Ulster University has welcomed the appointment of Professor Kristel Miller to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, following an announcement by the Right Honourable Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Professor Miller, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development at Ulster University, has been appointed as a Commissioner to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland for a three-year term beginning on 1 September 2026.
Established in 1999 following the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland brings together the responsibilities of the former Fair Employment Commission, Equal Opportunities Commission, Council for Racial Equality , and the Northern Ireland Disability Council. The Commission works to promote equality of opportunity and to ensure public authorities in Northern Ireland meet their statutory equality duties across areas including religion, political opinion, gender, race, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability and people with and without dependants.
Professor Miller is the Principal Investigator and Director of EPIC Futures NI, a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded Policy Innovation Partnership exploring how to enhance fair and inclusive employment.
Alongside her academic work, Kristel contributes to a number of policy and advisory roles, including Director for Innovation Ulster Limited, and serves as a member of the Northern Ireland Skills Council Skills Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (SEDI) subgroup. She also acts as an expert reviewer for the European Commission and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
Professor Kristel Miller said:
“I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as a Commissioner to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. My research has long focused on how we create a fair and inclusive society, particularly through more inclusive labour markets and institutions. I believe equality of opportunity is fundamental to ensuring that everyone can participate fully in economic and social life. I look forward to contributing to the Commission’s work in advancing equality and supporting inclusive outcomes across Northern Ireland.”
Her appointment to the Equality Commission will see her contribute to the Commission’s work in advancing equality, supporting inclusive policy development and ensuring public authorities continue to promote equality of opportunity across Northern Ireland.
