- Six new commissioners appointed to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
- New commissioners have a wealth of experience in promoting human rights and a fairer society.
- Appointments will support EHRC’s vital work to enforce equality laws and protect human rights across Great Britain.
The Minister for Women and Equalities has appointed 6 new commissioners to the EHRC Board.
The new commissioners announced today bring a wealth of experience to the EHRC Board in promoting human rights and a fairer society. This includes leadership of national charities and corporate and public sectors, as well as influential roles in law and policy.
The appointments will support EHRC to regulate equality law in Great Britain, uphold human rights in England and Wales and make its own decisions on enforcement and investigations.
Bridget Phillipson MP, the Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities, said
Fairness and equality are at the heart of this Government’s work, and the EHRC plays a crucial role in promoting these values.
I am pleased to welcome the new commissioners to the Board. Their breadth of experience will be invaluable in the EHRC’s work as Britain’s independent equality and human rights regulator.
The newly-appointed EHRC Commissioners are
- Martyn Jones JP DL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at South Wales Police and Interim Chair of the EHRC Wales Committee. A Deputy Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan, he was previously CEO of Learning Disability Wales, CEO of Diverse Cymru, and a Presiding Justice.
- David Carrigan Has over 25 years of experience in equality, human rights, and social mobility across sectors including housing, policing, media, and technology. Roles include Group Director at Sky, Director at Live Nation, and leadership positions at Citizens Advice and the Homes and Communities Agency.
- Polly Neate A cross-bench peer in the House of Lords. She is a coach and strategic advisor. Formerly, she was CEO of Shelter and Women’s Aid. Polly has experience in housing, homelessness, and women’s issues. She is a trustee for the Young Women’s Trust and Women in Sport.
- Jemima Olchawski Executive Director of Social Impact at Mind. Formerly CEO of the Fawcett Society and CEO of Agenda, she served as a member of the Ministry of Justice’s Advisory Board on Female Offenders and led the campaign for the Workers Protection Act.
- Sunder Katwala Has over 25 years of experience in think tanks, journalism, and publishing. He is the Director of British Future, a charity and think tank focused on identity, race, and immigration. He previously led the Fabian Society and worked at The Observer and Foreign Policy Centre.
- Susan Kemp An international lawyer and adviser with experience at the Scottish Human Rights Commission. Her background includes work with the UN, civil society, and international organisations on rule of law and human rights issues.
On 3 November 2025, the Minister for Women and Equalities launched a full, open recruitment campaign for at least 4 commissioners.
Martyn Jones JP DL will continue to chair the Wales Committee. The minister is continuing to work with the devolved governments to recruit a permanent Wales Commissioner.
Alasdair Henderson has had his term extended by 12 months until 26 April 2027. He will undertake the role of Scotland Commissioner while longer-term recruitment for this role is ongoing.
The new commissioners have begun their terms, except Susan Kemp and Polly Neate, who will join the Board on 1 November to stagger term dates. Ali Harris and Shazia Choudhry have had their terms as interim commissioners extended to 2 years.
EHRC is an independent non-departmental public body. They are sponsored by the Office for Equality and Opportunity in the Cabinet Office.