Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson will be appointed as the new chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), despite the concerns of MPs, the government has announced.

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.

The following day the chairs of the two committees, David Alton and Sarah Owen, published a joint letter expressing their concerns at Dr Stephenson’s appointment.

“It is clear that Dr Stephenson has extensive academic credibility in the field of women’s rights and has an important contribution to make to public life. However, it is with regret that we do not feel we can endorse her appointment to the role at this time. Our reasons relate to our concerns about vision and leadership, about breadth of expertise across the wide remit of the EHRC, and about rebuilding trust,” they wrote.

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.

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.”

During her career, Dr Stephenson has held the following positions:

  • 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.