The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is Britain’s national equality body and a United Nations recognised ‘A’ status National Human Rights Institution (NHRI). It upholds the Equality Act, and people’s human rights, working without fear or favour. It uses the full force of its legal powers to defend people from unfair or unequal treatment and to challenge breaches of the law.

The focus of the Wales Committee is on making the most of the opportunities presented by devolution and Wales’ distinctive legislative and policy framework, to progress equality and human rights for the people of Wales.

The role of the Wales Committee is set out in statute in the UK Equality Act 2006. The Committee advises the Commission on delivering its functions in line with the Act.

The Wales Committee is responsible for:

• Overseeing and guiding the work of the Commission in Wales
• Advising the Commission on how its policies and programmes affect people living in Wales.
• Contributing a Welsh perspective to the Commission’s strategic and business plans.
• Advising the Welsh Government on all matters relating to the equality and human rights implications of legislation that, in the opinion of the Commission, affect only Wales, in line with our statutory obligations under the Equality Act 2006.

Committee members are non-executives. They bring added value to the work of the Commission in Wales by scrutinising the work in Wales and advising the Board of the Commission on matters as they affect Wales. Committee members bring their own individual and distinctive voice to the Commission but are not representatives for any specific issue.

Our Wales Committee Members play a key role in strategy, business planning, scrutiny of impact reports, and reviewing proposals or papers in order to advise on the Welsh context. They:

• Support the Wales Commissioner/Chair of the Wales Committee in their interaction with the Chair and Commissioners of the Board and with the Chief Executive and officers of the Commission.
• Contribute to the process of advising the Welsh Government about the equality and human rights impact of legislation affecting Wales.
• Contribute to the development of the Commission’s Strategic and Business plans, to ensure the Wales context is reflected.
• Help to shape the delivery of the Commission’s priorities in Wales.
• Represent the Commission in Wales as agreed with the Wales. Commissioner/Chair of the Wales Committee, including stakeholder and community engagement activity.
• Engage with other Committees in the Commission to learn or contribute, as agreed with the Wales Commissioner/Chair of the Wales Committee.
• Are ambassadors for the Commission and its work, sharing its findings and reports and helping to foster good relations by helping bring people together to listen and learn.

Always adhere to the roles, obligations and procedures set out in the Commission’s Governance Manual and Code of Conduct for Commissioners and Committee Members, upholding the Nolan seven principles of public life.

To view the full candidate pack for these appointments, please follow this link.

Being a Committee Member offers you a unique opportunity. You will work with dedicated and expert colleagues to influence the equality and human rights agenda in Wales, supporting the important work of our Board of Commissioners and the wider Commission.

We are looking for two new Committee Members to bring new insights and constructive challenge to the Commission’s work.

To ensure we have the right balance of skills and expertise across the Committee, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with experience of operating at a senior level in the business or academic/research sectors. Expertise in quantitative or qualitative research methodology, legal or regulatory expertise and experience in governance will be additional valuable skills, as will a good understanding of the culture and context of North Wales.

Essential Criteria

• Significant experience of operating at a senior level in a relevant sector or business, with experience of regulation being an additional benefit.
• Proven knowledge of the context of equality and human rights across Britain, and particularly in Wales.
• Practical understanding of the social, economic, cultural, legal and political context in Wales.
• An excellent understanding of, and commitment to, good governance, including confidentiality and collective responsibility. Prior experience as a non-executive or Trustee is desirable.
• Proven ability to work impartially and non-politically, in a sensitive and sometimes politically charged policy agenda.
• Ability to assimilate complex information and participate fully in Committee deliberations and strategic debate across the whole range of the Commission’s work.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively, identify key issues, and reach balanced conclusions.
• Ability to work in partnership and engage with a wide range of people and organisations in Wales to promote and explain the work of the Commission.
• Confident technology skills, comfortable across multiple online and virtual applications and channels.

This role is remunerated (£250 per day) plus reasonable expenses, as agreed by the Commission. Board meetings are held quarterly. In total the time commitment for the role will be between 12 days.

Equality & Diversity

The Commission is proud of its respectful workplace that values the contribution of our people, whatever their background. They do not tolerate discrimination or harassment. Recruitment decisions are based on fair, open competition, with appointment on merit. We welcome applications from everyone to ensure we achieve a balanced representation on our committees.

It is important that the Wales Committee can demonstrate that it is diverse in its thought, experience and ability to carry out its work. We would welcome applications from those who help to keep our Wales Committee broad and diverse.

Disability Confident Leader

As a Disability Confident Leader, the Equality and Human Rights Commission offers an interview for disabled people (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) and who meet the minimum criteria for the appointment.  

Where high numbers of applications are received, only the candidates that best meet the essential criteria for the role may be invited to interview. If you wish to apply for consideration under this scheme, please complete the relevant form provided with the appointment brief. This will enable us to make the appropriate arrangements, if necessary.

Reasonable adjustments

If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment and selection process, please contact us at edward.elliott@nurole.com.