Lesley Sawers appointed as Scotland commissioner for equality and human rights body

Lesley Sawers, a former chief executive of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, has been appointed as Scotland commissioner for Britain’s leading equality and human rights body.

The Glasgow Caledonian University honorary professor will lead the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) Scotland Committee after being appointed for a five-year term.

Sawers, the first female Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive in its 230-year history when appointed in 2004, succeeds Citizens Advice Scotland chief executive Kaliani Lyle, who held the commissioner post since 2010.

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Sawers, who is executive chair of data consultancy firm GenAnalytics, said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the role of Scotland Commissioner for Equality and Human Rights.

“Equality and diversity are key elements in achieving a fair and just society and in delivering sustainable economic growth, not just in Scotland but across the UK.

“I look forward to working with government, stakeholders and partners to ensure we maximise the talents of everyone and provide opportunity and support to those most in need in our society.”

The Commission was set up in 2007, replacing the Commission for Racial Equality, the Disability Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission.

EHRC chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath said: “We are very pleased to welcome Dr Lesley Sawers as our new Scotland Commissioner. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience that will strengthen the Commission’s Board and provide a powerful voice for greater fairness in Scotland. I look forward to working with her.”

The former Glasgow Caledonian University vice-principal last year carried out a UK Government-commissioned review on the role of women in the Scottish economy.

Sawers is deputy chair of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, a trustee of Glasgow Life and a non-executive board member of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau.

Her appointment coincides with that of David Isaac, a former chair of Stonewall, as the new UK-wide chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission after the appointment process had been hit by delays.

Isaac’s selection had prompted warnings from two UK Parliament committees that his appointment would trigger a potential conflict of interest given his role as a partner with international law firm Pinsent Masons.

The Joint Committee on Human Rights and the Women and Equalities Committee last week said they were “unable to recommend that this appointment should proceed” after Isaac appeared in front of MPs.

However, Minister for Women and Equalities Nicky Morgan said that Isaac will not receive profit as an equity partner from work conducted by Pinsent Masons on behalf of government while in post.

“He has also made clear that he will not be involved in any aspect of advising government clients of Pinsent Masons while he holds the role,” Morgan said in a letter sent to the chairs of the two Westminster committees.

“I am sure you will agree that this addresses issues raised by the committee, ensuring that any potential or perceived conflict of interest is fully and satisfactorily dealt with.”