Today, we talk about the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

What comes to mind when you think of England? The Queen? Princess Diana? Or is it the controversy surrounding Meghan Markle?

Well, England is not just home to the Beatles. According to reports, the nation of fish and chips apparently struggles with Racism, much like the US. Therefore, it has an Equality and Human Rights Commission or the EHRC.

In this article, we will talk about the following.

• The Equality and Human Rights Commission England.
• Which act established the Commission for Equality and Human Rights and why?
• Lastly, what are its Powers?

What Is The Equality and Human Rights Commission?

Human rights, what are they? Do they deal with the ins and outs of civil rights vs civil liberties? Well, yes. Parts of them indeed do. Therefore, this is one of the main purposes of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Human rights are basically rights that you enjoy merely by being born. No court gives them to you, neither does any government. They are inherently yours by birth. Migrants vs immigrants, people seeking asylum, everybody enjoys human rights.

Many international and national bodies all over the world have the duty to protect human rights. In the United Kingdom, the EHRC.

What Is The Equality and Human Rights Commission?

The Equality and Human Rights Commission classifies as a non-departmental body that operates publicly in Great Britain. The Equality Act of 2006 brought it into effect. Therefore, it has been in effect from the 1 of October, 2007.

This Commission is responsible for formulating and promoting equality. Additionally, it carries out enforcement wherever necessary.

Moreover, it establishes non-discriminatory laws for jurisdictions of England, Scotland, and Wales. For the jurisdiction of Scotland, it collaborates with the Scottish Human Rights Commission.

What Does The Commission Do?

The EHRC is in charge of various aspects of equality law. Therefore, its areas include age, sexual orientation, and religion or belief. It functions as Britain’s primary national human rights institution.

Hence its goal is to advocate for and safeguard human rights.  

Who Were The Precursors Of EHRC?

The EHRC took over the roles of the following bodies.

a.      The Commission for Racial Equality.

b.     Equal Opportunities Commission.

c.      Lastly, the Disability Rights Commission.

Where Does The EHRC Operate From?

The EHRC has its offices in the cities of Manchester, Glasgow, London, and Cardiff. Since it is a non-departmental body, the Office of Government Equalities sponsors it. Therefore, indirectly, these form up parts of the Cabinet Office.

It works separately and independently from the Government. 

However, it is accountable to answer how it uses public funds. Moreover, the Commissioners get their appointment from the Ministry for Women and Equalities.

Does The Jurisdiction Of EHRC Have Any Limits?

Although it operates all across Great Britain EHRC’s functions stay limited. It has no power over Northern Ireland.

Moreover, the EHRC cannot take any steps in cases of devolved human rights matters of the Scottish Parliament. These matters usually go to the Scottish Human Rights Commission.

Who Is The Head Of The Equality and Human Rights Commission As Of 2023?

The current leading person of the EHRC is Kishwer Falkner. She is the Baroness Falkner of Margravine. She has been in charge of this role since the December of 2020.

Role Of The Equality and Human Rights Commission

The Commission (EHRC) works within the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom. The legal system has vested the body with various powers. Most of its responsibilities include the promotion and protection of equality and human rights.

Thus, let us have a quick look into its duties and responsibilities.

The EHRC Carries Out Legal Enforcement.

EHRC has the authority to enforce legal compliance. Therefore, it looks into the equality and human rights laws. 

It also has the power to take legal action against individuals, organizations, or public bodies who violate these laws.

EHRC Is Responsible For Investigations.

The EHRC conducts investigations like most human rights bodies. It looks into the issues like inequality and human rights violations. 

It is therefore, their responsibility to fix systemic discrimination. 

Besides, if you see harassment, abuse, and discrimination, you can also report it to them.

Designated Code of Practice.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has its own codes of practice. These codes are practical guidance that teaches you to comply with equality laws. 

Moreover, the basis of these codes is human rights laws.

Thus, the codes are valuable references for individuals, companies, businesses, and organizations.

It Carries Out Its Own Research.

The commission researches on equality and human rights issues. Thus, they come up with practical solutions to current problems.

Moreover, they also promote public educational initiatives. Raising awareness and spreading information is one of their main aims.

Advisory Role Of The Equality and Human Rights Commission

The EHRC is also an advisory body. It offers guidance and advice all legal persons and individuals. 

Their advice mainly pertains to equality and human rights violations.

Are There Any Equality and Human Rights Commission Vacancies?

EHRC is the official website of the commission where you can check for vacancies, if any.

How Do You Apply For A Position At The EHRC?

Any current vacancy at the commission is shown through an advertisement on the Be Applied job board. 

Additionally, Civil Service Jobs is their second website.  These are the sites on which the applicant can download the application form for their job of choice.

To Conclude

With this, we have reached an end to our article. We hope we were able to aptly define the role of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. 

The commission plays a role in shaping and influencing government policies related to equality and human rights.

Moreover, it may provide recommendations and advocate for legislative changes accordingly. More often than not, it works in close collaboration with the government of the UK. 

It highlights areas of concern and recommends actions for improvement.

However, since it is accountable for its use of public funds, arbitrary actions stay in control.