She was previously professor of equality and public policy at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), where she created the current MSc in human rights and previously led the MSc in citizenship and human rights.

She was also deputy director of the WISE Centre for Economic Justice.

Her career includes leadership roles in the community and statutory sectors in Scotland, including as director of Carers Scotland, and head of campaigns and communications with Oxfam Scotland, after a period with the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Professor O’Hagan has focused throughout her career on integrating equality and human rights analysis in public policy.

She has an international profile, particularly in gender and human rights budgeting, and through membership of academic and civil society networks.

She was awarded the Jo Cox Award for Public Service and Activity Citizenship in 2019.

The new chair was nominated by the Scottish Parliament in May 2024 and can serve a maximum of eight years, but is usually appointed for six years.

Professor O’Hagan’s appointment is a part-time role, and she will work for two-and-a-half days per week.

The chair leads a group of up to four other members of the Commission, all appointed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) to form the Commission and provide strategic leadership in its work to deliver on Scotland’s human rights priorities.

In a joint statement, Commission members Jim Farish, Shelley Gray and Dr Claire Methven O’Brien said: “We are pleased to welcome Angela O’Hagan as new chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission.

“As chair, Angela will be leading the Commission forward into its fifth Strategic Plan with an emphasis on accountability for human rights in Scotland, and strengthening the legal framework to protect and promote all our rights.

“We look forward to working with her over the coming years to fulfil the Commission’s mandate as Scotland’s human rights watchdog.”

Professor O’Hagan said: “I am delighted to be taking up this important role at this exciting time for human rights in Scotland as we anticipate a new Human Rights Bill and face the many challenges to the realisation of rights.

“I am looking forward to working with the current members of the Commission, the excellent staff team, and the wider community of human rights stakeholders in Scotland, working together to make rights real for everyone in Scotland.”