcome applications from all suitably experienced individuals regardless of ethnicity, religion or belief, political opinion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability and gender. I particularly welcome applications from those with a disability, those from a black or ethnic minority background, those from the LGBT+ community, and those who have not previously held public appointments as these groups are currently under-represented. I want to encourage the widest possible pool of talent for this important appointment.
I hope that you will feel able to submit an application and, once again, thank you for your interest in this position.
THE RT HON HILARY BENN MP
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

Commissioner to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland

Skills Communication, Consumer Advocacy, Casework and Complaints Handling
Number of vacancies x 1
Time commitment x 3 day(s) per month
Remuneration x £5,000 per annum
Length of term x 3 years

Appointment 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.
Remit and responsibilities
In general terms, the Equality Commission’s statutory remit is to:
  • promote equality of opportunity and affirmative action;
  • work towards the elimination of unlawful discrimination and harassment;
  • keep relevant legislation under review;
  • promote good relations between persons of different racial groups and good disability practice; and
  • oversee the effectiveness of statutory equality duties on public authorities.
This statutory framework enables the Equality Commission to:
  • promote equality through a range of mechanisms (e.g. by providing direct advice and support to individuals and organisations);
  • produce publications and run conferences and seminars;
  • undertake research and educational activities;
  • influence policy makers;
  • assist individuals with complaints of discrimination under the law;
  • undertake investigations; and
  • use a combination of its powers to encourage and to enforce changes to policy, practices and procedures in favour of greater equality.
Structure
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 2024/25 was approximately £6.5m with around 75-80 staff delivering its annual work plan. The current Chief Executive is Louise Conlon.  If you would like more information on the ECNI you can access its website here.

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

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, people who understand 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.
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 could 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 practical understanding of the Nolan Principles including accountability and personal integrity.

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 by the closing date of 28 November 2025 at 12 noon. 
The selection panel reserves the right to only consider applications that contain all the elements listed below, and that arrive before the published deadline for applications.
For your application to be properly considered by the Selection Panel, you must upload:
  • A supporting statement of no more than 1000 words summarising your proven ability related to the essential criteria and person specification. Your statement should provide specific and detailed examples to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria (including what you did to achieve a specific result);
  • A full CV (including education and professional qualifications, career history, and relevant achievements and responsibilities).
  • Diversity / Equality Information; and
  • Information relating to any outside interests of reputational issues.
Completed applications should be submitted by the closing date of Friday 28 November 2025 at 12 noon.