The UK Statistics Authority is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Evelyn Collins CBE as Chair of the National Statistician’s Inclusive Data Advisory Committee.
The role of the National Statistician’s Inclusive Data Advisory Committee (NSIDAC) is to provide independent advice to the National Statistician on the ongoing improvement of the inclusivity of data and evidence, across the UK statistical system.
Professor Collins has been Chair of the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland, since January 2024, and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Equal Rights Trust since 2018. She is a Trustee on the Board of British-Irish Association and of the Abraham Initiatives UK. Evelyn is also an Honorary Professor at Queen’s University Belfast where she contributes to the work of its School of Law.
Professor Collins was Chief Executive of the Equality Commission for NI for over twenty years, until February 2023, and has a wealth of experience in gender equality, equal rights and equalities law, not only in Northern Ireland but nationally and internationally through her work as Chair of Equinet, the European Network of Equality bodies, from 2013 to 2017, and her involvement with various EU projects. She was awarded the CBE in 2008, for services to the public in Northern Ireland, and in 2014 Ulster University awarded her an Honorary Doctor of Laws for her contribution to equality and good relations. She was a member of the NSIDAC from October 2022 to March 2025.
We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to Dame Julia Clevedon who has chaired the committee for the last 2 and a half years. She tirelessly led the Committee through a wide range of issues helping it to build and refine an understanding of how the NSIDAC could contribute most effectively to the current and emerging issues relating to data inclusivity.
Applying to be on the committee
NSIDAC is currently renewing its membership in line with the recommendations of the Independent Review of the UK Statistics Authority and is keen to receive expressions of interest for new members. Please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV, along with a one page covering letter that addresses the criteria set out in the role specification, using examples to demonstrate how you meet the general and specific requirements. The closing date for applications is 24 August 2025 at 23:55pm.
The aim is to hold the first meeting in the Autumn of 2025 and then five times a year thereafter.