Government names preferred candidate for chair of Equality and Human Rights Commission

The proposed appointment comes at a key time for the equalities watchdog, which is grappling with the implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers concerning the definition of the words ‘man’, ‘woman’ and ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010.

Last week civil liberties organisation Liberty launched legal action against the EHRC, arguing that the watchdog breached its statutory duties by trying to rush through “sweeping changes” to its Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations, and not giving individuals and businesses a lawful amount of time to respond to a consultation.

The Office for Equality and Opportunity said 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) and Board member of Coventry Police and Crime Board.

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 two Parliamentary committees, the Women and Equalities Select Committee (WESC) and the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JHCR), 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, the Office for Equality and Opportunity stressed.

Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson 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 Baroness Falkner 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 EHRC’s consultation on its updated draft statutory code of practice for services, public functions and associations opened on 20 May and was extended to close on 30 June. The final draft code will be sent to ministers for approval before laying in Parliament.