Secretary of State Announces Appointment of Human Rights Commissioners

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission today welcomes the Secretary of State, Sir Chris Bryant MP’s, announcement of the appointment of four new part-time Commissioners.

Joining Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick, Chief Executive Dr David Russell and Commission staff from 1 September 2026, Orla Drummond, Gavin Gray, Ben Warwick, and Jacqueline Witherow will help support the Commission’s work to promote and protect human rights across Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State has also reappointed the Chief Commissioner for a further five-year term.

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Chief Commissioner, Alyson Kilpatrick, said:

“On behalf of the Commission, I am delighted to welcome these appointments. The new Commissioners join us at a pivotal time, when the protection and promotion of human rights in Northern Ireland is more important than ever. The Commission’s scrutiny role remains vital, and we look forward to working with our new colleagues from September as we continue our current work and shape our future priorities together.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Commissioners Helen Henderson, Jonathan Kearney and Stephen White OBE for their commitment, service, and support throughout the past six years.”

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Chief Executive, Dr David Russell, commented:

“Alyson’s reappointment for a further five years is excellent news for the Commission. Her leadership has been a source of stability and confidence for Commissioners and staff alike. As we navigate an increasingly challenging environment for human rights, we look forward to continuing to benefit from her vision and expertise.”

ENDS

Further information:

For further information please contact media@nihrc.org. 

Notes to editors:

1. Read more about the new Commissioner appointments and the terms of appointment on the Northern Ireland Office website here: Secretary of State announces appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission - GOV.UK.
2. The Secretary of State’s announcement of the Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick’s reappointment can be found on the Northern Ireland Office website here: Secretary of State announces appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission - GOV.UK.
3. Read Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick’s biography: Alyson Kilpatrick | Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.
4. The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory body first proposed in the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement (1998) and established in 1999 by the Northern Ireland Act (1998). It is answerable to Parliament at Westminster. In accordance with the Paris Principles the Commission reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of measures undertaken by the UK Government to promote and protect human rights, specifically within Northern Ireland.
5. Read more about the work of the Commission in its latest Annual Report: Publication - Annual report and accounts 2025-2026 | Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. Read about the Commission’s Annual Statement: Publication - Annual Human Rights Statement 2025 | Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.