WESC 'scrutiny session' of EHRC today at 1.45pm

[ArabeIIaScott]

You can watch here:

https://committees.parliament.uk/event/17987/formal-meeting-oral-evidence-session

'As part of its regular scrutiny of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), Chairwoman Baroness Falkner and Chief Executive Marcial Boo will face questioning from the Women and Equalities Committee in an upcoming session

The EHRC is likely to answer questions on:

• the definition of sex in the Equality Act
• the internal investigation into Baroness Falkner in response to allegations of discriminatory behaviour
• staff retention

Following a request for advice from the Government earlier this year on clarifying the definition of the protected characteristic of sex in the Equality Act, the EHRC took the view it would bring “greater legal clarity”, but potential “ambiguity” in other areas. The cross-party Committee of MPs will examine the EHRC’s advice to the Government.'

It is a bit odd that they didn’t define sex for the purposes of their letter of advice. I don’t really understand how they can offer advice on something that isn’t defined.

She's brilliant!

She properly stuffed Madrigal Borloz!

Having to work in between, curses. just getting to VMB now ...

I think it's right that she said it should be for scientists. The government can get sensible people like Professor Robert Winston to put together a definitive statement.

He knows.

Nokes appears so keen to "get" them on leavers. But there just doesn't seem to be a story there at all.

Who does entry interviews?! The interview is the interview. TO ENTER.

Nokes is trying so hard to find problems .... and failing miserably. Her lack of understanding about employment and working for an organisation is painful to listen to.

Indeed. There's someone who's never run interviews or understands the process. So worrying that she's a powerful MP.

What I mean is how do you give advice about something that isn’t defined?

Worked for her dad (in politics) straight out of uni, I think. There was work for the Pony Society, but I'm not sure if that was a paid job.

Bet she’s really disappointed.

This is in the weeds stuff. Such a waste of precious select committee time.

Yep, it's just waffle. It really doesn't matter how many 'likes' the EHRC gets on social media.

I don't know what it is about Ms Nokes, but I feel a very strong dislike for her. She comes across as so smug and downright rude and always also seems to be trying for a gotcha.

She tries to turn her role as chair into a sort of performance. I can't bear her!

Because we do all know what it is.

They have published the advice so you can see for yourself.

Wow that was rude. "You don't know, do you?!"

And

"Discuss"

Nokes really has quite an unfortunate manner, designed to intimidate. Can you imagine a man doing what she does?

It comes across as laughable though.

I bet Marcial will laugh his head off when he's out. His smile looked faintly amused by her self righteous pomposity. It's all cringing.

Does Nokes think this question about staff satisfaction of the board is some sort of gotcha?

I find it fascinating that some of these MPs remember their public sector equality duty when dealing with disability but incredibly not sex.

Nokes is ridiculous.

I want it noted that they haven't answered the question!

She has a mission to make sure she finds something to write a strike over and will squeeze that in anywhere for her own personal aggrandisement.

More amused smiles from Marcial and Kishwar.

Nokes was cringeworthy. Presumably what she was frantically trying to do was insert the gossip that she's inappropriately picked up from disgruntled activist staff - but was unable to do so without getting caught out for dabbling in a formal investigation. She was so transparent.
Thought the EHRC staff were impressive with their knowledge and insight..

Anyone understand why the staff need to be happy with the board? That was lost on me.

I just think Nokes is perhaps not terribly bright. I can't understand otherwise why she appears to think she's being very clever by being so rude.

I think Falkner has massively grown in confidence. I remember one of these meetings a couple of years back where she and Marcial Boo looked absolutely terrified and out of their depth. She sounded really clear, indefatigable and she wasn't even slightly cowed by Nokes' bollocks.