Chair – Equality and Human Rights Commission

This is an exciting time to join the Equality and Human Rights Commission. We are seeking a strong, strategic leader who will continue to develop the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and set the Commission’s overall direction to reflect its crucial role as an independent equality body and National Human Rights Institution.

The Equality Act 2006 sets out the role of the Chair as follows:

• Preside over meetings of the Board.
• Undertake functions set out in the Chair’s terms of appointment and those assigned by the Board.

The roles and responsibilities of the Chair are set out in the Commission’s Governance Manual.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the Board operates effectively, makes collegiate and inclusive decisions, and provides effective strategic leadership on matters such as:
• Formulating the Board’s strategy for discharging its statutory duties and delivering its functions, including consulting on its Strategic Plan.
• Leading the Board and, in partnership with the Chief Executive, setting the overall direction, policy and plans for the Commission.
• Encouraging high standards of propriety and promoting the efficient and effective use of resources throughout the organisation.
• Representing the views of the Board to the general public.
• Building and maintaining positive and effective working relationships with Ministers, Parliamentarians and other Senior Stakeholders, both nationally and internationally.
• Representing the Commission as a visible national champion for equality and human rights.
• Supporting Commissioners, including the Chief Executive, in undertaking their roles, including agreeing objectives and undertaking annual appraisals.
• Establishing a relationship of trust with the Chief Executive, informing him/her of key developments in a timely manner and seeking advice and support as appropriate.
• Working in partnership with the Chief Executive and other members of the Board, the Chair will have responsibility for:
• Strategic leadership of the Board in setting the overall direction, policy and plans for the Commission.
• Encouraging high standards of propriety and supporting the Chief Executive to promote the efficient and effective use of staff and other resources in the context of financial constraints; representing the EHRC in discussions with Ministers and forging strong relations with Whitehall, Parliament, and strategic partners, domestically and internationally.
• Supporting Commissioners, including the Chief Executive, in undertaking their roles, including agreeing objectives and undertaking annual appraisals.
• Raising the external profile of the EHRC, including through high-profile enforcement involving inquiries and investigations.
• Articulating a clear vision of how the EHRC can support fair and effective enforcement of the equality law in Great Britain, and working collaboratively with the Office for Equality and Opportunity to maximise the EHRC’s impact.
• As a member of the Board, the Chair shares corporate responsibility for:
• Agreeing the Commission’s strategic plan, business plan and priorities and ensuring delivery of its business plan.
• Ensuring that the Commission has proper internal controls, systems and processes in place to safeguard the use of public funds and manage risk.
• Promoting and protecting the EHRC’s position, values, mission, vision, integrity, image and reputation.
• All members of the Board collaborate with the Chair, the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team to evolve the strategic direction of the body, ensure delivery goals, and meet governance, financial management, and efficiency standards required of a public body.

Regulation of appointment

This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Person Specification

• A credible understanding of and demonstrable commitment to equality and human rights.
• The ability to lead and manage a major high‑profile organisation, including chairing the board, providing effective challenge and support to the Executive.
• An ability to exercise impartial and independent judgements that are capable of justification under close scrutiny.
• Outstanding relationship‑building and communication skills, with the ability to command respect, build networks quickly and work with and through others to achieve objectives.
• An understanding of the political landscape in Great Britain.
• A commitment to managing and developing the Commission with a diverse membership that represents often competing priorities.
• The ability to interpret financial information to provide effective challenge on the regularity and propriety of the EHRC’s spend and business activities.
• The ability to operate effectively and comfortably as an ambassador for the organisation.