Issue 36 March 2007 - Update on Commission for Equality and Human Rights

With the day to "doors open" at the new Commission for Equalities and Human Rights ("CEHR'') getting ever nearer, there have been some significant developments in the last few months.

In December, the Secretary of State for Communities announced the names of the Deputy Chair (Margaret Prosser), the Chief Executive (Dr Nicola Brewer) and the first nine Commissioners.

Margaret Prosser has been a lifelong campaigner for equal rights and is currently Chair of the Women's National Commission. Dr Nicola Brewer is a senior career diplomat who has dedicated much of her working career towards organisational changes within the international development sector. She has a track record of transformation leadership and delivering improvements through business planning and advising on corporate governance. Dr Brewer will take up her new post in March 2007.

The nine Commissioners are:

-Kay Allen-Diversity Manager BskyB

-Dame Jane Campbell-Health and Social Care Policy Adviser

-Kay Carberry-Assistant General Secretary TUC

-Sally Greengross-Chief Executive, International Longevity Centre

- Francesca Klug-Professional Research Fellow, Human Rights Centre, LSE

-Ziauddin Sardar- Writer and Academic

-Ben Summerskill-Chief Executive of Stonewall

-Neil Wooding-Director, Public Service Management Wales, Welsh Assembly Government.

The appointment of a Scottish Commissioner is soon expected, as well as announcements on up to five other Commissioner posts.

In other developments, the Chair of the CEHR attended a special devolution briefing in Glasgow at the end of January. The briefing was attended by key stakeholders from Scotland, \'Vales and Northern Ireland, and enabled the Chair to hear presentations from the Scotland Equalities Co-ordinating Group, examples of best practice from Northern Ireland and to participate in discussions regarding the way in which CEHR should operate in a devolved context.