EHRC - Barones Falkner's contract extended for 12 months.

[GreenUp]

Think this is good news - the Guardian are reporting that Labour are extending Baroness Falkner's contract at the EHRC for another 12 months. There had been some talk previously of parachuting Harriet Harman into the role.

www.theguardian.com/society/2024/nov/13/equality-human-rights-commission-chair-kishwer-falkner-staff-complaints-new-term

Amazing news 🙂

Good. I have some issues with her analyses, but she is a million times more suited for this role than Harriet Harman. She is a reasonable, serious person, who discharges her duty to balance conflicting needs/wants conscientiously. She comes under a lot of pressure, unfairly, and has stood up to it.

I was really expecting a change, it's really good news even though it's only for a year.

So much can happen in a year. There are lots of pending court cases, for example, and Wes Streeting is making waves in the NHS. Not to mention Trump and his presidency.

An unexpected development, very good news indeed. 👍

Fantastic and, I admit, I didn't expect that. Perhaps there is some hope for Labour?

Well if you check the source you dont have to worry about have the papers got it right.

Most newspapers don't do any investigations, they just print press releases they are sent.

See https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/media-centre/news/update-ehrc-board-membership

This is a good thing in itself, and a very promising sign from Labour, too.

I think it depends whether it is usual that this post is always a 12 month contract. If it is usual that it is good news.

If however that contract is normally for longer than that then it indicates that are planning changes in the future and using her as a stop gap.

This article says it would normally be a 4 year contract.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14079995/Equality-chief-keeps-job-year.html

The 12-month as opposed to longer isn't a brilliant sign I agree, but it's better than Harman taking over.

Small mercies. A lot can happen in a year.

Good news. There will be a limit on how many further four year terms she can be reappointed for. She may not be allowed to be reappointed for another long block.
Does anyone know what the rules are?

Brilliant news!

I have found a link that looks like they are advertising this role but cant find any ad about this, but strangely part of the application process.
https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/8453/documents/1&ved=2ahUKEwioscTZtNyJAxWbZ0EAHTTjPJ4QFnoECBgQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1NqaXo-49adkG9BlpP6uB8

Deadline this December.

Will try and find time later to day to see when and if it was advertised.

(If they are advertising would explain why the contract is only for a year.)

Have just realised by looking at the web link there is a page of public appointment ads!

So yes, the post was publicly advertised yesterday, so she is just being asked to cover until appointment made.

See https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/8453

How old is she and was she offered four years but preferred 1 year for her own reasons.

Interesting move. And interesting timing.

If you read my other post you will see that the news reports failed to mention the post is currently being advertised. The year she has been offered must be to cover the period of the application process.

So the question now is whether she is allowed or even wants to apply.

I haven't found out what her original contract was, but cant imagine even Labour sleight of hand would have terminated an existing contract.