• Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson confirmed as new Chair for Equality and Human Right Commission
• Dr Stephenson will begin on 1 December 2025, after current chair Baroness Falkner’s term ends on 30 November
• Dr Stephenson brings over 30 years of experience to the role

Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson has today confirmed that Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson will be appointed as the new Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

This follows a full and open competition to recruit a new chair, in line with the Governance Code for Public Appointments.

Dr Stephenson appeared in front of the Women and Equalities Committee and the Joint Committee on Human Rights on 1 July as part of a pre-appointment hearing where she was scrutinised by the committees.

Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson has over 30 years of experience working on equality and human rights issues within the UK and internationally, over 20 of these at board and CEO level. She also holds a PhD in equality law.

Positions she has held include:

• Director of the Women’s Budget Group
• Director of the Fawcett Society
• tutor and visiting lecturer at University of Warwick Law School, including international human rights, UK employment law, UK equality law
• visiting lecturer at University of Nottingham School of Law, London School of Economics and University of Wolverhampton
• consultant to equalities and human rights projects including British Council, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Trade Union Congress, and Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• Chair of Early Education and Childcare Coalition
• board member of Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC), Coventry Police and Crime Board, Just Fair, and Article 19
• Campaigns Officer at Liberty

Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson said:

Equality and opportunity are absolutely vital in improving people’s life chances and the EHRC plays an essential role in upholding and protecting our rights.

I have the utmost confidence that the depth and breadth of Dr Stephenson’s experience will allow her to run the EHRC with integrity and professionalism. I am particularly encouraged by the balance of her experience across equalities and human rights.

I look forward to working with her on our shared mission to ensure that background is no barrier to success across the  country.

Dr Stephenson said:

It is a great honour to be appointed as the new Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission at such a critical time.

I have spent over 30 years building my career across the equality and human rights sector and I am delighted to have the opportunity  to bring my  insight and experience to lead the EHRC with compassion, honesty and dedication.

I look forward to working with the Government and all stakeholders alongside my new colleagues at the EHRC to uphold equality and human rights and ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Dr Zubaida Haque, former Deputy Director and Interim Director of Runnymede Trust said: 

As the former Deputy Director and Interim Director of the Runnymede Trust during pivotal moments like the Windrush Scandal and the global Black Lives Matter protests, I know how important it is to centre the voices and experiences of Black and minority ethnic communities in public policymaking. 

Having worked closely with Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson for nearly a decade, I can say without hesitation that Dr Stephenson has a very strong understanding of race, intersectionality, and the importance of including marginalised voices in all aspects of policy and decision-making. 

We are living in uncertain political and economic times. Dr Stephenson’s extensive experience and leadership in equality and human rights is exactly what the EHRC needs right now.

Ali Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Equally Ours said:

Equally Ours has worked closely with Dr Stephenson for many years as director of the Women’s Budget Group. 

At this critical time for people’s equality and human rights, Dr Stephenson will bring to this important role the ability to address complex issues, and the commitment to seeking to find solutions that work for everyone, through integrity and constructive dialogue.

The current chair Baroness Falkner’s term is due to end on 30 November 2025. Dr Stephenson will therefore begin her position on 1 December 2025.

The government is committed to ensuring that people of all backgrounds can thrive. The EHRC plays a vital role in upholding and promoting equality and human rights across England and Wales.

The EHRC is independent of the government and makes its own enforcement decisions, including about any inquiries and investigations it decides to conduct.