Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn announced new appointments to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, effective 1 March 2026.

Benn reappointed commissioners Lisa Caldwell and Stephen Mathews. He extended the term of deputy chief commissioner Neil Anderson for a short period. New deputy chief commissioner Colin Kennedy joins the commission, along with commissioners Kevin Doherty and Kristel Miller.

The Equality Commission started in 1999 under the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement. It assumed duties from the Fair Employment Commission, Equal Opportunities Commission, Council for Racial Equality, and Northern Ireland Disability Council.

Public authorities in Northern Ireland must promote equality of opportunity based on religion, political opinion, gender, race, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, and dependants. The commission oversees compliance with this requirement. The Executive Office provides funding and sponsorship.

Appointments followed merit-based selection under the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Appointees declared no political activity in the past five years. The process adheres to Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments regulations.