The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Sir Chris Bryant MP, has confirmed the reappointment of Alyson Kilpatrick as Chief Commissioner to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC). This reappointment is effective from 1 September 2026 for a period of five years.
In addition, four new Commissioners have been appointed to the NIHRC: Orla Drummond, Gavin Gray, Ben Warwick, and Jacqueline Witherow. Their appointments also take effect from 1 September 2026, for a period of three years.
The NIHRC, established in 1999 as part of the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement, is an independent public body sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office. Its functions include reviewing the adequacy of human rights law and practice in Northern Ireland and promoting understanding of human rights.
The Chief Commissioner's role is full-time with an annual remuneration of £114,845 and is pensionable. The new Commissioner positions are part-time, receiving an annual remuneration of £7,500, and are not pensionable. All appointments are made on merit, with political activity playing no part in the selection process, and are regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment.