Holyrood editor Mandy Rhodes appointed to EHRC Scotland committee

Mandy Rhodes, editor of Holyrood, is among four new appointees to the Scotland committee of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

Rhodes is joined by former Tory MSP Professor Adam Tomkins, former Solicitor General Lesley Thomson KC and Arlene Stokes, chief HR officer at Aegon UK.

The committee provides impartial advice to the EHRC, Britain’s equality watchdog, on a range of issue relating to Scotland.

Welcoming the appointments, the EHRC’s Scotland Commissioner and chair of the Scotland committee Lesley Sawers said: “We are delighted to have brought such a range of knowledge and leading expertise to the Scotland committee. The committee comes from all walks of life and that helps us ensure that the EHRC meets the needs and priorities of people in Scotland.

“In the next month the EHRC will publish its statutory Equality and Human Rights Monitor report, including a nation report for Scotland. This will provide a comprehensive picture of developments in equality and human rights in Scotland over the last five years – where progress has been made towards a fairer, more equal, country and where action is needed to address the challenges which persist.

“The committee will work together with EHRC Scotland staff and stakeholders nationwide to address these challenges and advance equality in Scotland.”

The Government Equalities Office has also announced that Sawers has been appointed interim deputy chair of the EHRC board. 

Rhodes, managing director of Holyrood Communications since 2005, has worked in Scottish journalism for more than 35 years and is currently the Professional Publishers Association (PPA) Magazine Editor of the Year, Feature Writer of the Year and Columnist of the Year.

She said: “I am honoured and delighted to have been appointed to the Scotland committee of the EHRC – the UK’s statutory regulator for the Equality Act 2010.

“It has never been more important to ensure that equality and the recognition of our human rights matches in practice, legal intent, so that everyone can live their lives equally, fully, and without fear of discrimination. I look forward to the work ahead.”

Last year, the EHRC raised concerns over the Scottish Government’s reforms of the gender recognition act. The legislation was passed by MSPs but then blocked by the UK Government. Last month the Scottish Government went to the Court of Session to challenge the decision.