Baroness O’Neill: Preferred Candidate as New Chair of the EHRC

Following a recruitment process, Cambridge academic, Baroness Onora O'Neill of Bengarve, has been selected as the Government’s preferred candidate for appointment to the role of Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). Subject to pre-appointment scrutiny, the preferred candidate would dedicate up to 2 days per week to the role, at a pro-rated salary of £130K.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Minister for Women and Equalities, Maria Miller, has written to Dr Hywel Francis Chairman of the Joint Committee on Human Rights. The Committee will now hold a pre-appointment scrutiny hearing with Baroness Onora O’Neill.

Ms Miller said: “This is a really important time for the EHRC – strong leadership is vital and the new Chair will play a crucial role in ensuring that it remains the valued and respected national institution it was always intended to be. I warmly commend Baroness Onora O’Neill to the Committee for this role.”

About Baroness O'Neill

Baroness O’Neill is currently a cross-bench peer in the House of Lords; she was a former Principal of Newnham College, Cambridge.  She holds the title of Honorary Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, University of Cambridge, and has written extensively on equality and freedom throughout her academic career and is highly regarded as a specialist on human rights. She was also the former chair of the Nuffield Foundation and was President of the British Academy from 2005-09.Baroness O’Neill is currently a cross-bench peer in the House of Lords; she was a former Principal of Newnham College, Cambridge.  She holds the title of Honorary Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, University of Cambridge, and has written extensively on equality and freedom throughout her academic career and is highly regarded as a specialist on human rights. She was also the former chair of the Nuffield Foundation and was President of the British Academy from 2005-09.