1 September 2008
Y dudalen yma yn Gymraeg
The Equality and Human Rights Commission in Wales has appointed Newport -born solicitor Eleanor Williams as its Head of Legal. Eleanor’s new role will see her lead the Commission’s legal team in Wales, which provides advice to individuals and organisations and has extensive powers to enforce equality legislation.
Eleanor Williams joins the Commission from Welsh legal firm Darwin Gray, where she established herself as one of the UK’s leading specialists in discrimination.
Human rights and equality are issues that have been close to Eleanor’s heart ever since she suffered a brain haemorrhage at the age of 16, which left her needing a wheelchair for nine years.
She said: 'I have personal experience of the challenges that people face in their everyday lives that sometimes go unnoticed by others. I am very much looking forward to taking up my new position, which is at the front-line of attempts to tackle discrimination in all its forms. I firmly believe that a fair and just society benefits everyone, and therefore equality shouldn’t just be seen as a minority interest. I’m eager to look at ways in which we can best use our expertise and powers to push forward the human rights and equality agenda in Wales.'
Kate Bennett, National Director of the Equality and Human Rights Commission in Wales, said: 'I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Eleanor to our organisation at what is a very important time for equality and human rights. I know she will be a valuable addition to our team. Her personal story is an inspiration to others and her legal expertise is exceptional.
'As the Commission approaches its first birthday, we are working to strengthen our team and build on the work we’ve already done in tackling inequality in Wales. Eleanor’s appointment is a crucial part of doing this, and with her on-board we can now look forward with renewed relish to the challenges ahead.'
Eleanor was previously a member of the Commission’s Wales Committee. She took up this position at the Commission’s inception on October 1 2007, but will give up the role as she joins the Commission’s full-time staff.
Eleanor has lectured at the University of Wales, Sheffield Hallam University and Ecole de Hautes Etudes Commerciales in Lille. She is Equal Opportunities Officer for the Confederation of Wales Law Societies, a director of the Discrimination Lawyers’ Association and legal adviser to the Royal Association of Disability and Rehabilitation and trains lawyers on anti-discrimination legislation. Earlier this year, Eleanor was appointed Chair of the Committee of Barnardo’s Cymru, as well as being a trustee for Barnardo’s UK.
For more information and for requests to interview Eleanor please contact Jamie Westcombe, Equality and Human Rights Commission. (029) 2066 7783.
Notes to Editors
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of the Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission. It is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain, and aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission will enforce equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourage compliance with the Human Rights Act. It will also give advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.