Geraldine McGahey

Lisa Caldwell and Stephen Mathews are joining the statutory body, while Neil Anderson, Duane Farrell, Jarlath Kearney and Carmel McKinney have been reappointed for a further three years.

Chief commissioner Geraldine McGahey OBE said: “I welcome the appointment of Lisa Caldwell and Stephen Mathews, and I look forward to working with both Lisa and Stephen, whose experience and expertise will be of great value to Commission.

“I welcome the reappointment of Neil Anderson, Duane Farrell, Jarlath Kearney and Carmel McKinney who have made a great contribution to our work to date and I am confident that they will maintain the commitment and enthusiasm they have shown in working to advance a more equal and inclusive Northern Ireland.”

Ms McGahey also paid tribute to the two commissioners, Helen Ferguson and Deepa Mann-Kler, who retire on reaching the end of their term of office.

She said: “The Commission has benefited greatly from their knowledge and expertise, as well as their professionalism and commitment to addressing inequalities and championing equality throughout their tenure. I wish them well for the future.

“I look forward to working with the new Board of Commissioners promoting equality of opportunity and challenging discrimination.”