The government's preferred candidate for the new chair of the
independent Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has been
identified as Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson. This follows a full and
open competition to recruit a new chair, in line with the
Governance Code for Public Appointments.
The current chair Baroness Kishwer Falkner's term is due to end
on 30 November 2025, after being extended an additional year to
provide stability while a full recruitment campaign was
undertaken.
Dr Stephenson will appear before WESC and JCHR as part of
pre-appointment hearings. The committees will provide advice to
ministers before she is formally appointed.
The appointment of Dr Stephenson will not impact the timelines or
process for the updated statutory code of practice for services
currently being developed by the EHRC.
Minister for Women and Equalities said:
This government is clear that equality and opportunity are at the
heart of our programme of national renewal.
With the depth of her expertise in human rights and equality, Dr
Stephenson is exceptionally suited to leading the EHRC and
ensuring it continues to uphold the equalities framework in this
country.
I want to thank for her continued work
throughout this time.
Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson said:
I am honoured to be named the Government's preferred candidate to
be the new chair for the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
The EHRC plays an integral role in protecting and advancing
equalities and I am deeply committed to furthering this work as
chair. With over 30 years working on equalities and human rights,
I am confident that I will bring a breadth of experience and
insight to the role.
I look forward to working with the team in the EHRC as well as
stakeholders and the government to ensure equalities are upheld
and all people are treated with respect and dignity.
The government is committed to ensuring that people of all
backgrounds can thrive. The EHRC plays a vital role in upholding
and promoting equality and human rights across England and Wales.
The EHRC is independent of the government and makes its own
enforcement decisions, including about any inquiries and
investigations it decides to conduct.
The EHRC has launched a consultation on its updated
draft statutory code of practice for services, public functions
and associations. This opened on 20 May and will close on 30
June. The final draft code will be sent to ministers for approval
before laying in Parliament.
Notes to editors
Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson has 30 years of experience working on
equality and human rights issues within the UK and
internationally, over 20 of these at Board and CEO level. She
also holds a PhD in equality law.
Positions she has held include:
- Director of the Women's Budget Group
- Director of the Fawcett Society
- Chair of Early Education and Childcare Coalition
- Board member of Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre
(CRASAC)
- Board member of Coventry Police and Crime Board
