The equality watchdog will introduce a new group of high-profile spokespeople to each speak for one of the minorities the body is meant to represent – meaning chief Trevor Phillips will lose authority over the views promoted, the Times has learned.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is set to restructure, possibly to adopt a model used by the Australian Human Rights Commission, with a senior figure to lead each of its activities, including race, gender, gay rights and disability. Currently, Phillips, who has been heavily criticised for his leadership style, has prominence over all equality issues.
A less radical plan being considered would involve appointing senior figures as an official contact on each issue internally.
The EHRC was set up less than three years ago, merging the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Commission for Racial Equality and the Disability Rights Commission.
Six of the body’s 17 commissioners resigned this year, most of them in the past month after Phillips was reappointed by deputy leader of the Labour Party Harriet Harman for another three-year term.
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