PRESS RELEASE : New EHRC commissioner appointed [January 2023]

• Minister for Women and Equalities appoints a new commissioner to the Equality and Human Rights Commission Board
• With a track record of promoting women’s rights and freedom of expression, Joanne Cash brings experience and expertise to the equality regulator
• The appointment follows the addition of Kunle Olulode MBE and Arif Ahmed MBE to the board last month.

Joanne Cash will support the EHRC, using her expertise and experience to advise on its important work promoting equality and human rights across the UK.

Minister for Women and Equalities and Trade Secretary, Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP, said:

“Under Baroness Falkner, the EHRC plays a vital role in informing and regulating the UK’s anti-discrimination legislation – protecting the rights of everyone in the UK.

“Joanne’s valuable skills and knowledge will be a great asset to the Commission as it continues its work to positively impact lives across Britain.”

Cash brings with her a strong background to the role:

Joanne Cash is a former human rights barrister, policy advisor and senior businesswoman.

She was Board Chair at MindGym plc from 2014 to 2021 during which time she led a successful IPO. She also co-founded the award-winning social mobility programme Parent Gym which she still Chairs.

Since 2007 she has advised consecutive governments and cross party groups on equalities issues and has been named by The Observer as a modern freedom fighter.

Her previous roles include Vice-Chair of the Fawcett Society and Chair of Step Up.

The appointment follows a full public recruitment process that was carried out in line with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. Joanne Cash will serve as a Commissioner for a term of 4 years.

The EHRC was reaccredited as an ‘A’ Status UN National Human Rights Institution in October 2022. The “A” status denotes “full compliance” with the Paris Principles.