Reappointments to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
Secretary of State, Owen Paterson MP, today announced the re-appointment of 7 Commissioners to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
Secretary of State, Owen Paterson MP, today announced the re-appointment of 7 Commissioners to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. He also announced an extension to the term of office of Bob Collins as Chief Commissioner.
Owen Paterson said:
The Equality Commission under the leadership of Chief Commissioner Bob Collins plays a vital role in protecting and promoting equality for everyone in Northern Ireland’s diverse society.
I am pleased to make these re-appointments to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and would thank Commissioners for the effectiveness and cohesion that they have shown throughout their first term. I am also very grateful to the Chief Commissioner, Bob Collins, who has agreed to remain in office for a short period to allow time for the completion of a process to appoint a new Chief Commissioner.
Bob Collins appointment as Chief Commissioner has been extended for a further 6 months; with Jane Morrice, Kit Chivers, Norman Trotter, Stella Burnside, Murray Watt, Patricia Feeney and Charo Lanao re-appointed as Commissioners for a further three years.
Notes to Editors
Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
The Equality Commission was established in 1999, as part of the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. It took over the functions of the Fair Employment Commission, Equal Opportunities Commission, Council for Racial Equality and Northern Ireland Disability Council.
The Equality Commission is responsible for policing the Statutory Duty on all public authorities in Northern Ireland to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity across a range of areas including religion, political opinion, gender, race, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability and those with and without dependants.
Terms of appointment
Appointments are made in line with Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments regulations.
The Chief Commissioner was first appointed on 1 August 2005 and is in his second term of office.
The seven Commissioners were all appointed on 1 August 2008, serving an initial 3 year term.
The Commissioners’ second term will last for 3 years and will be on a part time basis.
The Chief Commissioner’s extension will be for 6 months.