Changes to Equalities Act

The Government is proposing changes to the Equality Act 2010 which could jeopardise the greater accountability and transparency in equalities practices in the public sector.  While far frm perfect, tools such as Equalities Impact Assessments are vital in ensuring equalities issues are considered and addressed consistently.

If the changes go ahead, organisations will only need to develop a minimum of one equality objective to work to every four years and provide evidence that they are meeting the general duty to promote equality, eliminate discrimination and foster good relations between groups. The Government says their proposals are designed to reduce bureaucracy.

CVSF is urging members to send their comments about the proposals to the Government. Unfortunately, the Government have only allowed a very short time for comments; the closing date is 21 April 2011.

The proposals (see page 7 for details of how to respond).

The Disrcimination Law Association outline the changes and are urging people to respond to a Red Tape Challenge.

So please also fill in this online survey. The comments of other respondents are available and make useful reading.