New equality commissioners appointed

By Sunil Peck

The Chair of the National Centre for Independent Living has been appointed to the Equality and Human Rights Committee, the government has announced.

Mike Smith was one of the first appointees to the EHRC Disability Committee where he has led on legal matters, including the Equality Bill and social care. He now moves up to become a full commissioner.

Nine other commissioners have been appointed to the EHRC with backgrounds in minority issue strands, including Jean Irvine, a trustee and director of RADAR and Stephen Alambritis who was a commissioner with the Disability Rights Commission.

Announcing the new appointments, Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality, said: "Each one brings a wealth of experience, and the new team will be vital in taking forward support for the Equality Bill."

Mike Smith said that he was looking forward to taking up his post and working with the other commissioners to achieve greater equality.

He said: "I consider this appointment a privilege, and it is something that I am very enthusiastic about and am keen to do well. The Commission's work on advancing disability rights in the UK is especially important to me, and I'm keen to work with a range of stakeholders to achieve this."

The appointees will take up their posts in December for a three year term.