Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP announced appointments to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. The changes take effect from 1 March 2026.

Benn confirmed the reappointment of Commissioners Lisa Caldwell and Stephen Mathews. He also approved a short-term extension for Deputy Chief Commissioner Neil Anderson.

New appointments include Deputy Chief Commissioner Colin Kennedy along with Commissioners Kevin Doherty and Kristel Miller.

The Equality Commission originated 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 in areas such as religion, political opinion, gender, race, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, and dependants status. The Executive Office funds and sponsors the Commission.

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