About our Senior Leadership Team

Our Senior Leadership Team supports directors, and ensures their teams are able to deliver our strategies and work effectively.

General Counsel, Devolution, Governance and Law

The General Counsel, Devolution, Governance and Law Directorate is made up of devolved teams in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales; Governance; Legal; and Legislation, Strategy and Coordination.

They provide legal advice and support to enable good and lawful decisions by the Commission, as well as ensuring it adheres to best practice in governance. It also supports colleagues on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and coordinates implementation activities arising from new electoral law.

The teams in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have specialist expertise in devolved matters and manage the Electoral Commission’s relationships with key partners including their respective parliaments and governments.

Leaders in the General Counsel, Devolution, Governance and Law directorate

  • Adrian Fryer, Head of Legal
  • Elizabeth Youard, Head of Governance
  • Katy Knock, Head of Legislation, Strategy and Coordination
  • Andy O'Neill, Head of Electoral Commission, Scotland
  • Rhydian Thomas, Head of Electoral Commission, Wales
  • Cahir Hughes, Head of Electoral Commission, Northern Ireland