Human rights watchdog faces internal turmoil over gender guidance
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is experiencing significant internal disruption as political wrangling delays crucial guidance on single-sex spaces following April's landmark Supreme Court ruling. Staff at the human rights body describe being 'desperate for regime change' amid concerns the impasse is diverting attention from other critical issues, including the growing threat of far-right extremism.
Leadership transition compounds uncertainty
The commission awaits the arrival of new chair Mary-Ann Stephenson in December, while current chair Lady Kishwer Falkner prepares to depart on 30 November. The timing coincides with the departure of deputy chair Lesley Sawers and commissioner Joanne Cash, leaving the EHRC with just eight commissioners - dangerously close to becoming non-functional. An insider revealed: 'We're at risk of not being quorate or functional soon. I understand the tactic but not much use if we can't do any work until they get recruitment sorted.'
Political pressure mounts on both sides
Equalities minister Bridget Phillipson maintains the government is 'taking the time to get this right', denying accusations of deliberate delays in approving the guidance. Meanwhile, Labour backbenchers and equality experts see the appointment of up to four new board members as an opportunity to broaden the commission's perspective, potentially including its first trans commissioner. One Labour MP emphasised: 'We need commissioners with real world experience of the issues they grapple with.'
Campaign group For Women Scotland, which brought the original case leading to the Supreme Court ruling, warns that bureaucratic delays are obscuring the fundamental legal reality. Susan Smith of the organisation urged ministers to 'stop prevaricating', noting that during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, women's rights to dignity, privacy and safety must remain paramount.
Stonewall CEO Simon Blake described the leadership transition as a chance to 'rebuild an EHRC that re-establishes fairness, balance, and respect at its core', highlighting the particular vulnerability of trans people during this period of uncertainty. The EHRC maintains that its commissioner appointments follow standard public appointment processes and bring necessary diversity to uphold rights for all people in Britain, including trans individuals.
